Heat waves happen when the temperature is higher than normal for several days in a row. Feeling humid might make things feel much hotter.
Too much heat can be more dangerous for babies and children than for adults, and dehydration in children can be dangerous or even deadly. Children’s bodies have more trouble regulating temperature than those of adults, and they rely on adults to help protect them from heat.
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Here are some tips to care for infant and children during Heatwave:
- check regularly if your child is thirsty, sweating, feeling hot, vomiting, has a dry and sticky mouth, or experiencing headaches. If your child is not responding properly, has a high fever, is dizzy or is breathing fast, take them to the health facility immediately.
- make sure that your child is clothed loosely – this can help prevent heat rashes and becoming too hot.
- Do not let your children play outside for long hours when it is hot and without keeping an eye on them. Have them rest every 30 minutes when exercising or playing outside. Exercising or playing in high temperatures can lead to dehydration and serious consequences quickly
- check that your child is well hydrated. They may not know what dehydration and heat stress feel like. Breastfeed infants under 6 months exclusively. Breastfeeding mothers should drink plenty of water as dehydration can affect breastmilk production. Children aged 6 months and over should drink water regularly throughout the day.
- Don’t leave infants and children in closed spaces without ventilation, such as cars or rooms with closed windows.
- When outside, wear sunscreen and try to stay in the shade or use hats and umbrellas for protection.
- Keep your home cool,
- When possible, close the curtains during the hottest parts of the day and open windows at night time to cool down the house.
