At the beach, in the car or during a simple outing, the heat can quickly become dangerous for young ones. Before going out, it is therefore better to adopt good reflexes. Here are 8 of them, validated by Dr Xavier Ballongue.
Hydrate them well
The first instinct is to hydrate them well. Because children don’t always ask for a drink, even when they are thirsty.
“Young children are a bit like the elderly: they are more vulnerable to heat and become dehydrated more easily. We must therefore anticipate and not wait for them to ask for water“, recalls the doctor.
On the quantity side, “allow between 1 and 1.5 liters of water per day per child“, specifies the specialist.
Protect their heads all day
Another essential: protect their heads as soon as they go out.
“The hat is a must, especially in 40 degree weather“, insists the practitioner.
Choosing the right clothes
During heatwaves, the choice of clothing is also crucial. In fact, it is better to favor natural materials, which allow more air to circulate.
“I recommend wearing very light clothing, in cotton or linen, for example.“, advises Dr Xavier Ballongue.
On the plate, focus on freshness
When temperatures soar, diet can also help toddlers cope better with the heat.
“Avoid hot drinks and hot foods“, recommends the medical expert.
Choose your sunscreen wisely
This goes without saying, but not all sunscreens are created equal.
“Choose a sunscreen with an SPF 50 index and choose quality products, available in pharmacies. Also consider replacing their sunscreen after a year, as its effectiveness may decrease. Reapply every two hours (sometimes more often, depending on the intensity of the UV). Finally, after surgery, any scar must be protected from the sun for a year“, explains the doctor.
Protect their eyes
Children’s eyes also deserve special attention.
“Sunglasses are essential to protect your eyes. Buy them in pharmacies and check that they carry the CE marking, which guarantees their compliance with European standards“, he emphasizes.
No beach during the hottest hours
Is a trip to the beach planned today? In this case, it is better to choose the right time.
“We avoid going out between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., especially during periods of high heat. Young children should never be exposed to the sun in the afternoon, at the risk of suffering from sunstroke or solar rash.“, confides the practitioner.
Be extra vigilant in the car
Finally, vigilance must be maximum in the car.
“In the car, the sun’s rays pass through the windows. So consider installing sunshades to better protect your children. And above all, never leave a child alone in their car seat, even for a few minutes: the temperature inside the vehicle can reach 50°C in less than an hour“, alerts the specialist.
What if your child is sick?
During heatwaves, a child with a fever is even more exposed to the risk of dehydration. In this case, it is better to postpone outdoor activities.
“If they have a fever, we keep them cool, at home. We don’t take them to the beach or the pool!“, concludes Dr Xavier Ballongue.