PARENTS have been urged to avoid covering their little ones' prams during the heatwave as it could raise the risk of overheating.
During hot weather, many people do this to keep their children in the shade.
But experts warned that you shouldn't use a blanket or a light cloth and instead should use a parasol or sunshade clipped to the side of the pushchair.
Gurus at the Lullaby Trust said overheating increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The condition is the unexplained death of an infant that occurs when they're asleep.
Temperatures are set to peak today at 35C as Brits rush to grab their spot on the beach.
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Yesterday was officially the hottest day of the year so far as the mercury rocketed to 29C – smashing Wednesday's 27.8C scorcher.
But it's only going to get hotter later when it hits 35C in London.
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.
"When you’re out and about, try and find a shady spot to sit or walk in.
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"Although putting a covering like a muslin or a blanket over the buggy might seem like a good idea to keep the sun off your baby, it stops the air circulating and can make them too hot.
"Instead, it’s better to use a clip-on parasol or a sunshade designed for your buggy," a spokesperson told The Telegraph.
Brits have been issued with a level 3 health warning due to the hot weather.
It means the threshold for a heatwave in all three regions have been met – and healthcare services will need to be on high alert to help high-risk groups.
Met Office advice states: "Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions.
"Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
What are the signs of heat exhaustion?
The signs of heat exhaustion include:
- A headache
- Dizziness and confusion
- Loss of appetite and feeling sick
- Excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
- Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- Fast breathing or pulse
- A high temperature of 38C or above
- Being very thirsty
"Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, dress appropriately for the weather and slow down when it is hot."
The heatwave temperature threshold varies in each country – in the UK it is between 25C and 28C.
While a Level 2 alert warns the nation to prepare and "get ready" for a heatwave, Level 3 requires "heatwave action".
In England there are around 3,000 heart-related deaths every year, with babies, the over-with the most vulnerable being at risk.
This includes the elderly and babies.
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Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "During periods of hot weather, it is especially important to keep checking on those who are most vulnerable, such as older people and those with heart or lung conditions.
"Make sure to look out for signs of heat exhaustion and follow our simple health advice to beat the heat."
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