How to keep your baby safe in the summer heat

When it gets hot and sticky, don't panic. Follow our tips on how to keep your baby safe in the summer heat.

It's easy to joke about the British weather, but when it gets really hot, we realise that many of us find it tricky to cope, especially when you have small children.

Unlike when we go on holiday, staying in hotels or apartments that have air conditioning and swimming pools, our own homes often feel like a pressure cooker of heat with no escape.

It's really important to keep babies and toddlers as cool as possible when the temperature soars. Here are some tips on how to stay safe in the sun.

Keep Your Children In The Shade

Keep babies under 6 months old in the shade at all times. Babies who are 6months+ and toddlers should stay out of the sun In the middle of the day, and ideally as much as possible at other times.

Use A High SPF Sun Cream

Babies and children have a much lower tolerance to the sun because their skin is much thinner than ours. Between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is ideal, and remember to look for the UVA star rating too - 5* is the maximum protection offered.

Apply Sun Cream Generously And Reapply Regularly

Your little ones might hate having it applied, but you should be putting it on them every hour or so, while they're in the sun. Try using a roller sun cream or ones with a sponge applicator that makes It more fun to apply.

Cover Them Up

Loose cotton clothing is ideal in hot weather because the fabric is breathable and let's air in. Don't forget a hat and sunglasses (look for the CE mark, the British Standard BSEN 1836:2005 and a UV 400 label)

If swimming outdoors, or in a paddling pool, swimsuits / rash vests that have sun protection built in are ideal.

Give Them Lots Of Water

It's more important than ever to keep babies and toddlers hydrated when it's hot. If you're breastfeeding, your baby will be fine with just breastmilk. You will need to stay hydrated as they may want to feed more often. Offer bottle-fed babies some water in between feeds.

For older babies and toddlers, offer more water than usual.

Keep Bedrooms Cool

If getting to sleep is a problem, keep your rooms cooler by closing windows and blinds/curtains all day. Buy an oscillating fan and place a frozen bottle of water in front of it, to cool the room down (but make sure the fan isn't directed at your little one). Pop your baby down to nap in just a nappy, and for toddlers, a loose cotton sheet over them, if anything, will be fine.