You can’t have missed the recent headlines. The UK is currently undergoing a heatwave, and it looks set to reach peak levels.

Whether you’re wondering how to keep baby cool in stroller, what to feed toddlers in the heat, or how to stay safe in hot weather, we’ve compiled top tips from the experts to help you through the heatwave.

1. What to feed your kids during a heatwave

Don’t worry if your child wants to eat less in this weather, it’s more important that they are eating the right kinds of food, specifically those that help them stay hydrated. Because, yes – food is just as important as drinking in the hot weather.

Five foods that have high water content that kids enjoy include; cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries, oranges and pineapples. These can be served intermittently as snacks, or alongside a main meal in their favourite kids plate.

Lets not forget ice lollies and frozen fruits made into a smoothie – delicious in this weather!

2. Keep drinking water

We all know that it’s important to stay hydrated in the heat, especially little ones. This might mean upping their water intake, which you can also do with ice lollies and cubes if ice.

In terms of liquid intake, NHS Scotland advises to aim for six to eight cups of mugs of water a day. For children under five years old this should be a 120-150ml cup, and for those older than six, it should be a 250-300ml cup.

3. Chill before bedtime

Sure, the kids just want to have fun, but it’s best to avoid strenuous activity before bedtime. This means no ‘horse play’, running about and jumping. Instead, encourage some reading, of playing with toys, or watching Cbeebies bedtime stories. If  they’re still hot and only if it’s cooler outside, you can put them in a buggy in their PJs or vest and top, and help to cool them off before bedtime.

4. Avoid peak hour heat

We all know how this one goes – keep out of the heat when it’s at its hottest, this is between 11am and 3pm. And if you’re wondering how long can a newborn be in the sun – the answer is not at all. Babies under six months old should be keep in a shaded place.

5. Keep windows shut

Contrary to what you may think, the NHS advise that you shut windows and pull down the shades when it gets hotter outside. The only time to open windows is for ventilation in your baby’s room. This will help to keep it as cool as possible. You can also use shades or reflective materials outside the windows.

6. Make the most of the mornings

If your child hasn’t woken you already by 6am to watch the new Thomas & Friends TV show on Milkshake, then it’s time to haul yourself out of bed! The morning is the best time of day for walks, especially before 10am, when UV light has not yet reached its peak.

And if you’re wondering how to keep baby cool in stroller, make sure it’s well ventilated and maybe add on a clip-on fan.

7. Taking a cool bath

We’re not suggesting that you go all Wim Hoff on us! However one of the best ways how to cool down a toddler before bedtime is with a cooler bath. Not a cold bath, and definitely not an ice bath – just a bath that’s a bit cooler than usual. This is also a fun way to get into relaxation mode before slumber, with some water play. As ever, do not leave children unsupervised in the bath.

8. What clothes to put baby in during heatwave

Little ones can get very hot at night and it can be hard for parents to know what to put them to sleep in. It's an endless worry how to keep baby cool in hot weather at night and what clothes to put them in. Howeve, the Baby Centre has produced this helpful guide:

• If the temperature is over 26°C, they should sleep in just a vest
• Between 24 and 25°C, a vest and a light blanket or sleeping bag with a tog of 0.5
• If it’s between 22 and 23°C, a vest alongside a sleeping bag or blanket with a tog of 1 will suffice
• If it’s between 18 and 21°C, add a sleepsuit to the vest and 1 tog sleeping blanket.

So there you have it, eight helpful tips for how to stay safe in hot weather. If you enjoyed this, check out our guide on turning your hobby into a money spinner here