This week we are expecting some glorious weather in the UK but it’s going to get hot! Along with my other blog post, keeping cool during a heatwave while pregnant which can be read here, I wanted to give you a run down on how to keep your baby safe and comfortable during this heatwave.
The main risks to your baby when it’s unusually hot (for the UK anyway!) are heat exhaustion/stroke, dehydration and sunburn.
Heat exhaustion:
Babies may not show any early signs or symptoms of the effects of heat. They may become irritable, floppy, drier skin, refuse to drink, fewer wet nappies and their soft spot (fontanelle) may be lower than usual.
Never cover a baby in a car seat or buggy with fabric, even the light muslin type fabrics, as this restricts air movement making the inside environment hotter.
If you need to go out in the car then make trips in the cool part of the day and use sunshades for windows.
Keep bedrooms cool by closing blinds or curtains, if using a fan to cool the environment for the baby then make sure it doesn’t blow directly on the baby. Consider opening your loft hatch to allow heat to escape.
Use a paddling pool to keep cool and have fun but keep in the shade and supervise them at all times.
Run them a cool bath before bedtime.
Keep night wear to a minimum and use a room thermometer to try to keep room temperature to keep room between 16-20 degrees Celsius.
Dehydration:
If your baby is under 6 months and exclusively breastfeeding then they won’t need extra water to stay hydrated. However, they may want to feed more often so it’s important than mummy drinks plenty as well to replace those fluids. If your baby is bottle fed then small amounts of cooled boiled water can be offered.
After 6 months sips of water from a cup or beaker with meals but milk should remain their main drink in the first year.
Sunburn:
Babies under 6 months old have no skin protection against the sun therefore they should be kept out of direct sunlight. Over 6 months old they should be kept out of the sun as much as possible especially between 11am and 3pm. If heading out in the buggy attach a parasol or sunshade to keep them out of the direct sunlight.
Apply at least SPF 30 sun cream to baby that also contains protection against UVA and UVB. Reapply regularly every 2 hours and after swimming. Sun cream does have a 2-3 year expiry date so check the bottles and discard any that have been open for a long time. It’s worth dating bottles when they are first opened to ensure you aren’t using ineffective sun cream.
Remember that your local health visitors are still available for advice.
If this information has been helpful and you want to know more about how to keep your baby safe then consider taking a highly affordable but invaluable first aid course with Hannah from Daisy First Aid. Classes start from only £25.
