Londoners face a sleepless weekend as the capital braces for a potential record-breaking heatwave, with the Met Office issuing an amber ‘extreme’ alert. Temperatures are set to soar above 30C across the UK, but in London they could hit 35C next week – threatening the June record of 35.6C set in 1957 and 1976. Even at 10pm, the mercury may not dip below 28C, creating what forecasters call ‘tropical nights’.
For parents, the relentless heat brings a particular danger. Babies and young children heat up more quickly than adults and sweat less, making it harder for them to cool down. With no respite after dark, keeping them safe requires careful planning.
“London could face record tropical nights with 28C at 10pm as amber extreme heat alert issued.”
The simplest defence is avoiding the sun between 11am and 3pm, the hottest part of the day. If children do go outside, they need protection. Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a four-star rating should be applied 30 minutes before going out, and reapplied every two hours – even if labelled ‘water resistant’. Parents often forget the tops of feet, ears, necks and shoulders, which burn easily. For babies under six months, sunscreen is not recommended; they must be kept out of direct sunlight entirely.
Covering a pram with a muslin cloth or blanket is a common mistake. Even in shade, it stops airflow and can cause dangerous overheating. Instead, use a parasol or sunshade. Loose-fitting, dark-coloured clothing offers better UV protection.
Hydration is another challenge, especially with reluctant drinkers. From 12 months, frozen lollies made from plain water or very diluted fruit juice can help. Juicy fruits like watermelon and oranges, as well as salads, ice cream, jelly and soup, all provide water. Breastfeeding babies need no extra water – but may feed more often. Formula-fed babies can have cooled boiled water alongside their usual feeds.
With the heatwave expected to last into next week, the amber alert warns of potential chaos on Tube and rail networks. Families heading to parks or beaches should wait until evening, when it is cooler. But with ‘tropical nights’ setting in, even the evenings may offer little relief.