Keeping children safe in the sun #Heatwave

With the temperatures rising and a heatwave truly upon us keeping safe in the sun is paramount for children, who are in one of the top categories for being at risk in the heat and sun. I have put together a list of how to keep risks of sunburn and hear stroke to a minimum.

Be sun safe 

• Babies less than six months old should be kept out of direct sunlight as there skin contains a lot less melanin, melanin is the pigment that give skin, hair and eyes their colour and is usually what forms a protection.
• Older babies should be kept out of the sun as much as possible particularly when the sun is at its highest between 11am and 4pm if you need to go out, make sure they are covered with a parasol or sun shade whilst they're in their pram or stroller to keep them out of direct sunlight.
• Make sure you apply a high factor sun protection to your babies skin of factor 30 or above, always apply frequently especially if your child is in and out of of a paddling pool or the sea.
• Dress your baby in appropriate clothes, thin clothes but ones that keep there arms and legs covered its also worth investing in a hat with a peak and the part on the back to keep there head and neck covered.

Stay cool 

• Playing in a paddling pool is a fantastic way of keeping babies and small children cool, just make sure you keep the paddling pool in the shade, and provide supervision at all times.
• keep your babies or child's room cool by closing the curtains in the day time it helps to keep the room temperature down.
• Giving children and babies a cool bath will help too cool them down, plus they love to play and it keeps them out of the sun during the hottest times.
• If you do need to go shopping try to go to places that have air conditioning. 

Keep children fed and watered

• Keep drinks flowing regularly, avoid using ice and don't wait for them to become thirsty.
• Avoid giving children food or drinks that are going to cause dehydration for example drinks that are high in sugar and caffeine
• If you are breast feeding drink more water your self and feed your baby more often.
• Give bottle fed babies cooled boiled water between feeds.
• Give your child or baby small meals but regular and try to minimise hot food where possible.

There has been a lot in the media about children in the heat lately so just a reminder never, ever, ever leave children unattended in hot cars.

As long as you are sensible the sunshine makes way for lots of fun activities and the sun never lasts forever in this county so make sure you enjoy it and stay safe in the sun!