Warm summer days can mean a chance to head outdoors and play. On very hot days, however, children need some extra care.
Children don’t always know when they are getting too hot. This can be because they are having fun and distracted. But the main reason is their body systems that help them regulate heat aren’t fully developed.
On very hot days, children can get dehydrated quickly. This puts them at risk of heat illness.
On days of extreme heat
- Make sure your child has plenty of cool water on hand, and remind them to drink regularly.
- If you plan to be outside and active, make sure you take regular breaks in the shade.
- Apply sunscreen and reapply. Ask them to put their hat on and keep it on.
- Know the signs of heat illness and be on the lookout for them. Signs to watch for:
- They are looking unwell, being floppy or more irritable than usual, having drier skin, refusing to drink or having fewer wet nappies than usual.
- The soft spot on top of a baby’s head (fontanelle) may also be lower than usual.
Read more on looking after babies and young children on hot days
For more information on looking after your family on extreme hot days, this web page has more information extreme heat Look under ‘Resources for the public’. You will find information on caring for babies and young children, and caring for older children and teens.