Don’t miss Dr Rachael Barr’s advice on keeping your baby safe during hot weather
While many people enjoy the warmer weather with BBQs, sunbathing, and paddling pools, new parents may worry about keeping their baby cool and safe in the heat.
“It’s a natural concern, and it’s absolutely something parents should have on their radar,” says paediatrician Dr Rachael Barr, known as @thekidsdoctor_on Instagram.
“Newborn babies' ability to control their own body temperature isn’t fully developed yet so they rely on us to ensure they’re not too hot or too cold. They can’t take a layer of clothing off like we would, to cool down,” she says.
So, from spotting the signs of overheating to keeping them comfortable in the heat, here’s what you need to know.
Signs your baby is too hot
Early signs that your baby is too hot might include:
Being flushed
Feeling hot to the touch
Being irritable
Babies are at much greater risk of heat exhaustion or dehydration in hot weather than older children and adults. Babies that get too hot, particularly at night, are at increased risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Always see a doctor, call 111 or dial 999 in a medical emergency.
These are some signs that your baby might have dehydration or heat stroke, and needs medical attention:
Drowsy/difficult to wake
Still irritable after they’ve cooled down
Mottled or pale skin
Off their feeds
Having less than two wet nappies in a day
Struggling with breathing
Sunken fontanelle (soft spot on the top of their head)
How to prevent your baby from overheating in summer
These practical tips will help to keep your baby safe when it’s hot.
Dress them appropriately
You may have bought the cutest little summer outfits, but your baby will be fine in a nappy and a sleeveless 100% cotton vest during a hot summer. The best way to check whether they are too hot is to feel their tummy or the back of their neck. If they feel clammy, remove a layer of clothing.
Stay in the shade
“Babies under six months should absolutely be kept out of direct sunlight,” says Dr Barr. Their skin provides very little protection from the sun at this age, so always keep them in the shade. If you and baby are in the car you may need to get a sunshade for their window as UVA rays can penetrate glass – not to mention it can get very hot with the sun shining in.
Never cover the pram with a blanket
While you may be tempted to cover the buggy or pram with a blanket to shade them from the sun, don’t. A blanket stops heat from escaping and makes the enclosed space dangerously hot for your baby. Instead, use a proper air-permeable sunshade or a clip-on parasol. “Always check on your baby regularly in the pram in hot weather,” says Dr Barr.
Be careful with baby carriers
Use a sling or baby carrier made with mesh or breathable fabric. Make sure your baby is wearing a thin layer only, and stick to a shady walk. If it feels too hot and sweaty, you should take the baby out in a pram or buggy instead.
Practise car seat safety
Your baby can overheat in the confines of a car seat, so remove their hat and any outerwear when you put them in the car. If your baby falls asleep, promptly transfer them from the car seat to their crib or cot when you arrive home.
Keep baby’s room cool
Safer sleep charity The Lullaby Trust recommends keeping blinds and curtains closed during the day to keep the heat out. Don’t open windows if the temperature is hotter outside than inside. A fan will help air to circulate, but don’t point it directly at your baby. Use a room thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature – 16-20°C is ideal – and consider moving baby to a cooler room in the house, if there is one.
Hydrate them
If your baby is breastfed, they may want to feed more often in the heat. There’s no need to give them water to drink because they’ll get what they need from your breastmilk. “What is important is to keep yourself hydrated if you’re breastfeeding,” says Dr Barr. Formula-fed babies may need a small amount of cooled boiled water at this age as well as their usual bottles.
Help them sleep safely
When it’s hot, following safer sleep guidelines is even more important. Baby sleeping bags ensure that baby’s arms and head are uncovered: use a low tog (0.5 or 1 in a warm room). Make sure you’re doing everything right by following The Lullaby Trust sleep advice for babies, which includes always putting them down on their backs, not having anything in the cot or basket with them, and no sleeping bags or blankets if their room is already warm.
Enjoy the hot weather
Remember to enjoy your summer and not worry too much. Fortunately, summer is never too long in the UK, which can be a relief when you have a baby to care for. While the sun is shining, simply stay in the shade, keep an eye on your little one, and seek medical help if you notice any signs of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or sunburn. You know your baby best, so trust your instincts and savour the summer!
About Dr Rachael
Rachael is a paediatric doctor and mum of one. She cares for children of all ages, from premature babies to teenagers. She’s passionate about educating parents on their children’s health since becoming a mum and experiencing the NICU from the other side. Check her out on Instagram @thekidsdoctor_.
