Keep calm and cool down!

Summertime, and the weather ain’t easy! Make sure you’re ready for the heat with these handy tools

As someone in the ‘family way’ (where does that phrase come from, by the way?!), you’re more susceptible to rising temperatures than most. And if you’re planning a trip somewhere hot, you’ll need all the cooling-down help you can get. Which is exactly what we’re here for!

First up, if you’re travelling abroad, it’s important you have a doctor’s certificate showing you’re fit to fly, as well as your medical notes. The NHS recommends you check with your airline and insurance company that they will allow you to travel while you’re pregnant. Beyond 28 weeks, most airlines require a letter from your GP or midwife confirming that you’re in good health, along with your due date.

Once you’re on the plane and after you’ve landed in your destination, it’s imperative that you stay hydrated. Pack this Thermos Double Wall Hydration bottle from John Lewis (£18) to top up throughout your trip. It will keep your beverage cool for longer.

Get your temperature just right with this Hand-Held fan from M&S (£6). It comes in three colours and is a big hit with customers. One pregnant reviewer wrote on the website, “Absolutely love this fan! I'm 35 weeks pregnant and it’s summer, so you can imagine how hot and swollen I get! But this fan has helped out sooooo much!”

Then, there’s this clever little guy with the most succinct name ever. It’s the USB Rechargeable Portable Handheld Humidifier Fan Mist Spray fan (phew! What a mouthful!). Available from eBay for £13.99, it comes with an in-built water tank from which a cool mist is sprayed and runs for up to seven hours.

Similarly, this Neewer Portable Fan & Mini Air Conditioner (£10.99, Amazon) offers power supply options including AA batteries, a USB port or a power adaptor. Decisions, decisions…

For a more direct approach, try Magicool’s Hot Weather Cooler (£4.99, Superdrug). It “cools, hydrates and calms the skin”, offering instant relief – and all without the need for a refrigerator!

If you’re a little more traditional, you’ll love this Ankara hand fan by Olele (£28.48, Etsy). Made from wood, African wax print cotton and leather, it’s been handmade in Spain with love.

You’ll always find a shady spot with this gorgeous Heart Shaped umbrella from The Umbrella Shop (£18.95). Also available in Snow White, Ivory and Soft Baby Pink, the wind-proof brolly offers 95% UV protection. What’s not to love?!