WITH this week’s heatwave showing no signs of slowing, mums and dads may notice that their littlest ones are struggling to sleep at night.
But not only is keeping your baby cool essential for their comfort but also for their safety as infants can become very ill during the hot weather with dangers including heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Here we reveal how to make your babies happy, healthy and ready for a good night’s sleep as the temperatures soar…
Begin with a refreshing bath
A slightly cooler bath than usual before bed will relieve clamminess and refresh them. Make it quick so they don’t get too cold.
Dress them appropriately
When the temperature exceeds 27 degrees, maternity nurse and sleep consultant Abi Thompson suggests that a nappy is all a baby should be in, day and night.
When between 24 and 27 degrees, she advises a short-sleeved vest and a 0.5 tog sleeping bag.
Abi explained: "I am a big fan of sleeping bags. They are available in numerous tog ratings, from 3.5 tog to 0.5 tog. The latter is useful for hot weather.
"As the temperature fluctuates you may need to remove it, or add more layers.
"Don’t be afraid to disturb your baby’s sleep – keeping them safe is the priority."
Ditch mattress protectors
Use cotton sheets only. Avoid waterproof mattress covers as they hold heat and will make your child sweat.
Place ice in your baby’s room
Place bottles of frozen water in your baby’s room. They will help cool the air as they melt overnight.
Place the iced bottles in front of an electric fan so cool air will circulate the room.
Keep an eye on the temperature
The NHS advises keeping a nursery thermometer in your baby's room to keep an eye on the temperature.
Babies will sleep most comfortably when their room is between 16C and 20C.
Signs babies are too hot
It's important for parents to recognise the signs their babies are too hot during the British heatwave.
Some signs include:
- A temperature above 39.4C
- Hot, red and dry skin
- Rapid heart rate
- Restlessness and irritability
- Confusion or diziness
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Fainting or losing consciousness
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