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Beat The Heat: 7 Ways To Keep Your Child Cool And Comfortable This Summer

Throwing a bucket of icy cold water over your little one not included

In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in the midst of a heat wave. And it’s glorious. The soaring temperatures (apparently we’re set to reach 30 degrees) and clear blue skies have had us all donning our skimpy summer wear and reaching for the FroYo.

But while this Mediterranean-like heat is largely a treat, it can be dangerous – especially for young children, Public Health England has warned. The summer can be a tricky season for keeping a child safe and comfortable – overdress a baby and he could get a heat rash or leave him in the sun too long and he could get burnt.

However, with a little effort and planning, it’s simple to make the summer months enjoyable for your little one.

You don't need to take away the fun of the sun, just take precautions. [Rex]
You don't need to take away the fun of the sun, just take precautions. [Rex]



Choose Clothes Carefully
When picking out your child’s outfit, a good rule is to dress your child the way you’re dressed. I.e. if you’re wearing shorts and a vest top, then your little one will be comfortable in something similar.

But if you’re heading out, it’s worth covering your tot up as much as possible – to avoid direct contact with the sun. Choose loose-fitting and lightweight garments, ideally made from cotton.

Swap his sleeping bag for a summer version, made from a lightweight and breathable fabric to keep him cool at night.

If you're cool enough in a T-shirt, then your baby probably will be too. [Rex]
If you're cool enough in a T-shirt, then your baby probably will be too. [Rex]



Keep The House Ventilated
Use a room thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature in your home – particularly in your tot’s bedroom. Baby Safe Sleep Charity Lullaby Trust advises that a child’s room is kept between 16-20°C and a thermometer will help you make sure that this is the case.

Use a fan in your child’s room before his bedtime, so it’s cool by the time he goes to sleep. But don’t let it blow directly on him – or leave it anywhere near his grasp – during the night. If it gets really hot, you can hang wet towels over chairs. The evaporating water will help the air to cool.

Stay Hydrated
Experts recommend that children drink approximately five glasses of water a day and you should try to encourage your little one to keep this up when it’s hot.  

“Although children can become dehydrated from exercising in hot conditions, they can also be susceptible if they are ill and have persistent vomiting, diarrhoea or sweating from a fever,” says Dr Mair Parry, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

“The best way to keep your child happy and hydrated is by giving them diluted squash or fruit juice.  Rehydration solutions are also available from pharmacies.”

If your child isn't a fan of water, keep him hydrated with diluted squash or juice. [Rex]
If your child isn't a fan of water, keep him hydrated with diluted squash or juice. [Rex]





Stay Out Of The Sun
Babies under six months old should stay out of the sun entirely, because their skin is too sensitive for sunscreen and doesn’t yet contain enough melanin – the pigment that gives colour to hair, skin and eyes and provides a small amount of sun protection.  

Older children should stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm and if you do need to go out during those hours, dress your child in a hat and or use a sun-protective cover on your tot’s pushchair.

Use The Right Sunscreen
Children over the age of six months old should wear a sunscreen that’s specifically formulated for children and, where possible, doesn’t contain any parabens or fragrances that could irritate the skin. Don’t forget to apply cream on your child’s hands and feet, as these are often exposed to the sun.

“The best sun burn deterrent is to apply sun cream with a high SPF (SPF 50 for example) regularly and encourage your child to wear a hat,” says Dr Parry.

Cover every part of your child's exposed skin - including his hands and feet. [Rex]
Cover every part of your child's exposed skin - including his hands and feet. [Rex]



Get Clued Up On Treating Sunburn
If your child does get burnt, you should get him out of the sun as quickly as possible.

“Make sure he stays hydrated and apply aloe vera gel to the affected areas to cool the skin down,” says Dr Parry. “If he’s burnt over a large area and you are concerned, take your child to see a doctor.

“Although the effects of sun burn are normally felt for several days and children make a full recovery, it’s important that you try to avoid it because it can increase your child’s chances of developing skin cancer later in life. So talk to your children about the importance of protecting their skin and ensure they apply sun cream on those hot summer days.”

Recognise The Signs Of Heat Exhaustion
Too much direct contact with the sun isn’t good for us and can lead to heat exhaustion – extreme tiredness after being exposed to heat for a prolonged period of time. Sickness, feeling faint and heavily sweating are some of the main signs of heat exhaustion.

If this happens, take your child to a cool place and give him some water to drink and he should start to feel better within half an hour.

“If this isn’t treated, it can often result in heatstroke – a nasty condition when the body’s temperature becomes dangerously high which causes confusion, headache and thirst, nausea and rapid shallow breathing,” says Dr Parry. “In extreme cases, it can be fatal.” Children under the age of two are more at risk of developing heatstroke and it’s regarded as a medical emergency – so the NHS advises you call an ambulance.

Do you have any other tips? Share them in the comments below.

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