How to keep babies cool in hot weather: UKHSA issues heatwave safety advice for parents

How to keep babies cool in hot weather: UKHSA issues heatwave safety advice for parents UKHSA wants parents of babies to do six things The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging parents of babies to take a number of steps to help keep their little ones safe and comfortable during the current heatwave. Temperatures have rocketed across the country, with some parts of the UK set to experience extreme heat of up to 39C later this week. In a bid to protect young children, UKHSA took to social media today to share vital advice with parents of babies. A post from the official UKHSA Instagram account reads: "Hot, sleepless nights affect us all, but with a baby it can be especially tough when they struggle to settle. "A few simple steps can help keep your little one cool, comfortable and ready for sleep." Text on a graphic accompanying the post goes on to suggest some things that can help at bedtime - these are: - "During the day close windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun - At night keep air flowing through open doors and windows (if it's safe to do so) - Use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35C but do not aim the fan directly at your baby as this can lead to dehydration - Remove any excess clothing and check on them regularly to make sure they are not overheated - Sleeping in just a nappy is fine If another safe room is cooler, temporarily move their sleeping set up to there". Additional guidance on the NHS website cautions that babies and young children are at risk of falling ill during periods of very hot weather, with conditions such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration all posing a serious threat. Babies under 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight. Older babies should also be shielded from the sun as much as possible, particularly during summer and between 11am and 3pm, when the sun's rays are at their most intense. When heading out in the heat, fix a parasol or sunshade to your baby's pushchair to protect them from direct sunlight. Avoid covering your baby's pushchair or pram with a blanket as this could cause overheating. Check on them regularly to ensure they're not getting too hot. Avoid dressing your baby in too many layers and opt for lightweight clothing instead. If your baby is 6 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 6 months. Ensure the product also guards against both UVA and UVB rays. Many brands produce sunscreen specifically designed for babies and young children, as these products are less likely to contain additives that might irritate delicate skin. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply regularly (every 2 hours), and immediately after swimming or sweating. Make sure your child wears loose-fitting clothing, sunglasses and a sunhat with a wide brim or a long flap at the back to shield their head, ears and neck from the sun. Just like adults, babies and young children need to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. For babies aged 0-6 months, fully breastfed babies do not need any water until they've started eating solid foods. During hot spells, babies may want to breastfeed more frequently than normal. If you're bottle feeding, alongside their regular milk feeds, you can offer your baby a small amount of cooled boiled water. If your baby wakes during the night, they'll most likely want milk. If they've already had their usual milk feeds, try cooled boiled water as well. NHS guidance adds: "Remember you can ask your health visitor or another health professional for advice about any baby care issue, advice will then be tailored to meet your baby's needs." From around six months, once you've begun introducing solid foods, you should offer your baby sips of water from a cup or beaker with meals. Bear in mind that breastmilk or infant formula should remain their primary drinks throughout the first year. In warmer weather, you may need to offer some extra water between mealtimes. Once your baby reaches one year old, water, breast milk or whole cows' milk should become their main drinks. In hot weather, you can try giving them frozen lollies made from plain water or very diluted fruit juice to help keep them hydrated. Lollies made from diluted fruit juice should only be given at mealtimes as they can contribute to tooth decay. For older children, offer plenty of fruit and salad to help maintain their fluid levels. Bear in mind that undiluted fruit juice or smoothies should not be given to children until they are 5 years old, as these can also cause tooth decay. The NHS recommends the following tips to keep babies and young children cool: - "Do not leave babies or children in small, enclosed spaces, such as a parked car, as they can get hot very quickly - Playing in a paddling pool is a good way of keeping babies and children cool - Keep the pool in the shade during very hot weather and supervise the children carefully at all times. Run them a cool bath before bedtime - Keep your child's bedroom cool during the day by closing blinds or curtains - You can also use a fan to circulate the air in the room - Do not aim the fan directly at your child as this could make them dehydrated - Keep nightwear and bedclothes to a minimum - Your baby can just wear a nappy - If they're hot or sweaty, remove 1 or more layers of bedclothes - A nursery thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of your baby's room - Your baby will sleep most comfortably when their room is between 16C and 20C - You can also keep the door of your baby's room open and open their bedroom window (if it's safe to do so)."