Pushchair 'hood' rule alert issued to parents as extreme heat hits UK
Seeing a baby squint in the sun makes you want to cover them instantly, but that quick fix can create a stifling pocket of heat while you are still walking
The current UK heatwave has seen temperatures soar, with highs close to 40°C predicted to bake parts of the country. As the conditions are forecast to peak by mid-week, parents have been reminded of an important safety rule for using pushchairs and prams in summer.
While it is very important to keep your little ones shielded from the sun at all costs, experts have given a timely reminder about a common mistake some parents may make when out and about. If you are using a pushchair to spend time outside with your baby or toddler, consumer champion Which? has said not to drape a towel over it.
In an Instagram post, it said: “You may be tempted to drape some fabric over your little one’s buggy to shade them from the sun, but our research showed that whether it was a muslin, towel or a fleece blanket, temperatures spiked within the pushchair. In some cases, this was by 6°C more after 60 minutes in hot temperatures, compared with when just the hood is up.
“When temperatures soar, it may cause your baby to overheat, increasing the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). On a hot day, get into the shade if possible, and avoid staying out in the warm weather for too long.”
The dangers of blocking out the sun with a towel or blanket can often outweigh the benefits, as the pushchair becomes stiflingly hot due to trapped air. With temperatures already exceeding 30°C outside, the conditions under a blanket quickly become dangerous.
Use what you already have is the clear advice to parents, and cover your baby with the hood provided instead of draping any fabric on top. If this isn't doing the job, consider attaching a parasol or a small umbrella to extend the shaded area and provide more protection.
It is particularly important to protect children during extreme heat, especially the youngest, as they are less able to regulate their body temperature. According to Save the Children, young children are more vulnerable during hot weather “because they heat up three to five times faster than adults”.
How to keep babies cool in a heatwave
At home, use a fan to circulate the air, but never point it directly at the baby. To chill the air, place a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of the fan.
During a heatwave, close curtains and blinds during the day to block direct sunlight, and open windows at night to circulate cooler air. Regularly feel your baby’s chest or the back of their neck - if it feels clammy or sweaty, remove a layer of clothing.
Run a lukewarm (not cold) bath before bedtime to lower their core temperature and soothe sticky skin. If you breastfeed, your baby may want to feed more often to stay hydrated.
If outside, keep your baby out of direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours (between 11am and 3pm). For more advice and support, go to the NHS website's section on keeping babies safe in the sun here.
