Families are being told to expect a heatwave across Britain this week.
The Met Office says temperatures could hit above-average highs by Friday, with southern parts of the UK hitting 30C and 34C in some places. Temperatures in the northeast could reach 27°C.
While people will be looking for fun in the sun, it also means we need to be extra careful to make sure our little ones stay safe in the heat.
Read more:7 Garden Hazards Parents Should Be Aware Of To Keep Kids Safe In Summer
The NHS says babies and young children can get sick in very hot weather and their health can be seriously affected by dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and sunburn.
Here are some tips for NHS parents to keep your child happy and healthy in the heat. You can get more information on their website here.
Sun Safety
Keep your baby cool and protect him from the sun.
- Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight. Their skin contains too little melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their color, and provides some protection from the sun.
- Older babies should also be kept out of the sun as much as possible, especially in the summer and between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is strongest. If you go outside in hot weather, attach an umbrella or sunshade to your baby’s stroller to protect them from direct sunlight.
- Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to your baby’s skin. Make sure the product also protects against UVA and UVB rays. Many brands produce sunscreens specifically for babies and young children because these products are less likely to contain additives that can irritate the skin. Apply sunscreen regularly, especially if your child is in and out of the sea or paddling pool.
- Make sure your child wears a sun hat with a wide brim or long flap at the back to protect their head and neck from the sun.
Avoid dehydration
Like adults, babies and young children need to drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
From 0 to 6 months
- Fully breastfed babies don’t need water until they start to eat solid foods. In hot weather, they may want to breastfeed more than usual.
- If you are bottle-feeding, in addition to their usual milk diet, you can give your baby some cooled boiled water. If your baby wakes up at night, he’ll probably want milk. If he received his usual milk, also try cooled boiled water.
- Remember that you can seek advice from your health visitor or other healthcare professional for any baby care issues, advice will then be tailored to meet your baby’s needs.
From about 6 months
- Once you start introducing solid foods, you should offer your baby sips of water from a cup or sippy cup with meals. Remember that breastmilk or infant formula should be their main drink for the first year. In hot weather, you may need to offer a little extra water outside of meals.
From 12 months
- Water, breast milk or whole cow’s milk should be your baby’s main drinks. In hot weather, you can try giving them frozen lollipops made with plain water or very diluted fruit juice to help keep them hydrated. Lollipops made from diluted fruit juice should only be given with meals, as they can cause dental caries.
- For older children, give them plenty of fruit and salad to help maintain their fluid levels. Remember that undiluted fruit juices or smoothies should not be given to children before the age of 5, as they can also cause tooth decay.
stay cool
Follow these tips to help keep your kids cool and safe in hot weather.
- Playing in a paddling pool is a good way to keep babies and children cool. Keep the pool shaded in very hot weather and carefully supervise children at all times.
- Run him a cool bath before bedtime.
- Keep your child’s room cool during the day by closing blinds or curtains. You can also use a fan to circulate the air in the room.
- Keep sleepwear and linens to a minimum. If your baby kicks or pushes the covers at night, consider putting him in a diaper with a single, secure sheet that won’t come off and cover his face or tangle during the night.
- A nursery thermometer will help you monitor the temperature in your baby’s room. Your baby will sleep more comfortably when their room is between 16°C and 20°C.
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