Travelling with children can be an amazing experience, but during summer, with high temperatures, it requires a little more planning. Children are more vulnerable to heat than adults and can become dehydrated or overheated much more quickly, so it is important to be well prepared to prevent this.
In this blog, we explain the best ways to keep kids safe in extreme heat while travelling, common mistakes to avoid, and the warning signs every parent should know.
Children's bodies don't regulate temperature as well as adults'. They sweat less efficiently, heat up more quickly, and often don't realise when they are becoming thirsty or overheated. Babies are even more vulnerable because they cannot tell you when they feel too hot. This is why parents need to pay close attention during hot weather, even if their children seem happy and energetic.
One of the most basic yet important ways to protect children from the heat is to ensure they drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Don't wait until your child says they are thirsty. By then, they may already be dehydrated.
Give them small amounts of water regularly, especially after walking, playing, or spending time in the sun. If you are travelling in Europe, many cities have public drinking fountains where you can refill reusable water bottles.
The hottest part of the day is usually between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm. If possible, avoid long walks, sightseeing, or outdoor activities during these hours. Instead, you can use this time to have lunch, rest in your hotel, visit museums or shopping centres, or enjoy indoor attractions. Planning your day around the weather will make your holiday much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Choose clothes made from lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow heat to escape. Loose-fitting clothing is usually much more comfortable than tight clothing during hot weather.
Light-coloured clothes also absorb less heat than dark colours. And don't forget wide-brimmed hats, children's sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes. They all come in handy.
Apply sunscreen properly each morning and reapply it regularly throughout the day, especially after swimming or heavy sweating. Don't forget areas that are often missed,
such as the ears, neck, shoulders, tops of the feet, and back of legs.
Using sunscreen alongside wearing proper clothing, hats, and sunglasses provides much better protection than relying on sunscreen alone.
Babies need extra protection from the heat. Whenever possible, keep children in the shade, use a stroller with a sun canopy, and avoid long periods outdoors during the afternoon. Also, when using a stroller, never cover it completely with a blanket, as this can trap heat inside and make the temperature much higher.
Some early signs that a child is becoming too hot may include:
If you notice these symptoms, move your child into a cool place immediately, encourage them to drink fluids if appropriate, and let them rest. If symptoms become severe, worsen, or your child becomes confused, stops sweating despite the heat, develops a very high temperature, or becomes difficult to wake, seek urgent medical care immediately, as these may be signs of heatstroke.
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