Hot water bottles are not as safe as you think

There's a chill in the air and the kids are no longer refusing to wear their coats to school so winter is just around the corner.

Parents are being urged not to use hot water bottles or weighted blankets as temperatures drop.

Experts at iCandy and The Lullaby Trust are urging parents to avoid using hot water bottles and weighted blankets on their babies this winter. 

With temperatures dropping, it's tempting to want to layer up and get as cosy as possible. However, as young babies can't regulate their body temperature, they can easily overheat.

This means they have a higher risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

The iCandy experts and The Lullaby Trust have suggested avoiding the below methods:

1. Using hot water bottles
2. Using weighted blankets during nap or bed time
3. Placing babies near radiators or heat sources whilst they sleep
4. Putting babies down to sleep in outdoor clothing, hats or hoods

Instead, the experts recommend using light layers that easily be taken away if your baby starts to feel too warm.

You should also keep the room temperature between 16-20 degrees.

Parents should also regularly check their child's body temperature, which is essential for making sure their baby isn't overheating. 

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