An experiment was conducted in Sweden leaving an uncovered and a covered baby pram in the midday sun and monitoring the change in temperatures. Within 30 minutes the uncovered pram was 22 degrees and the covered pram was already at 34 degrees.

It is a very common mistake to think that protecting your baby from sunlight in the pram, with even a light blanket, is safe but it is actually putting your baby at risk. The lack of ventilation creates soaring temperatures for your baby.

Leave your pram uncovered and use a parasol and a fan to keep air circulating throughout the pram.

You will also want to take a few extra precautions to make sure that your baby is safe, cool and comfortable when at home.

• COOLER BATH – a cooler than usual bath before bed. Your baby will be sweaty and clammy as sweating is babies’ natural way to regulate their temperature.

• INCREASED FLUIDS – Breast milk is as hydrating as water so no additional water is required for breastfed babies, though that may need increased feeds. Formula fed babies should be offered cooled boiled water in excessive heat. I try not to do this too close to a feed (within 30 minutes) so that they still feed hungry for their milk feeds.

• USE A FAN – A fan will keep the air moving through the room and create a very welcome breeze. Bottles of frozen water in front of the fan will help to cool the room down quicker.

• OPEN WINDOWS AND KEEP BLINDS PARTIALLY DOWN – Make sure you do this several hours before nap time and bedtime. Keeping the blind partially down helps to stop the room heating up in direct sunlight but still allows the flow of air.

• WATCH THE TEMPERATURE – In the UK temperatures can change rapidly so regularly check the temperature throughout the night. You may need to remove or add more layers. Don’t be afraid to disturb your baby’s sleep – keeping them safe is the priority.

• CHECK YOUR BABY – Too hot? Too cold? Put your hand on their tummy or the back of the neck to get the most accurate idea of how hot your baby is. Their arms and legs are always cooler.

Find out more about the work that I do for families and babies here.