How to keep babies warm during cold weather and other winter tips

Much of the UK is being hit with another major cold spell.

Here are some tips for coping with sub-zero temperatures.

Marita Moloney, BBC News Live reporter writes:

Many drivers have been waking up to frozen landscapes - and the need to de-ice their cars.

But they are warned not to use boiling water to de-ice windscreens - hot water can crack the glass and the water will only freeze again on the screen or on the ground.

Instead, the AA recommends turning on the car engine - ensuring the wipers are off to avoid damage - and directing warm air to the windscreen.

You should also turn on your rear windscreen heater, and use air-con if you have it to ensure your windows don't fog up.

The next step is to clear any snow with a soft brush, before using a scraper and liquid de-icer.

The AA also advises motorists to steer clear of gimmicky hacks such as rubbing half a potato on the inside windows and windscreen to stop them steaming up, which risks smearing the glass.

Michelle Roberts, BBC News health editor writes:

Flu and certain other diseases that cause colds and sore throats are more common at this time of year.

Cases of norovirus - the winter vomiting bug - have risen, and Covid is still around too.

When it is cold outside we tend to spend more time indoors, where it can be easier to catch an infection.

For example, coughs and sneezes in an enclosed space with little or no ventilation (windows closed, doors shut) can quickly spread illnesses from person to person.

Practising good hygiene - using and then binning a tissue for coughs and sneezes and washing your hands - can help prevent this.

Beth Timmins, BBC News business reporter writes:

Many people use portable heaters as an alternative to switching on the central heating, but they can pose a serious fire hazard if not used carefully.

Firefighters and safety managers from the Electrical Safety First charity say you should place your heater on a flat surface to ensure it will not fall over.

It should be at least 3ft (1m) away from anything flammable. You should not let curtains, clothes, blankets, duvets or armchairs lean against it.

You should not use your heater to dry your washing, or leave it unattended for long periods of time, or overnight.

Experts also warn against plugging heaters into extension leads, as this could cause a fire.

Leaving electric blankets on for too long can also be dangerous, so use the timer function.

You should not use an electric blanket at all if any of the heating wires are visible, there is damage to the power cord or control unit, or it gives off a smell when switched on.

Using gas heaters also carries the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, so you should have a carbon monoxide alarm in the same room.

Babies and children under five are more at risk in cold weather.

The NHS advises that children should wear several layers of clothes to keep warm.

At night, it recommends using a number of lightweight blankets.

Importantly, babies do not need hot rooms at night - a room temperature of between 16-20C (61-68F) is ideal. Overheating is one of the potential causes of sudden infant death syndrome.

Remember heads and hands during the winter, the NCT charity says. Keep your baby's head warm when going outside, and use mittens or gloves to stop heat loss.

In the car, for safety reasons you should keep thick jumpers and coats to a minimum, so there is not too much padding between your child and the car seat straps.

If necessary, you can lay a blanket on top of them once they are safely strapped in.

Like humans, animals can be at risk of hypothermia if they become too cold.

Veterinary charity PDSA advises giving dogs and cats extra blankets for their beds over the winter months. Raised beds can keep older dogs away from draughts, while cats may like high-up dens.

The charity also recommends extra playtime for pets to make sure they keep active if they are spending less time outside. Indoor toys can help.

Consider keeping cats inside overnight and provide an indoor litter tray.

A sudden drop in temperature can also have a big impact on outside pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs. They should be given extra bedding for warmth and, if possible, moved to a more sheltered space or even brought inside.

But you should make sure they have enough indoor space to exercise safely.

Dogs still need walks during cold weather. Usually, their fur will keep them warm.

But the RSPCA advises buying a winter coat or jumper for sick or elderly dogs, or those with thinner fur.

You should check your pet's paws if they have been in snow and ice, as cold temperatures, grit and salt can damage the pads, the PDSA says.

If you have to walk in the dark, make sure you and your dog can be seen with hi-vis leads, coats, and LED collars.

Drying clothes on radiators is a common practice in the winter.

But it can mean turning on heating in parts of the home you are not using. You may also risk making your home damp, which can cause mould.

One option is to use a dehumidifier, which takes water out of the air. Some have laundry settings and can be run for several hours next to wet clothes on a drying rack.

Financial journalist Martin Lewis previously pointed out on his podcast that running a dehumidifier is generally "far, far cheaper" than putting on the heating in a room.

You still have to buy a dehumidifier in the first place, but it could prove a good investment.

Beth Timmins, BBC News business reporter writes:

During previous cold spells, the social media website TikTok has been full of tips for cheap makeshift heaters constructed from tealights and terracotta pots.

However, firefighters say they are dangerous and strongly warn against using them.

In one case, a fire broke out in a flat in Derby when one of the devices failed, and about 50 people had to be evacuated from their homes.

The local fire service said heat released from the base of the tea lights weakened the terracotta plates on which they were standing.

This caused the homemade heater to collapse, and the melted wax to ignite.

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