As temperatures reach the mid to high 20s across Scotland this week, it is important that more vulnerable members of the family are kept cool and comfortable.
The warm weather is a great time to go on a family trip out and enjoy the heat, but for young children - especially babies - it can become dangerous. To help keep everyone safe, there are some top tips that can ensure parents enjoy some time in the sun while keeping kids safe, cool and comfortable.
One of the most important things to note is to never cover a pram while it is hot out, as it can become dangerous very quickly.
It may seem like a good idea to keep the kids in the shade in the buggy, but it can get very hot in a short period of time.
Svante Norgren, a paediatrician at a children's hospital in Stockholm, told Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet: "It gets extremely hot down in the pram, something like a Thermos.
"There is also bad circulation of the air and it is hard to see the baby with a cover over the pram."
According to the research, temperatures went from 22C to 34C after a cover was applied.
Another good tip is to remove heavy bedsheets from the children's room. This may seem clear and obvious, but it is a great way to cool your kid down while they snooze.
Let them sleep in underwear or nappies with just a light cover. In the unlikely event they end up too cold, they will wake up and let you know.
An extremely important piece of advice is to never leave a child locked in a vehicle unattended.
No matter how quick you plan to be popping into that shop or house, never ever leave a child inside a car alone when it is hot outside.
You should also keep a cold cloth handy when you are out to cool your child down when they are running around.
Parents could also give their kids a slightly cooler bath before bed to refresh them, but make sure it's quick to ensure they don't get too cold.
A great and fun way of keeping children cool is by getting the paddling pool out in the back garden.
Most kids love to play in water so a paddling pool ticks two boxes.
Parents should also apply sun cream regularly and it is important to note that the term water-resistant doesn't always mean 'water-proof'.
You will still need to reapply after the paddling pool, just to be on the safe side.
Finding some shade when out on a walk or trip out the house could prove vital for children.
You can also make use of any shaded areas in the garden to create a fun area for them to play in.
If you're heading to the park or beach for the day, buying a tent or wigwam could be a good investment, to give them somewhere to escape the sun.
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