health
One in six babies in England live in overheated homes
More than 70,000 babies living in hot homes as climate change drives record temperatures
TL;DR
- One in six babies in England live in overheated homes, affecting over 70,000 infants.
- An estimated 1.6 million children live in properties that are too hot.
- Overheating poses serious health risks to children under five, especially babies, including increased risk of SIDS.
- Parents struggle to keep rooms at the recommended 16C-20C during heatwaves.
- Existing UK homes are designed to retain heat and lack cooling features.
- Overheating disrupts children's sleep, harms their physical health, and affects concentration.
- Experts warn that without adaptations, heat-related deaths could rise significantly by 2050.
- Recommendations for keeping babies cool include maintaining room temperature, using light clothing, and ensuring airflow.
- Urgent action is needed to ensure homes can be kept at safe temperatures and to strengthen building regulations.