We are immersed in the first heat wave of this summer, and we must be especially careful to prevent our babies and children from suffering a heat stroke. They are very sensitive to environmental situations, since they compensate for temperature differences worse than adults.
According to statistics, children under four are (together with the elderly) the segment of the population that is most at risk of suffering a heat stroke in the summer seasons when mercury rises the most. Let's see how to act for avoid a heat stroke in the little ones.
Recall that a heat stroke is a serious disorder that occurs when an organism fails to dissipate more heat than it generates or absorbs, exceeding body temperature 40 ° C. This heat stroke can have serious consequences on the health of the people.
Heat stroke in the baby
Young babies still do not control the mechanisms of sweating to regulate body temperature by themselves and also cannot communicate their discomfort if they feel too hot. But they can get hot. Therefore, we must be attentive to your reactions and take into account the following recommendations:
Do not overcoat the baby if it is hot for us, neither in their clothes nor in the cribs or in the stroller. The baby should be dressed preferably with natural fibers such as cotton, which facilitates the compensation of temperature variations.
Babies sweat mainly from the back of the neck, so that by hand we can see if they pass heat. Also pay attention to the surface mattress where the little one is. As they grow, we may also notice their sweat on little hands, feet and other places on the body surface.
When the heat squeezes, babies must be well hydratedThat is why in summer breastfeeding is on demand more than ever, without schedules. We can offer your breast more often, and if you have already started complementary feeding and also drink water, you will also want to drink more frequently.
Let's never leave babies in the sun, since its delicate skin does not tolerate direct sun and the heat would be excessive. If you are going to be exposed to the sun, let's not forget the sun protection. Appropriate sun creams must be high protection and replenished several times. Physical barriers such as caps, umbrellas ... are also fundamental.
Heat stroke in children
Children already have the ability to communicate that they feel hot, although it is likely that if they are playing, they do not do so and when they realize or realize we can act on time it is too late. The symptoms that the child suffers a heat stroke, are: apathy, exhaustion, confusion, temperature above 39º, red, hot and dry skin, rapid pulse, dizziness…
To avoid reaching these extremes (fading and death would be fatal outcomes of a heat stroke) we must follow these tips:
Let's avoid going to the beach or hiking in the central hours of the day and having children exercise when it's hotter. If we go out with them, we will have to rest in the shade or in cool and ventilated places. A refreshing bath, a shady shower, the beach when it is not very sunny or hot ... will not only make your temperature not rise but have a great time.
The food must be rich in water to keep the child well hydrated: lots of fruits and vegetables, salads ... Fresh and appetizing recipes. Since children sweat a lot with heat, they have to drink plenty of water or natural juices to replenish fluids.
Clothes must also be fresh, made of cotton and light colors that absorb less heat. The cap and sun protection are indispensable.
Of course, neither babies nor children should be left alone in the car for a moment, a very dangerous practice that we will soon return to.
Also in the case of babies and children inside the house we will have to maintain an adequate temperature, cool the rooms by opening windows when it is less hot, be in the rooms where the sun is least and use fans or other cooling mechanisms at a soft level and that do not directly affect the little ones.
As you can see, many of the tips to prevent heat stroke with high temperatures They are similar for babies and children. We can also apply many of these recommendations, always remembering that the little ones are the most vulnerable (along with the elderly) and that we are at risk dates.
Photos | jonny2love and lindsey geeen Flickr On Babies and more | The importance of keeping the child hydrated, Summer and pregnancy: how to cope with the heat
