The 'constant fear' of living in an overheated home with a baby
Summary
A family in east London is struggling with very hot indoor temperatures in their flat, which reached over 31°C, making it hard to keep their baby safe and comfortable. Experts warn that many children in England live in overheated homes, which can cause health problems, and call for better home designs and government support to handle rising heat from climate change.Key Facts
- Jackson Bylett and his family live in a hot flat in east London, where temperatures have passed 31°C indoors.
- The NHS advises babies should sleep in rooms between 16 and 20°C to avoid health risks.
- Over 70,000 babies in England live in homes that become uncomfortably hot, with 1.59 million children affected overall.
- Babies are vulnerable to heat because they cannot regulate their body temperature well, increasing risks like sudden infant death syndrome.
- A survey showed 70% of parents said overheating disrupts their children's sleep, and nearly half said it affects concentration.
- England’s homes were mostly built for cooler climates, so now keeping heat out is a growing challenge.
- Experts recommend using blinds, reflective films, and staying hydrated as short-term solutions.
- Longer-term solutions include better data, home upgrades, and government funding for changes like external shutters and reflective paint.
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