The Lullaby Trust says the ideal room temperature for sleeping babies is 16-20°C, but during heatwaves this sweet spot can be tricky to achieve, especially if you're on holiday or out and about away from home.
Whatever your situation, follow our top tips for keeping your little one cool, comfortable and safe.
Keep your costs down and kids of all ages happy and healthy.5 ways to keep your baby cool in the heat
Keep them hydrated - Give them a bath before bed -Set up the paddling pool -Use a fan -Cool the air with ice -
How to get the temperature right for your sleeping baby
Whether your baby is sleeping in the same room as you (which they should be for the first six months after they're born) or in their own room, the room temperature should be between 16 and 20°C.
There are several simple steps that you can take which will help you to keep the temperature at a comfortable level for your little one:
Monitor room temperature
A room thermometer like this one from (£3.50) is an affordable way to easily check your baby's room temperature, or check out some of the most-searched room thermometer retailers including , , ,and .Position their crib correctly
Cots and cribs should be kept away from direct sunlight, and during the day you should close blinds or curtains to prevent the room from getting too hot. Only keep doors and windows open if it's safe to do so.
Always keep cots out of the reach of blind cords, curtain pulls and other hazards.
Use the right bedding and sleepwear
Choose light cotton bedding and sheets or a low tog baby sleeping bag. If it's very hot let them sleep in a nappy, with no covers or sleeping bag.
Avoid waterproof mattress protectors as these can cause your baby to sweat.
How to check if your baby is too hot
Feel your baby's chest or the back of their neck -Don't judge their temperature by checking their hands and feet - Check the temperature of swaddled babies - - the best will help your baby have a safe night's sleep, keep them comfortable and cope with the inevitable leaks
Keeping your baby cool when you're out and about
If you're out with your little one and are struggling to find shade for them on a sweltering day, you may resort to covering your pram or buggy with blankets, clothes or another cover to keep them cool.
However, the Lullaby Trust says this can prevent air circulating and could lead to overheating, which could have serious consequences for their health.
A cover can also create a barrier between parent and baby, preventing you from being able to monitor your baby's temperature and spotting quickly any difficulties they may be having.
Use a clip-on sunshade or parasol instead and keep to the shade as much as possible. Avoid being out between 11am and 3pm when it's hot and regularly check your baby's temperature to make sure they're cool enough.
Help your baby to sleep safely on holiday
Keep an eye on them on car journeys - Stick to a safer sleep routine -Don't tamper with the mattress - : what every parent needs to knowundefinedsource https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/help-your-baby-sleep-safely-in-the-heat-aSFKK1O2DPkC