Summer Safety: Protecting Your Child from the Heat
Summer Safety: Protecting Your Child from the Heat
As we enjoy the sunny summer days, it’s crucial to remember that the heat can be tough on your child. Children’s bodies are more vulnerable to the intense sun. Kids haven’t fully developed their thermoregulation processes, so they can easily overheat in the sun and quickly get chilled by a sudden breeze. Even older children and school-age kids might not realize they’re getting too much sun. By taking precautions, you can ensure the sun is beneficial for your child.
What Should We Wear?
Carefully evaluate your child’s summer wardrobe. Set aside clothes with high synthetic content. Opt for outfits made of cotton, thin viscose, or linen. Just make sure the fabric isn’t rough; coarse linen can irritate the skin.
For their feet, choose socks with soft elastic and sandals made from natural materials. Rubber shoes are convenient for the beach but not suitable for walks as they can make feet sweat. Don’t forget a sun hat; it should fit loosely and have some ventilation.
Time to Seek Shade
It’s best to walk with your child before noon or after 5 PM when the sun isn’t as harsh. Plan your route through parks, gardens, or alleys; the dappled shade from trees allows for some vitamin D while preventing overheating. If you’re heading to the beach, bring a large umbrella. It’s essential to have a shady retreat and avoid prolonged play under direct sunlight.
Signs of overheating include a red face, sweat on the forehead and around the mouth, apathy, lethargy, or excessive excitement. If you notice these, wipe your child with a damp towel, give them a drink, fan them, take them home, and let them rest.
Healthy Tanning
Protect your child’s skin from the scorching sun, not just at the resort but also in the city or at the playground. Apply a special children’s sunscreen with a high protection factor to exposed skin areas about 10 minutes before going out. If you notice redness on their face, shoulders, or knees during the walk, take them home, rinse the affected areas with cool water, and apply a sunburn remedy.
Stay Hydrated
Bathing can be a relief from the heat. Encourage your child to shower frequently. However, avoid prolonged swimming in open water or pools, as it’s easy to get sunburned or chilled. Ensure they take breaks every 15-20 minutes.
The body loses a lot of fluids, so keep a bottle of mineral water handy. Unsweetened tea or light kefir can also quench thirst. Avoid sugary sodas, as they can increase thirst. Following these simple measures will help your child cope better with the heat.
For more information on child health, visit HealthyChildren.org.
