Skip to main content

Stay well in the heat

Working outside this week? Very hot weather is expected, but we know some jobs do not stop in the heat.

Stay safe while working outdoors – try to stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day where possible.

Protect your skin – it may be tempting to skip it if you’re pushed for time but sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer which can develop slowly. So while sunburn might feel better in a few days, it may have done long term damage which can be serious.

Use sunscreen with SPF30 or higher and at least 4-star UVA protection, or a UVA symbol in a circle.

Wear a hat to help protect your face and neck.

Check your sunscreen  – look for the open jar symbol with a number. This shows how many months it is safe to use after opening.

Take regular breaks, drink plenty of fluids and look after yourself while working in the heat. 

Keeping your baby safe in the sun – NHS

Hot weather is here! Our maternity team is here to help you keep your newborn cool and safe with these simple but important tips 

Keep your baby out of direct sunlight — their delicate skin is highly sensitive to UV rays

Use a clip-on sunshade or parasol on the pram — avoid blankets or muslins as they can trap heat

Aim for a room temperature of 16°C to 20°C — a room thermometer can help you keep track

Use a fan to circulate air, but never leave it running unattended while baby sleeps

Open windows and keep blinds or curtains closed during the day to help rooms stay cooler

You can view or download our full guide to extreme heat for newborns to keep handy on your phone or tablet: https://ow.ly/b7gM50Wcnao

More information from NHS UK: www.nhs.uk/…/first-aid…/safety/safety-in-the-sun

Stay cool, stay safe — and don’t hesitate to contact your midwife or health visitor with any concerns.