Heatwave Warning: How To Stop Your Baby Overheating, According To Experts

With the hot weather hitting the UK recently and more heatwaves likely to arrive over the summer months, the experts at iCandy in conjunction with The Lullaby Trust have shared some practical tips on preventing your baby from overheating whilst we experience higher-than-usual temperatures.

Trying to navigate day-to-day life during heatwaves with a young child, especially those under the age of one, can be difficult. Not only is it harder to get them to settle and be comfortable but the heat poses a higher risk to babies overheating, which is a known SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) risk factor. In the coming months, it’s important to know how to keep babies cool throughout the day and night, especially if they’re under six months old when the SIDS risk is the greatest.

Cameron Appel, Vice CEO at iCandy commented: “As a parent myself I know just how tricky it can be trying to keep a young baby cool in the summer, but it’s so important to do what you can to keep them comfortable in the heat. Not only will it reduce the risk of overheating, which is a known SIDS risk factor but it will help to keep your baby happy and feeling rested which makes day-to-day life just that little bit easier.

Whether you’re enjoying the sunshine in the UK this summer or jetting off somewhere further afield, it’s important to regularly monitor how your baby is doing and keep them out of danger from the sun, especially on those super warm days.”

iCandy’s tips for keeping your baby cool and comfortable in the heat: 

1. Keep your babies out of direct sunlight. It’s important to keep babies in the shade or indoors when it’s hot outside, especially during the hours of 11 am and 3 pm when the sun’s at its highest. As sun cream is not recommended for babies under six months, keep them covered with loose clothing and a hat made of light, breathable fabrics like cotton or muslin.

2. Use ventilation and sun protection on your pushchair. If you are out and about whilst it’s warmer outside, make sure to use the right protection on your pram to offer your baby some respite from the sunshine. Every iCandy pushchair hood features mesh ventilation panels to help with temperature control and comfort, ensuring there’s plenty of airflow to keep your young ones comfortable. Do not cover the pushchair with blankets, muslin clothes or any other cover as it can increase the temperature inside the canopy which could lead to an increased risk of overheating and SIDS.

3. Use parasols and sunshades. Attaching a parasol to the pushchair can be a great way to keep your baby shaded from harmful UV rays. Choosing one with a flexible arm means you can position it in multiple ways and means you can give your little one some shade no matter where the sun is in the sky.

4. Creating a safe sleeping environment. Making sure your baby is sleeping on a flat mattress that is clear of toys and loose bedding is key to safe sleep. However, if you’re travelling this summer and don’t have access to an appropriate cot, you can use approved carrycots such as the iCandy Peach 7, which is safe for overnight sleeping and has been approved by The Lullaby Trust. That way the entire family can rest easy.

5. Manage room temperatures. This can be a little trickier to do at home, but it’s best to try and maintain a cool room temperature (16-20°C) where your baby sleeps. Use light bedding and clothing during the summer months and if you’re using a baby sleep bag, try switching up the tog for different seasons. Keep blinds closed to keep the warm sun out of the room, you might also like to use a fan to cool the room, but don’t aim it directly at the baby. Keeping a thermometer on hand can help you to make sure the room is at the right temperature.

6. Monitor their temperature. Checking your baby’s temperature regularly is essential, as young babies can’t regulate their body temperature. Check the back of their neck or chest; if their skin feels sweaty or clammy, they are too hot. If this is the case, simply remove a layer of clothing or bedding to help cool them down.

7. Plan your travel carefully. For families heading off on UK staycations, or taking road trips across Europe, it’s important to take regular breaks (for the whole family to feel more comfortable) but especially for young babies. Avoid prolonged sleeping in car seats, as they’re mostly designed for travel safety and not as the primary sleeping place. If your car struggles to stay cool during the day, consider travelling outside of peak heat hours, and instead drive in the evening or early in the morning.

Cameron adds “Hopefully these tips will help to keep your baby cool throughout the summer. The key things to remember are to keep them out of the direct harsh sunshine, try and keep their sleeping environments cool and keep an eye on how they’re doing throughout the day – it doesn’t take much to cause overheating so being vigilant during particularly hot spells is a must.”

If you’re looking for prams suitable for keeping your baby cool during the summer months, visit iCandy to make sure you have everything you need: https://www.icandyworld.com/pushchairs