When temperatures are very high, it is useful to take some precautions with small children to avoid heatstroke, because compared to adults, children, like the elderly, tend to be more vulnerable and at risk.
Heatstroke, risk factors and prevention
The factors that can lead to heat stroke are certainly the high temperature, but also the little or no ventilation. While the aggravating aspect is the high humidity.
With regard to car trips, it is better to leave in the coolest hours. Remember to always bring water for the baby to drink and to regulate the air conditioning, as it is not even good for the little one to travel in too low temperatures. The advice that can be given is to turn off these air conditioning systems a little before coming to a stop, so his body can better adapt to the external climate and not undergo thermal changes.
These travel rules must also be remembered at home and on vacation. Try to avoid letting your baby out during the hottest hours of the day, especially if the humidity is high. At home it is advisable to create ventilation in the room, remembering that the ideal temperature should be around 22-24 degrees. Important is the dehumidification. The child should be covered just right. And when you go out, it is preferable to use light colored cotton and linen clothing to prevent the sun’s rays from being even more significant on the baby.
Under the year the baby should never be exposed directly to the sun and even further on, protection is essential. In addition to the high protection sun creams recommended by the pediatrician, you need a hat and remember to wet the baby’s head often. Sunglasses are also very useful.
Fluid replenishment
Give water to drink the child is not served sugary drinks, especially if the weather is dry. From the point of view of quantities, the child must also be a little forced to drink. This means carrying a bottle of water that should be offered to the little one frequently. From the food point of view, remember that you need a lot of fruit and vegetables, especially in a preventive key.
Heatstroke, symptoms
As for the symptoms, be careful if the child a little bit of a blow becomes irritable, maybe he has unmotivated crying fits. When the little one is a little older, as in adults, there may be headache, fever, muscle cramps, nausea. Sometimes you can also have fainting.
Heatstroke, what to do
If you have a concern about heatstroke, the first thing to do is go to a shady, well-ventilated place. But in the presence of fever and altered state of consciousness, one is faced with an emergency to be addressed accordingly.
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“Daily Health Pills” is the podcast series by DiLei TakeCare, curated by Federico Mereta. In each episode we talk about prevention, care and good habits.