PARENTS have been urged to avoid a dangerous mistake when it comes to their little ones' prams during hot weather - as it could increase the risk of a deadly condition.
Temperatures have soared throughout this week, with the mercury expected to reach 30C in some parts of the UK at the weekend.
While many people are rejoicing at the thought of hot weather continuing, experts have warned parents not to cover prams with a blanket or light cloth.
Instead, they're urged to use a parasol or sunshade clipped to the side of the pushchair.
Gurus at the Lullaby Trust advise against covering a baby's pram with a blanket or cloth as this can lead to overheating, which increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The condition is the unexplained death of an infant that occurs when they're asleep.
They say having a barrier between a parent or carer and a baby is also slightly risky, as it makes it difficult to be able to monitor the baby's temperature easily or see if the baby's in any difficulty.
Instead, the experts recommend a clip-on sunshade or parasol to help keep the baby shaded, as this will allow air to circulate and still provide a clear view of the baby.
The National Childbirth Trust said it's a good idea to keep your baby out of direct sunlight and in a cooler place from 11am to 3pm - when the heat is strongest.
Some more important advice from The Lullaby Trust is to ensure your baby sleeps at a fairly cool temperature of 16 to 20C.
However, this can be more difficult in summer months or when away somewhere warm.
So the charity offers tips if the room where your baby sleeps is difficult to cool.
- Use lighter bedding and clothing, and fewer layers
- Open the bedroom door and window, if it's safe to do so
- Baby sleep bags will have guidance on what tog to use for each season
- Use a fan to cool the room, but don't aim it directly on the baby
- Keep curtains closed in the daytime
And as for signs to look out for your baby could be affected by the heat, it's recommended to check a baby's chest and/or the back of their neck to make sure their skin doesn't feel clammy or sweaty to touch.
Their hands and feet will always feel cooler to touch.
While warm is fine, if they feel sweaty or clammy it means they're too hot, so remove a layer of bedding or what they're wearing.
In really hot weather, just a vest is fine.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) offer guidance on staying safe in hot weather.
Advice includes:
- Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtain in rooms that face the sun
- If you do go outside, to cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and to seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
- keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
- If you're going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), to plan to do these during times of the day when it's cooler, such as the morning or evening
- Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and what to do if you or someone else has them
