Parents warned against making 'life-threatening' pram mistake in hot weather

30 May 2023 , 13:04

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Parents have been urged to take extra care over the warm weather period (stock image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Many Brits are enjoying the current hot weather situation, with temperatures continuing to soar this week. The Met Office has confirmed today could be the hottest day of the year so far, which means there are extra precautions parents need to take.

A safety expert has issued an urgent warning to parents taking their babies out to enjoy the sunshine today.

The warning goes out especially to mums and dads who are taking prams out, as they have been urged not to cover their child's buggy with a blanket or cloth to give them shade.

Although coming from a good place, doing so can actually create a 'greenhouse' effect, which could have devastating consequences. Instead of cooling your tot down, it could have the opposite effect and cause them to overheat.

Parents have been urged not to cover prams with blankets (stock image) (Getty Images)

Instead, parents should use a parasol or sunshade, which can usually be clipped on the side of most buggies.

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Experts at the Lullaby Trust, an organisation that raises awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) have warned how overheating can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

It warned: "It's important to keep your baby cool when you're out and about, but prams and buggies should not be covered with blankets, cloths or any cover that prevents the air circulating. Covering a pram or buggy with a blanket could lead to overheating, which increases the chance of SIDS.

"Attach a clip-on sunshade to the pram to keep your baby out of direct sunlight and monitor their temperature by feeling their tummy or the back of their neck."

SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby where no cause is found.

Parents should use an umbrella or similar instead (stock image) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The NHS warns about the dangers and risks of SIDS on its website. It states: "Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS. Babies can overheat because of too much bedding or clothing, or because the room is too hot."

There are several checks you should carry out to make sure your child isn't overheating.

The health body states: "When you check your baby, make sure they're not too hot. If your baby is sweating or their tummy feels hot to the touch, take off some of the bedding. Do not worry if their hands or feet feel cool – this is normal."

You should also give your baby plenty of fluids to drink and "not let them get too hot". If they sleep a lot, you should wake them up regularly for a drink.

If your baby is suddenly unwell you should get medical help quickly.

Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz