Ventilation is the key to keeping your baby cool it’s easy and cheap. Don’t just open the window of the room you are in - opening every window on one floor of your house allows for a breeze to flow through and cools everywhere down a little. Keeping the curtain partially closed will also help to block out the sun. Leaving it like this all day will mean that your baby’s bedroom will be cool at night. If your home has a loft hatch, opening it encourages excess heat to escape through the roof. If you choose to buy a fan, ensure that it is not in reach of your baby and that it is not blowing directly onto them.

Different bedding is required for your baby on warmer nights – use breathable natural fibres and keep any covers to a minimum, a thin cotton sheet is usually enough. Consider specially designed summer sleeping bags for your baby which are usually made of natural materials and can help maintain warmth without the risk of overheating.

Bathing your baby directly in cold water can be dangerous, but lukewarm water can be refreshing for them and reduce body temperature. As long as your baby is not in a cooler bath for a great length of time, it is a safe and quick way to ensure they don’t overheat.

Whilst it might initially sound like an odd suggestion, laying baby on a sheepskin rug or having a sheepskin pram liner can really help. Sheepskin is naturally thermostatic so keeps baby warm in winter and cool in summer. The fibres wick away moisture, are breathable and really will keep your baby cool. A sheepskin pram liner helps keep your baby cosy and comfortable drawing away any moisture and maintaining a normal body temperature.

 5. Keeping the sun out

Babies should never be in direct sunlight but this is particularly true on a hot day – just a few minutes is enough to burn their delicate skin. Pushchairs should have sun canopies over to protect them – never use blankets to keep babies out of the sun, as this will only trap the heat and make them warmer. If you need to go out in the car, leave it running for a short while with the air conditioning if you have it (or doors and windows open if not) to cool the car down. Use a sun shade on the window next to your baby to keep the light and heat off them as much as possible.