Updated October 2025
As UK summers get hotter, knowing how to protect children during extreme heat has never been more important. Heatwaves can be dangerous for young people, especially babies and toddlers who can't regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults.
The good news? Simple precautions can keep children safe, healthy, and happy even when temperatures soar.
Why Heatwave Safety Matters for UK Families
The UK is experiencing more frequent and intense periods of extreme heat. According to the Met Office, the 10 hottest years on record in the UK have all occurred since 2002, with heatwaves becoming longer and more severe due to climate change.
Children are particularly vulnerable during hot weather because they heat up three to five times faster than adults. The NHS reports that heat-related illness admissions increase significantly during heatwave periods, with young children and babies among the most affected groups.
For families already facing financial hardship—including the 4.5 million children living in poverty across the UK—heatwaves create additional challenges. Keeping homes cool, ensuring adequate hydration, and managing health risks become harder when resources are stretched.
But with the right knowledge and preparation, every family can keep their children safe during high temperatures.
10 Ways to Protect Children During Extreme Heat
Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight
Babies' skin is incredibly delicate and can burn quickly. Always keep infants under six months in the shade—whether you're at home, in the garden, or out and about. Use pram sunshades, but ensure air can still circulate. Never cover a pram completely with blankets or muslins, as this can create a dangerous "oven effect" that traps heat and raises temperatures inside. See NHS's recommendations to keep your baby safe in the sun.Apply sunscreen regularly and generously
For children over six months, use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and four or five-star UVA protection. The NHS recommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapplying every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Don't forget easy-to-miss spots like ears, feet, backs of knees, and hands.Dress children in light, loose clothing
Choose lightweight, light-colored fabrics that allow skin to breathe and reflect rather than absorb heat. Loose-fitting clothes create airflow around the body, helping children stay cooler. Wide-brimmed hats protect faces, ears, and necks from direct sun exposure—essential for preventing both sunburn and heat exhaustion.Keep children well hydrated throughout the day
Children need to drink more fluids during hot weather, even if they don't feel thirsty. Water is best for hydration. For babies under six months who are exclusively breastfed, you can offer more frequent feeds. For bottle-fed babies, you can offer cooled boiled water between feeds during very hot weather. Encourage older children to drink regularly—make it fun with colorful water bottles or fruit-infused water.Time outdoor activities wisely
The sun is strongest between 11am and 3pm. During heatwaves, try to keep children indoors or in the shade during these peak hours. Plan outdoor play for early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are lower. If children are playing outside, ensure they take regular breaks in the shade to cool down.Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Know what to look for: dizziness, confusion, loss of appetite, nausea, excessive sweating followed by pale clammy skin, cramps, fast breathing, or intense thirst. If a child shows these symptoms, move them to a cool place, give them water to sip, and cool their skin with damp cloths. If symptoms worsen or don't improve within 30 minutes, NHS guidance advises calling 999—this could be heatstroke, which is a medical emergency.Create a cool environment at home
Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day to block out direct sunlight. Open windows in the evening and overnight when temperatures drop to let cooler air circulate. If you have fans, position them safely out of children's reach. Damp towels over windows or a bowl of ice in front of a fan can help cool rooms down. Encourage children to play in cooler rooms or lower floors where possible.Never leave children alone in cars
Even with windows open, car temperatures can become dangerously hot within minutes. On a 22°C day, temperatures inside a car can reach 47°C in just 60 minutes. Never leave babies, children, or pets unattended in vehicles during warm weather—not even for a quick errand.Cool children down with water play
Make cooling down fun. Paddling pools, running through sprinklers, water balloons, or simply splashing hands and feet in cool water can help regulate body temperature while keeping children entertained. Lukewarm baths or showers before bed can also help children cool down for better sleep during hot nights.Check on vulnerable children and neighbors
Some children are more at risk during heatwaves, including those with chronic health conditions, disabilities, or very young babies. If you know families who might need extra support—perhaps they don't have adequate cooling at home or access to shaded outdoor spaces—check in on them. Community support makes everyone safer during extreme weather.
Common Questions About Children and Heatwaves
What temperature is too hot to take children outside?
The UK Health Security Agency issues heat-health alerts when temperatures are forecast to reach levels that could impact health. Generally, when temperatures exceed 30°C, limit outdoor activities during peak sun hours (11am-3pm) and ensure children stay hydrated and shaded.Should I keep my child home from school during a heatwave?
Schools have plans to manage hot weather, including ensuring hydration and providing shaded areas. However, if temperatures are extreme or your child has health conditions that make them more vulnerable to heat, speak to the school about their heatwave procedures and use your judgment.Can babies sleep safely during hot nights?
Keep the room as cool as possible and dress babies in lightweight sleeping bags or just a nappy if very hot. Room temperature should ideally be between 16-20°C, but during heatwaves this may not be possible. Never use loose bedding, and ensure good air circulation.What should I do if my child refuses to drink water?
Try offering water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, or ice lollies made from diluted fruit juice. Make drinking fun with special cups or straws. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks which can worsen dehydration.
How Save the Children Supports Families Facing Climate Challenges
Climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and severe worldwide. Save the Children works in communities across the globe to help families adapt to changing climates, respond to emergencies, and advocate for children's rights in climate policy.
In the UK, we support families facing hardship—including those struggling with the additional costs that extreme weather brings. We campaign for policies that protect all children and ensure every family has access to the resources they need to keep their children safe and healthy.
When you support Save the Children, you're helping us reach more families with vital information, emergency support, and long-term solutions that build resilience for the future.
Taking Action Together
Heatwaves are becoming part of UK summers, but with preparation and knowledge, we can all keep children safe during extreme heat. Share these tips with friends, family, and neighbors. Check in on vulnerable families in your community. And together, we can ensure every child stays healthy and happy, whatever the weather brings.
For more information on heat-related illness and children, visit NHS heatwave guidance or call 111 for non-emergency health advice.
Looking for more ways to support children? Discover how Save the Children is making a difference for young people across the UK and around the world.
This blog has been repurposed from Save the Children US for our UK website.
