The UK is set to experience its third heatwave of the year this week, with temperatures potentially reaching 35C in some parts of the country. The Met Office has confirmed the heatwave, though conditions are expected to be less humid than previous events, with lower peak temperatures and fewer exceptionally warm nights.
Parents and caregivers of babies and young children are being urged to take several precautions to keep their little ones safe and comfortable. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises keeping windows and curtains closed in sun-facing rooms during the day. At night, keep air flowing through open doors and windows if safe, and use electric fans only if the air temperature is below 35C. However, do not aim the fan directly at your baby as this can lead to dehydration.
Key Precautions for Babies in Hot Weather
Remove any excess clothing from your baby and check on them regularly to ensure they are not overheated. Sleeping in just a nappy is fine. If another room is cooler, temporarily move their sleeping setup there. Babies under 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight at all times. Older babies should also be kept out of the sun as much as possible, especially between 11am and 3pm when the sun's rays are strongest.
When going out in the heat, attach a parasol or sunshade to your baby's pushchair to shield them from direct sunlight. Do not cover the pushchair or pram with a blanket as this could cause overheating. Check on them frequently to make sure they're not getting too hot. Dress your baby in lightweight clothing and avoid too many layers.
Sun Protection and Hydration
If your baby is six months or older, apply a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to their skin. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months. Ensure the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Many brands produce sunscreen specifically designed for babies and young children, as these are less likely to contain additives that might irritate delicate skin. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Ensure your child wears loose-fitting clothing, sunglasses, and a sunhat with a wide brim or a long flap at the back to protect their head, ears, and neck. Babies and young children need plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. For babies aged 0-6 months, fully breastfed babies don't need water until they start solid foods. During heatwaves, babies may want to breastfeed more often. If bottle feeding, offer a small amount of cooled boiled water alongside regular milk feeds. If your baby wakes at night, they likely need milk; if they've had usual feeds, try cooled boiled water.
Additional NHS Guidance
From around six months, once solid foods are introduced, offer sips of water from a cup or beaker with meals. Breastmilk or infant formula should remain their primary drinks throughout the first year. In warmer weather, provide extra water between meals. Once your baby reaches one year, water, breast milk, or whole cows' milk should become their main drinks. In hot weather, frozen lollies made from plain water or very diluted fruit juice can help keep them hydrated, but only at mealtimes to prevent tooth decay. Undiluted fruit juice or smoothies should not be given to children until age 5.
The NHS also recommends: do not leave babies or children in small enclosed spaces like a parked car; playing in a paddling pool in the shade is a good way to keep cool; run a cool bath before bedtime; keep the child's bedroom cool during the day by closing blinds or curtains; use a fan to circulate air but not aimed directly at the child; keep nightwear and bedclothes to a minimum; a nursery thermometer helps monitor room temperature, ideally between 16C and 20C; keep the door open and window open if safe.
