The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued guidance to parents of babies on how to keep infants safe and comfortable during the ongoing heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach up to 39C in parts of the UK.
Key Safety Steps for Bedtime
In a social media post on Instagram, the UKHSA outlined several simple measures to help babies sleep in hot weather. The advice includes closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun during the day, and opening doors and windows at night to keep air flowing, if safe to do so.
Electric fans can be used if the air temperature is below 35C, but the fan should not be aimed directly at the baby as this can lead to dehydration. Parents are advised to remove excess clothing from their baby and check on them regularly to ensure they are not overheated. Sleeping in just a nappy is fine. If another room is cooler, parents can temporarily move the baby's sleeping set-up there.
NHS Warnings on Heat-Related Illnesses
The NHS website warns that babies and young children are at risk of becoming unwell in hot weather, with conditions such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration posing significant dangers. Babies under six months old should be kept out of direct sunlight. Older infants should also be shielded from the sun, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are strongest.
When going out in the heat, parents should attach a parasol or sunshade to the pushchair and avoid covering it with a blanket, as this can cause overheating. Dressing the baby in minimal, lightweight layers is recommended.
Sunscreen and Hydration Tips
For babies aged six months and older, sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be applied, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months. Reapply every two hours, and after swimming or sweating. Babies should also wear a sunhat with a wide brim or a long flap at the back, along with sunglasses and loose-fitting clothing.
Regarding hydration, fully breastfed babies aged 0-6 months do not need water until they start solids, but may breastfeed more often in hot weather. Bottle-fed babies can be offered small amounts of cooled boiled water alongside regular milk feeds. For babies waking at night, milk should be offered first, then cooled boiled water if needed.
From around six months, once solid foods are introduced, babies can have small sips of water from a cup during mealtimes. Breastmilk or formula should remain their main drinks in the first year. For children over one year, water, breast milk, or whole cows' milk are the primary drinks. Frozen lollies made from plain water or very diluted fruit juice can help with hydration, but should be given only at mealtimes to prevent tooth decay. Undiluted fruit juice or smoothies should not be given to children under five.
The UKHSA and NHS encourage parents to seek advice from health visitors or other professionals for tailored guidance.
