Helping Your Family Stay Safe During Hot Weather
Warm weather can be a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors and spend time together as a family. But when temperatures rise, it’s important to take extra care, particularly if you’re pregnant or have babies and young children.
At Home-Start Cymru, we know that even simple changes can make a big difference to keeping your family safe, comfortable and well during the hotter months.
Keeping babies and young children cool
Babies and young children are more vulnerable to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke because they cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adults.
Here are a few simple ways to help keep them safe:
- 💧 Offer regular drinks to keep them hydrated.
- ☀️ Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight.
- 🧢 Dress children in lightweight clothing and use hats when outdoors.
- 🏠 Keep your home cool by closing curtains or blinds in sunny rooms during the day.
- 🚼 Never cover a pram or pushchair with a blanket, as this can trap heat and cause dangerous overheating.
Looking after yourself during pregnancy
Pregnancy can make coping with hot weather more challenging.
If you’re expecting, try to:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Avoid spending long periods in direct sunlight.
- Rest during the hottest part of the day where possible.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing to help keep cool.
If you’re working during periods of hot weather and finding it difficult, speak to your employer about adjustments that could help, such as flexible hours or more regular breaks.
Working in the heat
Many parents continue working throughout the summer, sometimes outdoors or in warm environments.
If you’re working during very hot weather, remember to:
- Stay hydrated.
- Take regular breaks in cooler areas.
- Wear suitable clothing where possible.
- Speak to your employer if the heat is affecting your health or wellbeing.
Employers have a responsibility to consider the impact of extreme temperatures and make reasonable adjustments where needed.
Supporting children with additional needs
Some children and adults, including those with long-term health conditions or disabilities, may find hot weather particularly difficult.
Every family is different, so it’s important to think about what helps your child stay comfortable, whether that’s finding cool indoor spaces, planning activities earlier in the day or making sure favourite drinks and comfort items are always close by.
If childcare is disrupted
Occasionally, extreme weather can affect schools, nurseries or childcare arrangements.
If this happens unexpectedly, employees have certain rights to take reasonable time off to deal with emergencies involving dependants. If you’re unsure, it’s always worth speaking to your employer as soon as possible.
We’re here for families
Parenting can feel overwhelming at times, especially during school holidays or periods of extreme weather.
At Home-Start Cymru, our volunteers and staff support families through everyday challenges, offering practical help, emotional support and someone to listen.
If you think you could benefit from support, or would like to find out more about volunteering with us, we’d love to hear from you.
Further information
For trusted advice on staying safe in hot weather, visit:
