How to Keep Babies & Toddlers Cool During a UK Heatwave: A Practical Guide for Parents & Childcare Professionals
- 4 days ago
- 13 min read
When temperatures soar, keeping babies and toddlers cool quickly becomes one of the biggest concerns for parents and childcare professionals alike. Unlike adults, babies and young children are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, meaning they can become dehydrated and overheat much more quickly if appropriate precautions are not taken.
Whether you're caring for your own child, working as a nanny, childminder, maternity nurse or nursery practitioner, understanding how to keep little ones safe during a heatwave is essential. Whilst most children cope well with hot weather, knowing how to prevent overheating, recognise the early signs of heat exhaustion and adapt daily routines can help keep children comfortable and reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
In this guide, we'll share practical, evidence-based advice on keeping babies and toddlers cool at home, sleeping safely during hot weather, planning outdoor activities, preventing sunburn, recognising the signs of overheating and knowing when to seek medical advice.
Although the advice in this guide can be applied by parents and childcare professionals around the world, it has been written with UK families in mind. Unlike many warmer countries, homes and childcare settings in the UK are generally designed to retain heat rather than keep it out, and few have air conditioning. As a result, even relatively short periods of hot weather can make it difficult to keep indoor environments cool, particularly for babies and young children.
At a Glance: What You'll Learn
✓ How to keep babies and toddlers cool indoors
✓ Safe sleep during hot weather
✓ Hydration tips by age
✓ Outdoor play and sun safety
✓ Signs of overheating and heatstroke
✓ When to seek medical advice
Why Are Babies and Toddlers More Vulnerable to Heat?
Babies and toddlers are much more sensitive to hot weather than older children and adults. Their bodies are still developing, making it harder for them to regulate their temperature and stay cool when the weather becomes very warm.
Compared to adults, babies and young children have a larger body surface area in relation to their size and can lose fluids more quickly, increasing their risk of dehydration. They also produce more body heat during physical activity and, unlike adults, they may not recognise that they are becoming too hot or thirsty, or be able to communicate how they are feeling.
For this reason, babies and toddlers rely on the adults caring for them to recognise when they are becoming uncomfortable and to take steps to keep them cool, hydrated and out of excessive heat.
Extra care should be taken during periods of hot weather, particularly during prolonged heatwaves and warm nights when homes can struggle to cool down. In the UK, this is especially important as many homes are designed to retain heat and few have air conditioning, meaning indoor temperatures can remain high long after the outside temperature has fallen.
Keep Your Home as Cool as Possible
Keeping your home cool is one of the most effective ways to help babies and toddlers stay comfortable during hot weather. Whilst we often focus on the temperature outside, many UK homes can actually become hotter indoors, particularly after several consecutive days of sunshine.
Unlike many warmer countries, homes in the UK are generally designed to retain heat rather than keep it out, and relatively few have air conditioning. As a result, bedrooms and upstairs living spaces can remain uncomfortably warm long after the outside temperature has started to fall.
If you don't have air conditioning, there are still plenty of simple ways to reduce indoor temperatures:
Keep curtains and blinds closed on windows receiving direct sunlight throughout the day. Blackout blinds or external reflective blinds can be particularly effective at reducing solar heat gain.
Open windows during the coolest parts of the day, usually early in the morning or later in the evening, when the outside temperature has dropped below the indoor temperature.
Close windows again once the outside becomes warmer than inside, otherwise you'll simply allow more hot air into your home.
Use fans to improve airflow. Fans don't actually cool the air, but they help move it around, making rooms feel more comfortable. If it's cooler outside, placing a fan near an open window can sometimes help draw cooler air into the room or push warmer air outside, depending on your room layout.
Reduce unnecessary heat indoors by limiting the use of ovens, tumble dryers and other heat-producing appliances during the hottest part of the day.
Remember that heat rises. Upstairs bedrooms are often considerably warmer than downstairs rooms, so if temperatures become particularly high, consider spending more time on the lower floor of your home where possible.
Although these small changes may seem simple, together they can make a noticeable difference to the comfort of babies and toddlers during prolonged periods of hot weather.
Nanny Tip | If one room in the house stays noticeably cooler than the others, don't be afraid to temporarily move playtime there during a heatwave. Young children won't mind where they play, but they'll certainly appreciate being more comfortable. |
Dressing for Hot Weather
Babies and toddlers are much more sensitive to hot weather than older children and adults. Their bodies are still developing, making it harder for them to regulate their temperature and stay cool when the weather becomes very warm.
Compared to adults, babies and young children have a larger body surface area in relation to their size and can lose fluids more quickly, increasing their risk of dehydration. They also produce more body heat during physical activity and, unlike adults, they may not recognise that they are becoming too hot or thirsty, or be able to communicate how they are feeling. For this reason, babies and toddlers rely on the adults caring for them to recognise when they are becoming uncomfortable and to take steps to keep them cool, hydrated and out of excessive heat.
Extra care should be taken during periods of hot weather, particularly during prolonged heatwaves and warm nights when homes can struggle to cool down. In the UK, this is especially important as many homes are designed to retain heat and few have air conditioning, meaning indoor temperatures can remain high long after the outside temperature has fallen.
Did you know? | A room that feels comfortable to an adult may still be too warm for a sleeping baby. During hot weather, it's a good idea to monitor your baby's sleeping environment and adjust clothing and bedding according to the room temperature, rather than the outdoor temperature. |
Protecting Babies and Toddlers from the Sun
Alongside keeping children cool, protecting them from the sun is equally important. Babies and young children have delicate skin that can be damaged by UV rays, so taking sensible precautions can help reduce the risk of sunburn and overheating.
Where possible, keep babies and toddlers in the shade, particularly during the hottest part of the day (typically between 11am and 3pm). Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers the skin, together with a wide-brimmed sun hat, provides excellent protection whilst still helping children stay comfortable in the heat.
Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Shade and protective clothing should always be the first choice for young babies, with sunscreen used only on small areas of exposed skin if adequate shade and clothing are not available.
For older babies and toddlers, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF and good UVA protection to any exposed skin. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, apply enough sunscreen to provide effective protection and remember to reapply regularly, particularly after water play or if your child has been sweating.
Water play is a fantastic way to help children cool down during hot weather, but it can also increase exposure to the sun. Consider dressing your child in a long-sleeved UV-protective swimsuit or rash vest to help protect their shoulders, back and arms whilst they play. This often provides more reliable protection than sunscreen alone on covered areas.
If you're out and about, a pushchair parasol or built-in sunshade can help provide additional shade. However, do not cover a pushchair completely with blankets, muslins or towels, as this can restrict airflow and cause the temperature inside the pushchair to rise rapidly.
Important to Know | Children can still be exposed to UV rays even on cloudy or overcast days, so sun protection remains important throughout the summer -not just during obvious heatwaves. |
Keeping Babies and Toddlers Hydrated
Staying well hydrated is one of the most important ways to help babies and toddlers stay safe and comfortable during hot weather. Young children can lose fluids more quickly than adults, so it's important to encourage regular drinks throughout the day rather than waiting until they appear thirsty.
For babies under six months of age, breast milk or infant formula provides all the hydration they need, even during hot weather. You may notice that your baby wants to feed more frequently during a heatwave, and this is perfectly normal. Offering feeds on demand is usually the best way to ensure they remain well hydrated. If you are concerned that your baby is not feeding well or may be dehydrated, seek advice from your midwife, health visitor or GP.
Once babies begin eating solid foods (usually from around six months of age), you can offer small amounts of water alongside their usual milk feeds. Toddlers should have regular access to drinking water throughout the day, particularly during periods of hot weather and after active play.
We know it isn't always easy to encourage young children to drink enough water, particularly when they're busy playing. Offering drinks little and often is often more successful than expecting them to drink a full cup in one go. Some families find these simple ideas helpful:
Let your child choose a fun water bottle or cup they enjoy using.
Offer small drinks regularly throughout the day.
Add slices of fruit such as orange, lemon, lime or strawberries to water for older children if appropriate.
Prepare homemade ice lollies using blended fruit, yoghurt or diluted fruit smoothies (age appropriate).
Include foods with a high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, strawberries and melon, as part of snacks or meals.
If your child seems unusually sleepy, has a dry mouth, cries without tears, has fewer wet nappies than usual or is passing very dark urine, these can be signs of dehydration and should not be ignored.
It's completely normal for children to eat a little less during hot weather, provided they are continuing to drink well and remain alert and responsive.
Adjusting Your Daily Routine During a Heatwave
During very hot weather, it's often beneficial to adapt your usual daily routine to help babies and toddlers stay comfortable. This doesn't mean children can't enjoy themselves. It simply means planning activities around the coolest parts of the day and allowing a little more flexibility than usual. During a heatwave, it's perfectly normal for routines to become a little more flexible. Your priority is keeping children safe, comfortable and well hydrated. Some simple adjustments include:
Enjoy outdoor play early in the morning, when temperatures are generally cooler and the UV index is lower.
Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, typically between 11am and 3pm, when both temperatures and UV levels are at their highest.
Offer water play in the shade, such as paddling pools, water tables or sprinklers, ensuring children are supervised at all times.
Visit cooler indoor environments, such as libraries, museums, shopping centres or other air-conditioned spaces if your home becomes particularly warm.
Plan naps in the coolest room available and keep bedrooms shaded during the day to help prevent temperatures rising before bedtime.
Choose calmer activities, such as arts and crafts, puzzles, reading or sensory play, rather than energetic games that may cause children to become overheated.
It's also worth remembering that children may naturally become more tired, irritable or less interested in eating during periods of hot weather. Providing regular opportunities to rest, drink and cool down can help them remain comfortable throughout the day. If you do need to go out, try to plan walks earlier in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler, and make use of shaded routes where possible.
For childcare professionals, it's important to remain flexible and review planned activities, outings and risk assessments during periods of extreme heat. Adapting routines to reflect the weather is not only sensible but forms part of providing safe, responsive and child-centred care.
Car Safety | Never leave a child alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise extremely quickly, even when it's only moderately warm outside, creating a serious risk of heatstroke. |
Helping Babies Sleep During a Heatwave
Warm nights are often one of the biggest challenges during a heatwave. Even when temperatures begin to cool outside, babies and toddlers may still find it more difficult to settle, sleep comfortably or stay asleep throughout the night. Fortunately, this is very common, and many children return to their usual sleeping patterns once the weather cools.
When preparing your child for bed, try to dress them appropriately for the room temperature, avoiding unnecessary layers that could cause them to become too warm overnight. If your baby sleeps in a sleeping bag, always follow the manufacturer's guidance on the recommended tog rating for the room temperature. During particularly hot nights, some babies may be most comfortable sleeping in just a nappy or a lightweight short-sleeved vest, depending on the temperature of the room.
It can also be reassuring to know how to check whether your baby is too hot or too cold. Rather than feeling their hands or feet, which are often naturally cooler, gently feel the back of their neck or their chest. If their skin feels hot or sweaty, they may need fewer layers.
You may also notice that your baby wakes more frequently than usual during hot weather. This is often completely normal, as babies may wake for comfort or because they would like to feed more often. Continuing to feed responsively and offering comfort as needed can help keep them settled and well hydrated.
Above all, continue to follow safer sleep guidance, even during very hot weather. Babies should always be placed on their back to sleep on a firm, flat mattress, with their sleep space kept clear of pillows, quilts, duvets, cot bumpers and soft toys. Although it can be tempting to try different methods to keep your baby cool, avoid placing wet towels, cooling packs or other items inside the cot or sleep space unless they are specifically designed and recommended for safe infant sleep.
Every baby is different, and it's normal to feel anxious if your little one seems warmer than usual during a heatwave. The most important thing is to keep checking on them, ensure they are feeding well, and seek medical advice if you are concerned that they may be becoming unwell or showing signs of overheating.
Recognising the Signs of Overheating
Knowing how to recognise the early signs of overheating is just as important as preventing it. Fortunately, most babies and toddlers who become too warm will recover quickly if they are moved to a cooler environment, encouraged to drink fluids (where age appropriate) and allowed to rest. Early signs that a child may be becoming too hot can include:
Flushed cheeks or unusually red skin.
Feeling hot to the touch, particularly on their chest or back.
Sweating more than usual (although some children may sweat very little).
Becoming unusually tired, lethargic or less responsive than normal.
Irritability or being difficult to settle.
Dry lips or a dry mouth.
Fewer wet nappies or signs of dehydration.
Faster breathing than usual.
Wanting to feed or drink more frequently.
If you notice these signs, move your child to a cooler place, remove any unnecessary layers of clothing, offer fluids where appropriate and continue to monitor them closely. Most children begin to improve once they have cooled down.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
If your child is becoming increasingly drowsy, difficult to wake, struggling to breathe, develops repeated vomiting, has a seizure, becomes confused or loses consciousness, seek emergency medical help immediately. These symptoms may indicate heatstroke or another serious medical condition requiring urgent treatment.
As a parent or childcare professional, trust your instincts. If you are worried that a baby or child is becoming seriously unwell, or their condition is not improving despite your efforts to cool them down, seek medical advice promptly. It is always better to have a child assessed than to wait and hope symptoms improve on their own.
Remember | Every child is different. You know your child better than anyone else. If something doesn't feel right, even if you can't explain why, trust your instincts and seek medical advice. |
Practical Tips for Childcare Professionals
For nannies, childminders, nursery practitioners and other childcare professionals, caring for children during a heatwave often means adapting your usual routines and planning ahead.
Whilst keeping children cool and hydrated remains the priority, it's equally important to communicate with parents and continually assess whether planned activities are still appropriate as temperatures rise.
Throughout the day, keep parents updated on their child's fluid intake, meals, naps, outdoor activities and any signs that they may have become unusually tired or warm. Not only does this provide reassurance, but it also helps ensure continuity of care once the child returns home.
Heatwaves may also require childcare professionals to think differently about the day's routine. Outdoor trips may need to be brought forward to the cooler morning hours or replaced with indoor activities altogether. Children often become tired more quickly in hot weather, so allowing extra opportunities for quiet play, rest and hydration can make a significant difference to their comfort and wellbeing.
Professional judgement is particularly important during periods of extreme heat. Consider carrying out a dynamic risk assessment before outings, taking into account factors such as the temperature, UV index, availability of shade, access to drinking water and the age of the children in your care. Sometimes, the safest decision is to change your plans entirely.
Finally, remember that every child responds differently to hot weather. Some may remain active and energetic, whilst others become tired, irritable or less interested in eating. Observing each child's individual needs and responding accordingly is one of the most valuable skills a childcare professional can bring during a heatwave.
If you work in a private household, remember to discuss any changes to the day's plans with parents where possible. Most families will appreciate knowing that activities have been adapted to prioritise their child's safety and wellbeing during extreme heat.
Professional Tip | Before heading out, ask yourself: ✓ Is there enough shade? ✓ Does every child have access to water? ✓ Is there somewhere cool to take a break? ✓ Do I have a way to contact parents if plans need to change? ✓ Would this outing still be appropriate if the temperature increases further? |
Final Thoughts
Although UK heatwaves can feel worrying, most babies and toddlers cope very well when sensible precautions are taken. By planning ahead, encouraging regular hydration, adapting routines and recognising the early signs of overheating, parents and childcare professionals can help children stay safe, comfortable and happy throughout the summer.
If you're looking for an experienced nanny or maternity nurse who understands how to provide safe, responsive childcare in every season, we'd be delighted to help.
Or explore more of our practical childcare guides for expert advice on pregnancy, newborn care, nannies and family life in the UK.
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