PARENTS have been urged to avoid a dangerous mistake when it comes to their little ones’ prams during hot weather – as it could increase the risk of a deadly condition.
Temperatures have soared throughout this week, with the mercury expected to reach 30C in some parts of the UK at the weekend.
GettyExperts have warned you should use sunshades rather than blankets to cover your baby from the sun while in a pram[/caption]While many people are rejoicing at the thought of hot weather continuing, experts have warned parents not to cover prams with a blanket or light cloth.
Instead, they’re urged to use a parasol or sunshade clipped to the side of the pushchair.
Gurus at the Lullaby Trust advise against covering a baby’s pram with a blanket or cloth as this can lead to overheating, which increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The condition is the unexplained death of an infant that occurs when they’re asleep.
They say having a barrier between a parent or carer and a baby is also slightly risky, as it makes it difficult to be able to monitor the baby’s temperature easily or see if the baby’s in any difficulty.
Instead, the experts recommend a clip-on sunshade or parasol to help keep the baby shaded, as this will allow air to circulate and still provide a clear view of the baby.
The National Childbirth Trust said it’s a good idea to keep your baby out of direct sunlight and in a cooler place from 11am to 3pm – when the heat is strongest.
Some more important advice from The Lullaby Trust is to ensure your baby sleeps at a fairly cool temperature of 16 to 20C.
However, this can be more difficult in summer months or when away somewhere warm.
So the charity offers tips if the room where your baby sleeps is difficult to cool.
Use lighter bedding and clothing, and fewer layers Open the bedroom door and window, if it’s safe to do so Baby sleep bags will have guidance on what tog to use for each season Use a fan to cool the room, but don’t aim it directly on the baby Keep curtains closed in the daytimeAnd as for signs to look out for your baby could be affected by the heat, it’s recommended to check a baby’s chest and/or the back of their neck to make sure their skin doesn’t feel clammy or sweaty to touch.
Their hands and feet will always feel cooler to touch.
While warm is fine, if they feel sweaty or clammy it means they’re too hot, so remove a layer of bedding or what they’re wearing.
In really hot weather, just a vest is fine.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby under the age of 12 months where no cause is found.
Around 89 per cent of deaths happen when the tot is under six months old.
It is relatively rare, with 182 babies dying from SIDS in the UK in 2021.
While doctors don’t know exactly what triggers it, there are ways to significantly reduce the chances of SIDS occurring:
Put your baby on their back for all sleeps – day and night Share a room with your baby for the first six months Place your baby on their own, clear, flat sleep surface (e.g. cot or Moses basket) Keep your baby smoke-free during pregnancy and after birth Never sleep on a sofa or armchair Do not co-sleep if you or anyone in the bed has been drinking alcohol, smoking, or taking drugs or medication that makes you drowsyThese things are especially important for babies who were born prematurely or of a low birth weight, as they are typically at higher risk of SIDS.
Source: The Lullaby Trust
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) offer guidance on staying safe in hot weather.
Advice includes:
Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtain in rooms that face the sun If you do go outside, to cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and to seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm If you’re going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), to plan to do these during times of the day when it’s cooler, such as the morning or evening Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and what to do if you or someone else has themThe signs of heat exhaustion - and when it becomes heatstroke
HEAT exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes.
The signs include:
Tiredness Dizziness Headache Feeling sick or being sick Excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy or getting a heat rash, but a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown and black skin Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach Fast breathing or heartbeat A high temperature Being very thirsty Weakness DiarrhoeaHEATSTROKE is a medical emergency, so get inside and call 999 for an ambulance.
Stay with the person, who may not be able to help themselves. Try to remove clothes if possible and lie the person down.
Use a cool flannel and sponge them down and use a fan to try and help them lose heat by evaporation.
If they are conscious and able, try to encourage them to drink. If they lose consciousness, put them into the recovery position while you wait for an ambulance.
The NHS says to call 999 for signs of heatstroke that include:
Still being unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled and drinking fluids A very high temperature Hot skin that’s not sweating and might look red (this can be harder to see on brown and black skin) A fast heartbeat Fast breathing or shortness of breath Confusion and lack of coordination A seizure or fit Loss of consciousnessHence then, the article about urgent warning over life threatening mistake most parents make in hot weather was published today ( ) and is available on The Sun ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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