Tips and advice to protect children from the effects of heat waves and rising air temperatures

Weather of Arabia - With high temperatures during the summer, the risk of children being exposed to heat stroke increases, especially during the impact of a heat wave, which requires parents to be careful to protect their children from potential risks.

Exposing a child to periods of high temperatures poses three main risks: dehydration, heat stress and sunburn, so it is necessary to take the necessary preventive measures. Here are some tips on how to protect your children from the impact of a heat wave :

• Do not expose children under six months of age to sunlight; Because their skin is still sensitive and lacks the melanin that protects the skin from the sun's rays.
• Avoid exposure to the sun during peak hours, i.e. between eleven in the morning and three in the afternoon.
• Avoid going out of children, especially infants, on a day when temperatures are rising.
• Keep children out of the sun in shaded areas, as this protects their skin from the side effects of melasma, sunburn, and other sun damage.
• Ensure that children wear light and loose -fitting clothes that are made of cotton ; To absorb sweat as well as wear a hat , to protect the head and skin in general from sun damage.
• Care should be taken to apply sunscreen to children's skin, and make sure that it protects it well from ultraviolet rays.
• Give children fluids regularly, to maintain body temperature.
• Avoid sugary drinks such as soft drinks and caffeine; Because it increases the chances of dehydration in children.
• Avoid using a baby carrier, as it restricts air flow to them, which increases their suffering in high temperatures.
• A large canopy can be used for an open stroller , as it protects the child from the sun's rays.
• Avoid leaving a child or infant in the car alone , especially if it is exposed to bright sunlight.
• When exercising, drink 2 to 3 glasses of water every hour.
• Beware of dehydration: If the baby is less than six months old and is fed only his mother's milk, he may need more of his mother's milk . If he is using a bottle, you can offer him cold water during a heat wave . From the age of 12 months, children can drink fruit and vegetable juices to avoid dehydration.
• It is also advisable to bathe the child several times a day and immerse his body in water to reduce his body temperature.
• Make sure the baby's room temperature is kept between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius.

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Why is it not recommended to cover the stroller?

Some parents tend to cover their stroller with a coverlet or small blanket when the temperatures rise. However, this is a big mistake because in this case, it gets very hot in the stroller, the air circulation becomes very bad too, not to mention that it is difficult to see the baby when there is a blanket on the stroller.

A group of journalists conducted an experiment using two vehicles, one covered and the other not. The results showed that after an hour and a half, the temperature of the covered wagon was within 37 degrees Celsius, while the temperature of the other was only 22 degrees Celsius.

It is therefore recommended to keep the child in the shade if possible, because even light fabrics can make the interior of the stroller hot, or use the sun canopy, and it is recommended to check the child's temperature regularly during hot weather to keep it stable.

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