Temperatures set to be hotter than Ibiza this week, and a car safety specialist has shared five tips to help parents keep children cool and safe during the heatwave this Bank Holiday weekend12:04, 22 May 2026Updated 12:16, 22 May 2026Parents urged to make 2 changes to car before driving this Bank Holiday weekendWith temperatures set to soar higher than Ibiza this week, parents up and down the country are scratching their heads over how to keep their little ones cool in the car. During spells of hot weather, vehicles essentially become greenhouses, reaching dangerously high temperatures when left sitting in direct sunshine.‌This can cause plastic and metal components inside the car to become untouchable, with leather seats proving particularly sweltering and uncomfortable. As adults, we can tolerate a degree of discomfort, but it's certainly not something we'd want our children to endure.‌As parents battle to keep their youngsters comfortable and cool during hot weather journeys, Kat Gemmell, car safety specialist at Silver Cross with 16 years of experience, has put forward five golden rules to help.‌Kat is urging all parents to fit multiple UPF-approved sunshades in their vehicles, covering both rear passenger windows as well as the back window.She said: "During particularly sunny and hot periods, I would recommend using UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rated sun shades. These offer great protection against UVA and UVB rays for both your children and yourself.‌"This is especially useful for any longer car journeys you may be taking this Bank Holiday weekend. Consider also adding these sun shades to the rear window for small children currently using rear facing car seats."Kat also advised covering your child's car seat whenever it's not in use, shielding the plastic and metal buckles from direct sunlight. She said: "When not in use, I always suggest covering your car seat with a light-coloured muslin or cloth. This layer helps to keep the plastic buckles out of direct sunlight (as well as prevent the seat cover from fading).Content cannot be displayed without consent‌"Any plastic items can get very hot when in the sun, so covering the car seat up allows you to have peace of mind that the seat will be comfortable for your little one."Another handy way to keep your child cool while travelling is by dressing them in light, breathable clothing to ensure they stay protected and comfortable. You can also help regulate their temperature by switching the air conditioning on a few minutes before they climb into the car.Kat said: "Before setting off, it's always a good idea to start the air conditioning. If you skip this step, cars can become uncomfortably warm. Simply turn on the air conditioning and place your child in the car seat once it feels cool and comfortable."Article continues belowKat's final piece of advice was aimed more specifically at parents considering purchasing a new car seat.She said: "If you're currently on the look out for a new car seat, look out for designs which include breathable fabrics and in-built seat ventilation for added airflow. These make all the difference all year round, but especially on those hot summer days."At Silver Cross, temperature-regulating bamboo fabric is used on all newborn inserts for car seats, helping to keep your child cool during longer car journeys."