The UK is bracing for its fifth heatwave this week, with temperatures in some areas threatening to reach a scorching 37°C. Heat alerts have been issued across vast stretches of the country, and parts of Wales are expected to hit 33°C.
Overheating can heighten the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and the NHS urges all parents to familiarise themselves with the warning signs that their child may be getting too hot, before the situation becomes critical.
Keeping your baby cool
The NHS advises that a baby's bedroom should be kept between 16°C and 20°C. To maintain a cooler environment, parents are encouraged to keep blinds shut and use a fan to keep the air circulating — though it's essential the fan is not directed straight at the baby, as this can cause dehydration.
Keeping nightwear to a minimum is also advisable. Putting your baby down to sleep in just a nappy during hot weather is perfectly acceptable. A thermometer kept in the nursery will help you keep a close eye on the room temperature.
You can also gauge your baby's temperature by resting a hand on their tummy, back, or chest. Avoid checking their temperature via their hands and feet, as these naturally tend to be cooler than the rest of the body and may give a misleading reading.
Seven signs of overheating
Recognising the signs of overheating in your baby is crucial — they can present quite differently from those seen in adults. The seven signs are:
- Sweating, or damp hair. Examine your baby's hairline, neck and scalp for evidence of sweating.
- Flushed, red cheeks.
- A hot chest or back. Compare the temperature of your baby's chest, tummy or back with your own - if they feel warm and clammy, they're probably overheated.
- Rapid breathing. If your child is breathing more quickly than usual, they are trying to cool down.
- Heat rash. Small pink or red spots grouped on the neck, back and chest suggest trapped heat.
- Restless or disrupted sleep. If your baby is overheated, they may find it difficult to settle down.
- Unusual drowsiness or lethargy - conversely, if your baby is limp, extremely sleepy or hard to wake, then you must seek urgent medical attention.
