Don't let babies overheat

Joyce Epstein, FSID's director, said: 'Babies can get too hot for a variety of reasons, and room temperature is one of them. Our message to parents is: look at and touch your baby to see if they are too warm, and keep an eye on the room temperature.'

See also Reducing the risk of cot death.

Reduce the risk of cot death

DO

• use a thermometer in the room where your baby sleeps
• keep the room between 16C-20C (60F-70F)
• use lightweight sheets and layers of bedclothes
• tuck the bedclothes in
• feel your baby's tummy to check if he or she is too hot
• put your baby to sleep with feet at the bottom of the cot so they don't wriggle down under the covers
• remove baby's extra clothing, when you come in from outdoors

• use a duvet
• use too much bedding
• cover baby's head indoors or in bed
• place the cot next to a radiator
• let your baby sleep with a hot water bottle or electric blanket
• worry if your baby's hands or feet feel cool to your touch

For more information see
The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths website.