Summer is predicted to have many prolonged hot spells, not only bringing hot air but also posing many potential health risks, especially for young children.
Children's bodies are quite sensitive to weather changes, especially vulnerable to UV rays and can experience problems such as heatstroke, dehydration, etc.
Parents should pay attention to basic child care steps during hot days to help children have a healthy and safe summer.
Providing enough water and nutrients
Children have a high metabolic rate but their ability to regulate body heat is quite weak, so the risk of dehydration in hot weather will be something parents need to pay attention to. Supplementing water regularly for children such as fresh fruit juice, or milk, mineral water... will be optimal choices for summer.
At the same time, parents should avoid drinking carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks that are both harmful to health and can cause more dehydration.
In addition, nutrition also plays an important role. Prioritize relieve heat and digestible foods such as green vegetables, water-y fruits (watermelon, oranges, grapefruits), yogurt... dividing the daily portion of food into children will help their digestive system function better.
Protect your skin and eyes
Children's skin is quite delicate and sensitive, so it is easily damaged by UV rays from the sun. Before letting your baby out for about 20 - 30 minutes, apply sunscreen specifically for children.
This cream will be able to resist both UVA and UVB rays, which is great for protecting children's skin when going out. Parents should also reapply ice cream every 2 hours or after children sweat a lot during physical activity outdoors.
dressing is also a key factor in the hot summer. Parents should wear loose, airy clothes made from sweat-absorbing materials such as cotton, flax, etc.
Prioritizing light-colored clothing to absorb less heat, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are necessary measures to protect the skin and eyes of young children.
Choose time and space for entertainment
The hottest time of summer is usually from 10am to 4pm. During this period, the intensity of UV rays is very high and the outdoor hot weather is also at its peak.
Therefore, minimize children's participation in outdoor activities. Prioritize indoor activities or playgrounds with roofs and air conditioners.
Recognize unusual signs
Parents also need to pay attention to children's expressions to detect early unusual signs caused by heat. Initial symptoms may include: red skin and hot body, sweating, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath...
When children have these signs, it is necessary to quickly take them to a cool place, take their clothes off, and supplement water slowly to help them quickly regain their alertness. You can use a towel to clean your body, especially the armpits, groin and neck. If the condition does not improve or shows more severe signs such as seizures, quickly take the child to the nearest medical facility for timely treatment.
Caring for and protecting children during hot days requires attention and correct understanding from parents. Parents can help their children effectively prevent health risks caused by harsh weather to ensure children have a fun and safe summer experience.
