Babies and young children are very sensitive to hot weather. With summer on the way, now is a good time to get prepared. Here are some tips to protect them from the heat and prevent heat-related illness.
Keep them cool
Children love to play outside. Try to keep them inside during the hottest part of the day. This is usually mid to late afternoon.
When outside, wear hats and sunscreen (minimum SPF 30+) and stay in the shade.
Never leave babies or children alone in a car, even when the air-conditioning is on.
Regularly sponge down with lukewarm water.
Keep up the fluids
Offer babies who are breastfed extra breast feeds. If your baby is having infant formula offer cooled boiled water if extra fluid is needed. Offer young children drinks more often in hot weather. Water is the best choice.
Clothing
Dress them in lightweight and light-coloured clothing.
At home
Use air-conditioning or a fan to keep babies and children cool. If you use a fan, don’t point it directly towards your baby or child.
Find the coolest room in the house for a sleep.
Open doors and windows if possible and if it makes your house cooler.
Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day.
Check on babies and young children regularly.
In the pram or stroller
A common question is - should I use a pram cover on a hot day?
Media reports suggest that using a pram cover on a hot day can increase the temperature inside the pram, and put your baby at risk of overheating. While air flow around your baby is very important to keep them cool, it’s also very important to shield your baby from direct sunlight.
On hot days consider the following
- Avoid taking babies and children outside in the hottest part of the day. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade.
- As much as possible, keep your baby out of direct sun. Their skin can easily burn.
- If you need to go outside on a hot day with your baby, you may need to protect your baby’s skin from direct sun by using a light cloth over the pram. Check on your baby often to make sure the temperature inside the pram does not get too hot.
Remember
Never leave babies or children in a car.
Signs of heat stress and what to do
Babies and young children may not show signs and symptoms of being affected by the heat even though they are.
Signs to watch for 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.
If you think your baby or young child is suffering from the heat (with or without the above symptoms):
- call healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222
- call your GP and arrange to see them urgently
- take your baby to the emergency department of your nearest hospital.
For more information on how to keep babies and young children safe during hot weather