Expert advice: How to get your baby to sleep during a heatwave

How to get your baby to sleep during a heatwave: Expert advice to keep them safe in the hot weather

• Experts suggest baby’s need help to cool down during the summer months 
• Here is everything you need to know about keeping your baby safe in the heat 

During a heatwave you may need to take extra measures to make sure your baby is safe and cool while they sleep. 

According to medical experts, newborn babies are not good at regulating their body temperature and need extra help to cool down. 

To make sure your baby is safe during the summer months, experts have advised the best way to get them to sleep.

Here is everything you need to know about how to cool your baby down- so you both have a better night’s sleep. 

Experts advise keeping baby’s clothing to a minimum in hot weather and to remove them if hot, their bedding should also be thin and light

How do I get my baby to sleep during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, it is important your baby doesn’t get too hot.

Dr Gareth Nye, programme lead for Medical Science at University of Chester said the safest room temperature for a baby is between 16 to 22C, but with UK temperatures jumping above 30C this may be hard to achieve. 

He suggested: ‘Parents should have a thermometer in the room rather than rely on weather forecasts as temperatures can vary massively between the outside and inside and throughout the day and night.’

To make sure your baby is cool, Dr. Nye said to ensure all bedding and sheets are light, and to open a window or door to allow air flow in. 

If you don’t have access to a thermometer to check your baby’s temperature, Dr. Nye advised placing your hand on their skin and chest, if your baby is too warm the skin should feel hot, clammy or sweaty and you should remove layers of clothing. 

How else can I get my baby to cool?

It is important to keep your baby cool during a heatwave, experts have advised keeping young children away from the sun 

There are lots of other ways to keep your baby safe during extreme heat, Dr. Nye suggested these tips to help at bed time:

• Close blinds or curtains during the day to stop sunlight warming up the room 
• Give your baby a bath before bed to help them settle 
• Keep bed clothes are night wear to a minimum to allow comfortable and safe sleep
• Invest in a room thermometer  

Jo Parkington, Lansinoh’s lead midwife, advised that if your baby gets too hot you should regulate their temperature through skin to skin contact.

She added you can cool them down in a lukewarm bath (not cold) or place a cool cloth on the back of their necks.  

Are fans safe to use in a baby’s room?

Fans are safe to use in a baby’s room if used properly, Dr. Nye advised: ‘Never aim the fan directly at the baby or child as it impacts their breathing as well as increasing the risk of sore throats or ears.’ 

‘Fans should be used to remove hot air from the room as effectively as possible – so aiming upwards and towards a window or door so hot air moves out and cool air moves in.’

How to keep your baby safe in hot weather

Babies under 6 months should be left out of the sun completely, older babies need to be covered up and in shaded areas during peak sun hours

The best way to keep your baby safe during a heatwave is to stay indoors, Ms  Parkington said: ‘It is easier to keep cool indoors and out of any hot sun, even in the shade.’

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a baby’s skin is so sensitive that it is better to shield them from the sun completely during the first six months of their life. 

Parents should also avoid using sun cream on their infants, as their skin is vulnerable and could lead to a rash or burns.  

They advise to keep your baby out of direct sun exposure, and keep in shaded cool areas when the sun is at its peak between 10am and 4pm. 

If going out in the sun it is important to cover your baby up and protect their skin, Dr. Nye suggested using hats to protect the face and neck. 

Both experts agreed keeping your baby hydrated is important in the sun.  

Dr. Nye said: ‘Ensure the baby is drinking more fluids than normal to prevent dehydration. Under 6 months may need additional breastmilk or additional cooled boiled water if bottle fed. 

‘Older children should be monitored for fluid intake and you may supplement frozen lollies to help with fluid intake.’

He said older babies should be kept out of direct sunlight during peak hours, and factor 30 sun cream should be regularly applied, even if the baby is protected by clothes or shade. 

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