Parenting Article:

Child Safety - Hot Weather

By: Cathryn Curtin

Babies and young children should be given extra fluids during hot weather. They can quickly lose body fluids through perspiring, which can lead to dehydration. They need to drink regularly, wear light clothing and be kept cool.

Warning signs of dehydration
Dehydration may be a risk if your child:

• Has fewer wet nappies
• Is not eating or drinking
• Is sleepy
• Is irritable or crying
• Has hot and dry skin
• Has a dry mouth
• Has a body temperature near 40 degrees C
• Vomits or has diarrhoea
• Has a rise in temperature

If you notice one or more of these signs, take your child to a doctor or hospital.

Offer frequent drinks to avoid dehydration

• Breastfeeding – if you are breastfeeding, feed your baby more often. Have plenty of water / fluids yourself including a cool drink at every feed.
• Bottle feeding – if you are bottle feeding, offer extra cool boiled water after the bottle.
• Small children – give young children regular drinks during the day. Water is best.

Sick children need special care

• Sick children need special attention in hot weather.
• Even minor illnesses, such as colds or gastro, need special care in hot weather.
• These illnesses often lead to a slight rise in temperature by themselves, but in hot weather, this could lead to a risk of dehydration.
• Frequent breastfeeding and extra drinks are very important if your baby is ill.

Keep children cool
If is often better to stay indoors on a hot day. If you must go outside:

• Dress your baby in a nappy and singlet with a light muslin wrap if necessary to shade.
• Hat if outdoors.
• Use baby sunscreen and reapply it regularly during the day (SPF 15 is best).
• Take plenty of drinks for your child.
• Keep in the shade.

Cathryn Curtin is a qualified nurse, midwife and maternal and child health nurse specialising in assisting women during pregnancy, birth and parenting.  She has over 32 years experience.  Cathryn saw the need for families to have one on one support due to early discharge from hospital and ongoing support during the first few years of parenting.

Cathryn and her team aim to provide individual care of the woman post birth. Cathryn's expertise is in breast feeding, sleep and settling, support to women with Post Natal Depression, general parenting, family coaching and support. Cathryn can be contacted for consultation on www.cathryncurtin.com.au or consulting@cathryncurtin.com.au.

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