We are suffocated these days. According to forecasts, temperatures will now exceed 40 degrees in several provinces of Spain, so it is very important that we take into account some recommendations to deal with the heat wave with children.
Exposure of the body to very high temperatures can have consequences such as dehydration or heat stroke, especially in young children, who are more susceptible to them. Let's see what advice to follow to avoid them.
Wear cap and sunscreen
Avoiding direct sun on the head is a fundamental measure to avoid heat stroke. If we face a rapid exposure to a very high outside temperature and we do not have elements to protect ourselves from it, the organism's thermoregulation mechanism may be affected and not act properly.
The caps, preferably with wide visor and breathable, help to avoid direct sunlight on the child's head, which can lead to heat stroke with headaches, and in severe cases even loss of consciousness.
Sun protection to protect your skin from possible burns is also essential if the child is going to be outdoors, even when in the shade.
Drink liquids
When temperatures are high, the body regulation mechanism causes us to sweat so the body needs to replenish fluids more frequently to avoid dehydration.
Therefore, water consumption in summer is very important. Babies and young children are more likely to suffer from dehydration since the percentage of water in their body is higher and their balance is weaker. The thirst regulating centers are still maturing, and have a greater difficulty in addressing the need for water.
To children who are breastfed, you have to offer your chest more frequently, because through the mother's milk they receive the water, salts and nutrients necessary to avoid dehydration.
The amount of daily water a child should drink is between 50-60 ml per kilo of weight, that is to say half a liter of water for a 10 kg baby, for example. We must anticipate the sensation of thirst. Experts recommend giving water, juices or dairy products every two hours to children between 0 and 3 years old.
Hydration can also be provided through foods such as fruit (natural pieces or juices), fresh and cooked vegetables and vegetables. Also ice cream, cold teas, fresh smoothies, etc.
Avoid sun exposure in the central hours of the day
To prevent heat stroke or dehydration, it is best to avoid exposing the child to the sun in the central hours of the day, between 11 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon.
Find a shady and cool place if you are going to be outdoors, it can be under a tree, or an umbrella, wetting the child's head or using a vaporizer with water to cool him. Always with fresh clothes and the smallest possible clothes.
At home, turn to fans, air conditioners, fans, fresh showers.
Do not leave children in the car ... not even for five minutes
Despite the recommendations, unpleasant news is known every summer about children who have suffered serious consequences (some even death) from being left inside the car at high temperatures.
You should never leave a child in a car, neither in winter nor in summer, but in summer it is especially dangerous. The temperature that reaches inside a car is enough to dehydrate in a few minutes, being able to faint or even die.
Remember that young children manage heat worse than adults.
We hope that these tips come in handy these days when the heat wave It seems to give us no respite. Children must be well protected and hydrated to enjoy summer days in a healthy and safe way.
