A midwife with 14 years of NHS experience has issued a stark warning to parents: never put a hat on a baby during a heatwave. Angie Willis, known online as The Eco Midwife, says that covering a baby's head can interfere with their natural cooling mechanism and increase the risk of overheating, which in rare cases has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Why Hats Are Dangerous in Hot Weather
In a TikTok video, Willis explained: "The reason we are so obsessed as healthcare professionals with baby temperature is because of the risk of overheating, which can, in rare cases, sometimes lead to and be a potential reason behind sudden infant death syndrome." She emphasized that the head is a primary way for babies to release heat, so covering it with a hat can trap warmth and raise body temperature dangerously.
Willis noted that as heatwaves become more frequent due to climate change, parents must adapt. "Adaptations and adjustments are something that we all really need to consider moving forward," she said.
Dressing Guidelines by Temperature
Willis provided clear temperature-based clothing recommendations. If a room thermometer shows above 27°C, parents should consider dressing their baby in only a nappy. Between 24°C and 27°C, a nappy and a cotton vest are usually sufficient. She stressed that less is more when it comes to layers.
For sleeping bags, she advised choosing breathable cotton materials that allow heat to escape. "Sleeping bags that are made from cotton, that are breathable, enable some of that heat flow to be able to come out and enable that baby to cool down a little bit easier," she said.
Muslin Wraps and Overheating Risks
Willis also warned about using muslin wraps incorrectly. "It's really important that you keep this as a single layer — only every time you fold, that traps the heat more, that can increase the overheating," she said. Parents should use only one single layer and avoid folding the muslin.
How to Check Baby's Temperature
The midwife urged parents to regularly check their baby's temperature by placing two fingers on the chest or back. "If your baby feels really sticky, clammy, very warm, then remove a layer. If they feel cool to the touch, then add a layer," she advised. If a baby's temperature exceeds 38°C, parents should contact their GP, midwife, or call 111 immediately.
Expert Endorsement
A spokesperson for baby care specialists For Your Little One backed Willis's advice: "Angie's advice is a really important reminder that dressing a baby in a heatwave is not just about comfort, it is about safety. Parents often add layers out of habit or worry, but in extreme heat, less is genuinely more." They added that a room thermometer is an underrated tool for monitoring temperature accurately, especially in homes that retain heat overnight.
With hotter UK summers becoming more common, the message for parents is straightforward: when it comes to babies and heat, less really can be more.
