Extreme heat pushchair warning for parents - 'use hood instead'

Extreme heat pushchair warning for parents - 'use hood instead' As temperatures soar close to 40°C, people are being reminded of this important 'rule' The latest UK heatwave has seen temperatures rocket, with highs of nearly 40°C expected to scorch parts of the country. As conditions are set to peak mid-week, parents have been issued an important safety reminder when using pushchairs and prams. While keeping your little ones protected from the sun's rays is absolutely vital during the summer months, experts have issued a timely reminder about a common mistake some parents might make while out and about. If you are taking your baby or toddler outside in a pushchair, consumer champion Which? has advised against draping a towel over it. In an Instagram post, it said: "You may be tempted to drape some fabric over your little one's buggy to shade them from the sun, but our research showed that whether it was a muslin, towel or a fleece blanket, temperatures spiked within the pushchair. In some cases, this was by 6°C more after 60 minutes in hot temperatures, compared with when just the hood is up. "When temperatures soar, it may cause your baby to overheat, increasing the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). On a hot day, get into the shade if possible, and avoid staying out in the warm weather for too long." The risks of covering a pushchair with a towel or blanket can far outweigh any benefits, as trapped air can make the temperature inside dangerously high. With the mercury already topping 30°C outdoors, conditions beneath a blanket can quickly become extremely hazardous, reports the Express. The straightforward guide for parents is to use what you already have, and shield your baby with the hood supplied rather than draping any material over the top. If this is not enough, consider attaching a parasol or a small umbrella to extend the shaded area and provide greater protection. Protecting children during extreme heat is crucial, particularly the very youngest, who are less able to regulate their body temperature. According to Save the Children, young children are more at risk during hot weather "because they heat up three to five times faster than adults". Thankfully, some simple precautions can keep children safe, healthy, and happy even when temperatures soar. Whether they are at home or out and enjoying the world around them, little ones can stay sun safe in many ways. How to keep babies cool in a heatwave At home, use a fan to circulate air, but never aim it directly at the baby. To cool the air, position a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of the fan. During a heatwave, draw curtains and blinds during the day to block direct sunlight, and open windows at night to let cooler air in. Regularly check your baby's chest or the back of their neck - if it feels clammy or sweaty, take off a layer of clothing. Run a lukewarm (not cold) bath before bedtime to reduce their core temperature and calm sticky skin. If you breastfeed, your baby may wish to feed more frequently to remain hydrated. If outside, keep your baby out of direct sunlight, particularly during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm). For more advice and support, go to the NHS website's section on keeping babies safe in the sun here.