Summer Safety Advice for your Baby

Whether you have decided to have a UK staycation, or you are thinking of going abroad, with the warmer weather, here is some summer safety advice for your baby taken from the Lullaby Trust on how to keep your baby safe and sleeping safely when the weather is hotter.

Travelling in the Car

As the weather is due to be nice for the next week, it may be that you are thinking of taking a day trip. I wrote an article the other week about day trips out in Surrey that maybe of interest. Alternatively, with the Coronavirus, you maybe thinking of driving to France or Europe rather than getting on a plane. So, its important to take some measures to make sure your baby is safe in the car.

Car seats are safe, however, you don’t want your baby to be in a car seat for long periods of time, as they don’t lie flat, so, your baby may slump over. It is worth taking regular breaks on long journeys, so, you can remove your baby from the car seat. If possible, have an adult sit with the baby in the back of the car. If this is not possible, you can purchase a mirror so you can keep any eye on the baby. You can purchase this here

Sleep routine on holiday

It is important even on holiday to make sure that your baby sleeps on their back on a firm, flat, mattress. If your baby is sleeping in a travel cot, the mattresses are often thinner and feel harder but don’t be tempted to place folded blankets or a quilt under the baby to make them ‘more comfortable’. Always make sure that the travel cot isn’t against a radiator, in direct sunlight, and is out of reach of blind cords and hazards.

Some parents may choose to co-sleep with their babies, but, according to the Lullaby Trust, you should never sleep with your baby if any of these points apply, as it can be very dangerous.

Either you or your partner smokes (even if you do not smoke in the bedroom)
Either you or your partner has drunk alcohol or taken drugs (including medications that may make you drowsy)
You are extremely tired
Your baby was born premature (37 weeks or less)
Your baby was born at a low weight (2.5kg or 5½ lbs or less)
Never sleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby, this can increase the risk of SIDS by 50 times

Keeping baby cool when out and about

When hot, babies’ prams and buggies should not be covered with blankets, cloths or any cover that prevents the air circulating. It can cause overheating, especially on a warm day, and this increases the chance of Sudden Death Syndrome. It’s worth using a clip-on sunshade or parasol, as you can still see the baby easily and monitor their temperatures, by feeling their chest or the back of their neck. Try and keep your baby out of the direct sun and definitely consider if on holiday, staying out of the sun during the warmest part of the day between 10-2pm.

Make sure your baby has enough fluids

When the weather is hot it is important to make sure that your baby has plenty of fluids. During hot weather, breastfed babies may want to feed more than usual. If your baby wakes at night, they’ll probably want milk. If they have had their usual milk feeds, try cooled boiled water as well. If you’re bottle feeding, as well as their usual milk feeds, you can give your baby a little cooled boiled water

Room Temperature

Babies that get too hot have a greater chance of SIDS. The Lullaby Trust recommend keeping the room where your baby sleeps at a fairly cool temperature of 16-20°. In warmer weather, consider using lighter bedding and clothing and open the bedroom door and a window, if it is safe to do so. Baby sleep bags will have guidance on what tog to use for each season. You might also like to use a fan to cool the room, but don’t aim it directly on the baby. A thermometer can help you to make sure the room is at the right temperature.

So with this advice on Summer safety for your baby, you can have a fantastic summer, enjoying the hot weather but keeping you baby safe, I would highly recommend looking at The Lullaby Trust website which raises awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), provides expert advice on safer sleep for babies and offers emotional support for bereaved families. Details can be found on the website here