Protect your child from heatstroke and overheating with a combination of hydration, shade, and suitable clothing.
The main preventive measures include
Hydration
Offer water or unsweetened tea regularly, even when your child does not say they are thirsty. For infants, increase the frequency of breastfeeding or feeding.
Shade and timing
Avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when radiation is at its most intense.
Head covering and clothing
Choose light, loose, light-coloured clothing made of natural materials such as cotton and linen, and a hat or cap that also protects the neck.
Sunscreen with UV protection
Use children's sunscreen with SPF 50+ and reapply it every two hours or after swimming.
A well-ventilated environment
Do not leave a child in a closed, unventilated space, and never leave them alone in a parked car – not even for a minute. The temperature inside can reach 50 to 70 °C.
Take care when using a stroller
Do not cover a stroller opening with a nappy or blanket. This creates a greenhouse effect inside and the temperature rises extremely quickly. Use a parasol or a UV cover secured to the stroller instead.
First aid for heatstroke step by step
- Move to a cool place
Take or carry the child into the shade or a cool, well-ventilated room that is not overly air-conditioned. Remove excess and tight clothing. - Cool gradually
Apply wet, lukewarm, never icy, towels to the neck, armpits, and groin. Gently sponge the skin with lukewarm water and fan the child. Never use icy water or an ice bath – it can cause shock and constrict blood vessels, preventing the body from cooling. - Replace fluids
Give fluids in small sips or spoonfuls every few minutes. The best choices are plain water, infant water, weak lukewarm tea, or an oral rehydration solution from a pharmacy to replace lost minerals.
When to seek medical help immediately
Serious warning signs of heatstroke and severe dehydration include
- lethargy, drowsiness, confusion, or loss of consciousness,
- persistent vomiting and inability to keep down any fluids,
- a body temperature above 39 to 40 °C that does not decrease,
- less frequent urination – a dry diaper for more than six hours in infants or no urination in older children,
- seizures or very rapid, shallow breathing and pulse.
Pediatric clinic at Polyclinic Púpava
What to keep in mind
Fever medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen do not work for heatstroke in the same way as they do for a fever caused by an infection, because heatstroke is caused by overheating from the external environment. Do not give them preventively; consult a pediatrician first.
