As the summer heat is intensifying, parents are becoming more mindful of their children’s health. Thus, they stop their kids from stepping outside in the blazing hot summer. However, little do they know that children need outdoor time all year round for adequate growth and development. The sunlight, fresh air, activities, and exposure to nature all contribute exponentially to their healthy body. 

However, parents’ concerns are also genuine, as scorching summer brings several heat-related concerns, especially heat stroke. All parents simply need to do is pay close attention to heat stroke symptoms and general preventive measures to reduce the risk of heat stroke in their kids.

So, dive deep to explore the signs of heat stroke and tips to prevent heat stroke in kids in the sweltering summer. 

Heat Stroke in Kids: An Introduction

Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness a kid can experience. It’s a life-threatening medical condition caused by an overheated body, often as a result of prolonged exposure to extremely high temperatures. 

In heat stroke, a child’s body generates more heat than it can release. Thus, the body fails to regulate its temperature and can soar to 40 degrees Celsius or higher. If not treated promptly, an individual with heat stroke can experience brain damage or even death.

Usually, children are at risk for heat stroke when overdressed or performing intense physical activity in intensely high temperatures without taking enough liquids.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Kids

You can prevent your child from contracting heat stroke in the sweltering summer by recognizing the signs of illness. So, watch out for the following signs and symptoms of heat stroke: 

• A core body temperature of 40 degrees Celsius or higher.
• Flushed, hot, dry skin and, in some cases, grey, cool skin
• Many kids with heat stroke don’t sweat.
• Confusion, disorientation, seizures
• Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting
• Extreme weakness or inability to walk
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid breathing or breath shortness
• Fainting or unconsciousness
• Severe headache

Preventive Measures for Heat Stroke in Kids 

As a parent or caregiver, you might be curious about heat stroke how to prevent measures to keep your kid cool, healthy, and safe on steamy summer days. This section outlines some heat stroke preventive tips that are applicable to the kids of all age groups:

• Keep your child hydrated

You should remind your child to have water or other healthy fluids frequently throughout the day. Give them a water bottle when they go out to school or play. In addition, keep tabs on their urine output. If your kid passes less or smelly urine, he might not be taking enough water. 

Besides this, you should refrain your kid from having sugary and carbonated drinks as instead of increasing water levels, they cause dehydration. 

• Avoid direct sunlight

You should ask your kids not to leave the home during peak hours, i.e., between 10 am and 4 pm. During these hours, the sun’s rays are at their peak and, thus, can cause more harm to your kid. 

Instead, you can take your child out in the early morning, late afternoon, or evening. Also, consider indulging your little one in indoor activities or resting during the hottest part of the day.

• Apply sunscreen 

If your munchkin must go outdoors when the sun is at its peak, don’t let him step out without sunscreen. You should get your hands on sunscreen that’s safe for children. Apply it to your little one’s body at least half an hour before going out to protect his skin. 

• Help your children cool off

You can give them a cool shower twice a day or spray them frequently with a water mist throughout the day. Consider running their hands, wrists, and ankles under cold water. In addition, take a damp towel to wipe their heads. 

If a swimming pool is nearby, you can bring your kids in the late afternoon or evening.

• Dress your kid in light, loose clothes

Proper dressing plays a crucial part in protecting your munchkins from the scorching sun and heat stroke. You should dress your kid in light-coloured, loosely fit clothes to increase the comfort quotient during extremely hot weather. 

Moreover, pay close attention to their fabric and buy cotton or linen clothing. Ask them to wear a cap or hat to prevent the heat from getting into their head. 

• Keep your home cool

Now that kids spend most of their time at home, you should try to keep your home cool. Use an air conditioner, if possible! However, if you don’t have an air conditioner, you can use electric fans or open windows for ventilation. 

• Don’t leave your kid unattended in a car

Cars tend to heat up quickly to dangerous temperatures during the scorching summer days, especially when parked in the sun. Don’t let your kid stay inside the car for long when parking the vehicle. Alternatively, consider parking your car in the shade and not leave your little one unattended. 

• Allocate extra time for rest

Going to school or playing in intense heat is tiring, especially for kids. Encouraging your children to take breaks from physical activities during the hottest hours of the day can significantly help reduce the risk of heat stroke.

Final Thoughts

Heat illnesses, especially heat strokes, are nothing to ignore or push through. Besides adults, kids are also at the most significant risk of contracting heat strokes during sweltering hot days. However, following these safety actions, you can prevent your munchkin from having heat stroke.