I read on the page of the State Meteorological Agency, that for tomorrow Tuesday temperature drops are expected in some areas, while in others it will be higher. Summer has arrived, and I cannot say that by surprise, since I know that the change of season has happened; and it has done so with a “heavy” sensation of heat, since by the end of June we have already reached 30º some days.
There is a compelling reason for us to be careful with our sons and daughters when the thermometer reaches worrying levels. This is especially relevant in the case of babies and very young children, and it is for two reasons: on the one hand the smallest of the house accumulate heat more quickly, due to the lower body surface / fluid volume ratio.
Will I know when my child is hot?
And on the other, they may not express their own feeling of warmth, or at least not as adults expect, in fact they may just be irritable. A child becomes dehydrated quickly if fluid intake is not monitored, because when they perspire they lose part of the volume of body fluids. So this would be the first recommendation: ensure good hydration through fluid intake (mainly water), and especially if they are going to practice some type of physical activity (even running on the beach or riding a bicycle).
Its temperature regulation system is not mature like yours, but you can still look at the nape and cheeks: if the first one sweats and the second ones turn red, you can translate it into their discomfort because they are experiencing heat.
Tips for coping with excessive heat.
Drink before, during and after exercise, it helps to maintain the volume of body fluid, avoiding unnecessary risks inherent to high temperatures. Although we should also be aware of keeping them in cool and ventilated places during the central hours of the day.; And if (exceptionally) we spend the day outside the house in a place without natural shade (such as groves or narrow streets), do not rely on umbrellas and cover the little ones with wide-brimmed hats, while we are providing them with liquid.
And since we are talking about covering the heads, it should also be mentioned that the best clothing to combat the heat is that of natural fabrics (cotton, linen), loose fitting and in light colors. If the child sweats excessively, you can dry him with a towel and change his clothes, you can also refresh with water, as long as you previously let the skin cool.
And inside the house?
Inside the house, in addition to using ventilation systems (we recommend rereading this old post), it is convenient to ventilate with open windows and raised blinds first thing in the morning, and then close and cover the different rooms, according to their orientation.
Heat stroke: avoid for the safety of children
Some of the risks associated with excessive heat are dehydration, exhaustion, swelling in the extremities, cramps, ... And of course the most serious (because it is the cause of death on occasions) is the dreaded "heat stroke" (which we also know as sunstroke).
It happens because the body temperature rises dangerously; the physical manifestations are vomiting, tachycardia, dizziness, vomiting, and headache. Children under four years of age deserve special care, since they have fewer water reserves.
Heatstroke occurs every year from leaving children alone in a closed car, and we must strive to avoid these events.
Heat stroke as a consequence of leaving the little ones alone in the car can be avoided by being very careful and remembering three simple tips:
- Avoid damage in advance: you don't have to leave them alone in the car for a minute.
- Generation of habits to avoid confusion: moms and dads who rush from one place to another always busy can adopt the habit of placing their personal (and necessary) items in the back seats of the car. In this way you are always aware of taking your little one in the car.
- If you are a passerby and you see that a small child has been left alone in a car, and especially if the vehicle is parked outdoors on a sunny day, do not hesitate to call the emergency number (112); Even if you notice that he is breathing with difficulty, sweating a lot, crying or is visibly uncomfortable, communicate in the call that you are going to try to get him out by breaking the glass of the car.
We hope that these tips will help you, and that your summer, despite the heat, is safe and healthy.