Children and babies are more vulnerable in heatwaves than healthy adults. As temperatures rise again, how do we keep children safe?
According to the British Red Cross, heatstroke occurs when someone becomes so hot their brain’s thermostat fails. A child with heatstroke may have hot, flushed and dry skin, a headache, worsening confusion and restlessness, and a body temperature of more than 40C. He or she may lose consciousness. It is a medical emergency.
Overheating carries particularly serious health risks for children under five, and it is especially dangerous for babies, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (Sids).
During the June heatwave in the UK, one in six babies were living in overheated homes, according to research by housing activists. Some parents were going as far as booking air-conditioned hotel rooms to keep their children cool.
“Things to think about when it comes to children in heatwaves include: ensuring children stay well-hydrated; encouraging rest in cool, shaded areas; dressing children in light, loose-fitting clothing; and monitoring for signs of heat distress, such as fatigue, dizziness, or nausea,” said Dr Jessica Mee, an expert in heat physiology at the University of Worcester.
Babies, in particular, need special treatment, since they are so reliant on adults to make adaptations for them. In very hot weather, they may need extra breast or bottle feeds. They should not be left to sleep in their pram, which can become hot and airless, and when they are put down to sleep, parents should ensure there is good air circulation around them.
If you have a newborn, the National Health Service recommends keeping their room at a temperature of between about 16C and 20C.
If you are using a fan, do not point it directly at your baby, but use it to keep the air circulating around them. If you do not have a fan, and it is really hot, you can put cool, damp cloths on your baby’s body – but check on them regularly to ensure they are not getting too cold.