New parents advised to dress their babies 'sensibly' as the heatwave begins in South Yorkshire
The hot weather is expected to last well into next week
New mum's & dads in South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire are being reminded to dress their babies in 'lightweight clothing' over the next 10 days or so.
It's because a heatwave - which has started today - is forecast to carry on into next week.
Safeguarding Nurse Sharon Tyne is from the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board - & is based in Barnsley - She has these tips for new parents:
"Overheating is a greater concern than your baby being slightly cool.
"We advise to keep the room temperature around 16-20 degrees Celsius if possible.
"Close the curtains or blinds during the day, so the room doesn't heat up as much.
"You could dress your baby in a nappy alone or a nappy with a lightweight vest, depending on the temperature.
"Use lighter bedding too for your baby with fewer layers.
"If they feel clammy or sweaty, these are signs your baby is getting too hot.
"So, you could remove a layer of clothes or adjust the room temperature if possible.
"If the baby has a vest and a baby grow on, then maybe you could take the baby grow off.
"They may want to feed more often, but it's also really important not to change the safe sleep practices, because obviously overheating is a known risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome.
"So, what we say is babies under 6 months who are fully breastfed usually don't need more water; we just offer them feeds more frequently."
You can find out more tips & advice on the webpage below:
https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/