Prolonged heat not only makes adults tired but can also seriously affect the health of newborns. Because the body is still weak, children are more sensitive to high temperatures and more prone to dehydration than adults. Therefore, parents need to pay special attention to care to help children avoid getting too hot in the summer.
One of the most important ways is to limit children from going out when the temperature rises, usually from the end of the morning to mid-afternoon. If you need to take your child out, parents should choose early morning or late afternoon when the weather is gentler. Inside the house, it is necessary to keep the space ventilated with fans or air conditioners to help children feel better.
Getting enough water is also very important on hot sunny days. For breastfed or formula-fed children, parents need to ensure that the child is fully breastfed to avoid dehydration. Children over 6 months old can be supplemented with water according to appropriate instructions. Parents should also monitor the number of diaper changes or the amount of urine in the child to recognize signs of dehydration.
Choosing suitable clothes also helps children reduce the feeling of heat. Parents should prioritize loose, absorbent clothes made from natural materials such as cotton. Clothes that are too thick or hot can make children uncomfortable and sweat more. Light-colored clothes also help limit heat absorption.
The skin of newborns is very sensitive, so it needs to be protected from direct sunlight. When taking children outside, parents should wear wide-brimmed hats for children, cover them carefully and limit prolonged skin exposure to harsh sunlight. With sunscreen, parents should consult a doctor to choose products suitable for the child's age and skin.
Wiping the body with a warm towel or taking a light cool bath can also help children feel better on hot days. However, parents should not use water that is too cold because it can cause the child's body to suddenly become cold and difficult to adapt to the ambient temperature.
Keeping the room temperature stable is also necessary. Fans, air conditioners or dehumidifiers can help cool down the living space for children. However, parents need to avoid letting cold winds blow directly into children for a long time.
In particular, absolutely do not leave children alone in the car, even for a few minutes. The temperature in a closed car can increase very quickly and cause serious danger to infants.
In hot weather, parents should also regularly monitor signs such as red skin, heavy sweating, fussiness, fatigue or increased body temperature. If children have abnormal symptoms or are suspected of heat shock, they need to be taken to the doctor early for timely treatment.
