Overview

• The UK is under amber heat-health alerts during its fourth summer heatwave with daytime highs reaching around 34°C, and a TikTok GP’s 70% SIDS reduction claim from fan use remains uncorroborated.
• NHS advises nursery temperatures be kept between 16°C and 20°C, monitored by a room thermometer, to lower the risk of infant overheating.
• Breastfed infants require no extra water while formula-fed babies can receive small amounts of cooled boiled water, with boiled water no longer necessary after six months.
• Caregivers should keep babies out of direct sun and hot cars, attach parasols or sunshades instead of covering prams with blankets, and use fans pointed away to circulate air safely.
• Recognised dehydration red flags include drowsiness, rapid breathing, few wet nappies, lack of tears and a sunken soft spot, prompting urgent GP contact or a call to NHS 111.