5 Tips to Protect Your Child from Heat
Protect Your Child from Heat
It’s hot out
there! With summer temperatures on the rise, it’s important to keep your
children safe from heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heat
exhaustion. Keep your kids cool and healthy with these five tips on how to
protect your child from the heat this summer!
Children are sensitive to the weather
Summer is a great time for children, but it
also brings its fair share of heat-related problems. Children love summer, but
if they are not well protected, they can suffer heat stroke and get sick.
Parents should take precautions in order to keep their children healthy during
hot weather conditions. Here are five tips that will help you out
steps you may follow in order you want to protect your child
1) Watch out for signs of dehydration
Dehydration
is one of the leading causes of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Children are
more vulnerable to dehydration because they have a larger surface area compared
to their body mass, which causes them to lose water faster. Make sure your
child stays hydrated all summer long by offering him or her plenty of water
throughout hot days. If your child becomes thirsty, offer something with
electrolytes, such as a sports drink or coconut water. It’s also important to make
sure he or she eats enough salt during hot weather, so be sure to add it to his
or her food! Avoid leaving children in cars: It’s tempting on a scorching
day—and if you leave windows cracked open, it might not seem like that big of a
deal—but leaving kids in cars is never okay. On an 80-degree day, for example,
temperatures inside a car can rise above 120 degrees within 10 minutes. Even if
you’re just running into a store for five minutes, there’s no reason why your
child should be left alone in his car seat.
2) Wear light-colored, breathable clothing
Light-colored
clothing can help your child stay cool because it reflects sunlight and doesn’t
trap heat like dark colors can. If you plan on being outdoors for a long period
of time, make sure your child is wearing a hat. Research has shown that hats
can help reduce your child’s chances of suffering a heat-related illness by
30%. Also, keep some sunscreen handy in case you get stuck outside longer than
expected. Some experts recommend applying sunscreen every hour, but in hot and
humid weather, reapplying every 30 minutes might be more appropriate.
3) Stay in the shade
Summer heat
can be dangerous for everyone. Children are particularly vulnerable, as they
have small bodies that produce high amounts of heat relative to their size. To
prevent heat-related health problems and reduce your child’s risk of heat
stroke or dehydration, keep them in shaded areas when possible. If you have to
leave the shade and go into direct sunlight, dress your child lightly—dressing him
or her in layers is a good idea—and keep an eye on him or her while he plays.
If you see signs of distress such as flushed skin, confusion or fatigue, bring
your child indoors immediately.
4) Avoid high temperatures
High
temperatures are especially dangerous for children, who face certain
heat-related health problems, such as dehydration. Make sure your child stays
hydrated and avoids long, outdoor activities during peak summer hours. The best
way to ensure they don’t suffer under extreme weather conditions is by
scheduling their outdoor playtime early in the morning or after sunset.
Remember that children love summer—but it might not be as much fun if they have
heat stroke. Always keep an eye on them when playing outside. Also remember
that older adults, pets, and those with medical conditions should stay indoors
in hot weather as well. Always check up on them regularly to make sure they’re
staying cool and comfortable during hot spells. If you know someone who has a
medical condition (or you yourself do), never leave home without your medicine
or prescriptions!
5)
Know how to treat a heat stroke
If you
suspect that your child is suffering from heat stroke, start with these first
aid tips. This condition results in an excessive rise in body temperature, which
can be fatal if not treated immediately. It’s important to know how treat a
heat stroke in order for your child’s symptoms to improve as quickly as
possible. Treating a heat stroke takes time, so don’t give up on your child
until their core temperature has returned to normal! You should also keep in
mind that children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses than adults
are, so it’s even more important to watch them closely during hot weather.
If your
child suffers from a serious case of heat exhaustion or develops a dangerous
fever, call 911 immediately and seek medical attention right away. The faster
they receive treatment, the better their chances of recovery will be. Also, keep
in mind that young children tend to overheat much faster than adults do—they
have less muscle mass and less fat than adults do, meaning they have fewer ways
of releasing excess body heat. Make sure you take extra precautions when
watching over young children during hot weather!
Some
food that helps children to be healthy
To help your child stay safe in hot weather,
try adding some of these foods (and drinks) into their diet. Water – drinking
plenty of water throughout hot days is important for children. They’re more
prone to dehydration and heat exhaustion than adults, so water should be
consumed frequently. Kale – leafy greens like kale are rich in iron which helps
carry oxygen around your body. These will keep your children healthy as well as
provide them with a nutrient-rich diet that’s light on calories. Cantaloupe – Cantaloupe
is high in vitamin A and C, two vitamins known for boosting immune systems
during hotter months. Bananas – bananas contain potassium which helps balance
sodium levels in bodies and aids in digestion among other functions.