19/07/2024
📢 Looking after your newborn baby in extreme temperatures*☀️❄️
🛑 **Keep newborn babies out of the sun**; their skin contains too little melanin to give any protection from the sun.
🌞 In the pram: Use a clip-on sun shade or parasol, never cover with a blanket or muslin as this can cause your baby to overheat.
🏠 Ideal room temperature: 16°C - 20°C. Consider buying a thermometer to monitor the room’s temperature.
💨 Using a fan: Helpful for circulating air, but don’t leave it in the room while your baby is sleeping as it can be dangerous.
🪟 Keep it cool: Open windows and close blinds and curtains during the day to help keep the room cool.
🤚 Check your baby’s temperature: Use the back of your hand on their chest or upper back. If too warm, remove a layer; if cold, add a layer.
🍼 Dressing your baby: It’s fine to dress your baby in only a nappy during a heatwave. Even for sleep, a vest or just a nappy with no bedding on the hottest nights is okay.
🤱 Breastfeeding: Your baby may want to feed more regularly in hot weather. This is normal as breastmilk is both water and food.
🍼 Bottle-feeding: Offer a small amount of cool boiled water. A few sips do not replace a milk feed.
For more advice, visit the NHS website, including tips on sunscreen for babies: [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/safety/safety-in-the-sun/](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/safety/safety-in-the-sun/)
Information from NHS England, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence.
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