Registered midwife Lily Foggan is warning parents against a common mistake when dressing babies for sleep during a heatwave: leaving them in just a nappy overnight.
Midwife's warning on nappy-only sleep
Lily said: "In hot weather, babies obviously need fewer layers than normal. Lightweight sleepwear and lower-tog sleep bags are usually preferable to blankets, which can be kicked off or accidentally cover a baby's face."
"However, a common mistake I see is parents leaving their baby in a nappy overnight, with nothing else, in fear of them getting too hot. Remember, usually we're sleeping with a duvet and pyjamas, so they will need something similar."
How to check baby's temperature
She added: "Check their chest or the back of their neck for a more accurate indication of temperature, or can also check their temperature." The Tommee Tippee No Touch Digital Thermometer is recommended for this without waking the baby.
Keeping babies cool in a heatwave
The ideal room temperature for a sleeping baby is between 16–20°C, and The Lullaby Trust recommends maintaining this range to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. During hot weather, parents can help babies stay cool by using lighter bedding, opening the bedroom door and a window if safe, checking sleep bag tog guidance, using a fan aimed away from the baby, keeping curtains closed during the day, and using a thermometer to check room temperature.
