A HEATWAVE has swept across the UK, with some parts expected to reach 38C this week.

As temperatures continue to soar, it's important to know how to look after your baby in the sunshine.

Parenting expert Sophie Pickles said there are many things you can do to keep your little one safe.

When it comes to warm weather and drifting off, your little one might struggle - just as adults do.

Sophie, who is the expert at brand Munchkin, said that during hotter temperatures, you should use a thin summer sleeping bag at night and keep layers thin and light.

"The thin sleeping bags (0.5 tog) are good because you can always put a blanket over the top when you go to bed if necessary.

"Skip the sleepsuit and use a short-sleeved vest or even just a nappy," she advised.

When it comes to keeping your little ones' skin safe in the sun, you might think you need to slather them in SPF.

But for babies, Sophie said this is not the case because their skin is too sensitive.

Because of this, if you have a baby under the age of six months, then you should try and stick to the shade at all times.

"With slightly older babies, remember to use factor 50+ and stay out of the sun between the hours of 11 and 3.

"Don't be tempted to use a muslin or sun shade to cover the pram. This creates a dangerously hot environment, even with the thinnest piece of material", she said.

Opening the windows and letting in cool air is key during hot temperatures.

But Sophie warned that this can also mean the air inside the house can become polluted.

In order to keep little lungs safe, she advised using an air purifier, like Munchkin’s portable Air Purifier.

Babies under 12 months do not need extra water in addition to their milk, so don't stress if they keep spitting it out, Sophie said.

The guru advised that you can offer water at mealtimes and in the hot weather (to babies over 6 months) but remember that breast milk and formula will provide all the water they usually need.

"They might need more milk than usual however, to stay hydrated," she added.

In order to make the most of the warm weather and to cool baby down, Sophie says you should take bath time outside.

She added: "Not only will it mean less cranky post-bath babies (no nasty transitions from warm water to cold air) but they'll have so much fun too.

"The outdoors provides a wonderful learning environment for babies and young children, and the addition of water play makes the sensory experience even more enjoyable."

Most homes in the UK don't have built in air conditioning systems, making it hard for you to regulate the temperature in your little one's room.

The parenting expert said that if their room is too hot to sleep in, then you can use a bowel of ice and a fan to cool the air.

Many of us have been woken up at the crack of dawn by the sunlight and babies are no different.

The lighter nights also might mean that little ones struggle to drift off.

Sophie said that this combined with the temperature can mean more wake-ups.

She added: "Keep the room dark as you tend to their needs by using a nightlight. It means you can still see what you're doing without disturbing your baby even more."

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