Newborn and very young babies are among those at most risk of harm should they be overexposed to the sun's rays

A baby's sleep routine can be a difficult topic for parents at the best of times, but none more so than when a heatwave hits. Temperatures are set to reach as high as 37 degrees in some parts of Wales on Monday, surpassing the previous record of 35.2 degrees recorded in Hawarden, Flintshire, in 1990.

The searing heat is sure to pose a problem for everyone, but newborn and very young babies are among those at highest risk of harm should they be overexposed to the sun's rays. Heidi Skudder, known as 'the Parent and Baby Sleep Coach', has given her expert advice on how to help your baby sleep in such sweltering, uncomfortable conditions.

"Open the windows in the daytime but keep blinds or curtains closed to allow air in but to try and keep the overall room temperature down," she said. "Using a fan to circulate air can really help but don't have the fan pointing directly at your baby. A frozen ice pack or bowl of water in front of the fan can help create a bit of an air con effect when they first go to sleep."

Read more: This is what Wales looked like on the hottest weekend of the year as amber weather warning hit the country

She added: "Keep baby hydrated during the daytime. If breastfeeding baby will often need more feeds than usual, and if formula feeding small amounts of cooled boiled water alongside their milk can help stop them becoming dehydrated. Baby will likely need less layers if the room temperature creeps up. In a room that hits 24-plus degrees you're likely to need only a vest, 0.5 tog sleeping bag or even just a nappy.

"It is really normal for your baby to wake more frequently and take longer to fall asleep, just like we would (or have been). Allow yourself to factor in that everyone is going to be a bit more tired and grumpy until the heat passes. Depending on how you usually do things, keeping your baby's door open during the evening and then closing before the sun comes out in the early hours will help circulate air but stop them being woken by a 4.30am sunrise."

You can hear more from Heidi on the Live Talks main stage at The Baby Show, London Olympia on October 21-23 where she also be offering free one-to-one consultations. For more information go to www.thebabyshow.co.uk or go to @theparentandbabycoach on Instagram

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