Heat Protection for Children

The thermometer in Germany is increasingly climbing above the 30-degree mark. What sounds like summer and outdoor swimming to some can pose a health risk to babies and toddlers. Find out here how to protect your child on hot days and what you should pay special attention to.

In the height of summer, protecting children from the heat is especially important. The body’s natural cooling mechanisms in babies and toddlers are not yet fully developed. They sweat less than adults and therefore have a harder time regulating their body temperature. Dehydration, heat rash, fever, or circulatory problems can be symptoms of heat exhaustion.

As a general rule: The younger the child, the more sensitive they are to high temperatures.

The coolest and most pleasant hours of the day are in the morning and early evening. If you want to go outside, it’s best to plan walks, trips to the playground, and other outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m.    

Sun exposure is particularly intense between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. For babies and toddlers, the rule is: stay in the shade as much as possible or spend the hottest hours of the day indoors.

The best protection against the sun and heat is appropriate clothing.  

It should

• be light-colored, since light colors reflect sunlight better,  
• loose and airy, 
• made of breathable natural fibers, such as cotton or linen. 

It is absolutely essential to wear a wide-brimmed hat that also protects the back of the neck.  

Protect exposed skin with a water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 50 or 50+. Apply the sunscreen at least half an hour before going outdoors, if possible. Caution is advised even when the sky is cloudy.

Babies under one year of age have particularly sensitive skin. They should wear light, body-covering clothing. You should avoid direct sunlight.

As temperatures rise, children’s fluid needs also increase. Since many children simply forget to drink while playing, you should pay close attention to how much they’re drinking. Small rituals can help remind them:

• offer a drink with every meal,
• take regular breaks to drink,
• Keep a favorite mug or water bottle within reach,
• Offer snacks with high water content, such as watermelon, berries, tomatoes, or cucumbers.

Water and unsweetened fruit or herbal teas are best. Drinks may be cool, but should not be served ice-cold.

Breastfed babies generally do not need additional fluids. More frequent feedings are usually sufficient, even on hot days.

The most effective strategy for keeping your home cool is to ventilate at the right time of day:  

• ventilate at night and early in the morning,  
• open the windows during the day and
• shutters, curtains, or blinds. 

While a fan cannot actually cool the air, it often makes you feel more comfortable. However, make sure the breeze isn’t blowing directly on your baby or toddler.  

Lightweight sleepwear and a thin summer sleeping bag are ideal for a restful night’s sleep.

Water provides a pleasant way to cool off on hot days. A wading pool in the shade is great fun for small children. Sun protection is especially important around and in the water. When splashing around and swimming, the best way to protect the skin on your shoulders and back is to wear a T-shirt. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen after splashing around.

Important: Never leave children unattended near the water—not even for a short time. Children can drown even in shallow water.

The best place to tell if your child is too warm is just below the neck, between the shoulder blades. Feel the skin right there. If it’s warm but not sweaty, everything is usually fine. 

These signs may indicate heat stress or the onset of heat exhaustion:

• heavy sweating
• flushed face
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Ringing in the ears
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating

If you suspect your child is feeling unwell, take them immediately into the shade or a cool room. Apply damp, not-too-cold compresses and offer them something to drink.

Sunstroke can occur when the head and neck are exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Babies, toddlers, and people not wearing head coverings are particularly at risk. The intense sunlight causes the head and neck to heat up, which can irritate the meninges.  

Typical symptoms of sunstroke may include:

• headaches,
• dizziness, 
• nausea and vomiting, 
• Fatigue, 
• a hot, red face. 

If you suspect your child has heatstroke, immediately take them into the shade or to a cool place. Cool the back of their neck with a damp towel. If their symptoms do not improve or if additional symptoms develop, you should visit a doctor’s office.

When the body can no longer regulate its temperature in extreme heat, heatstroke occurs. Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can damage organs such as the heart, lungs, and brain.  

Warning signs may include:

• hot, reddened skin,
• lack of sweating despite extreme heat, 
• severe headache, 
• vomiting, 
• Lethargy, up to and including impaired consciousness, 
• Seizures.

Heatstroke must be treated immediately. In this case, call emergency services at 112.

Pregnant women are also often very sensitive to heat. During pregnancy, the body produces more heat, and at the same time, the heart and circulatory system are under greater strain. Typical symptoms such as exhaustion, fatigue, and swollen legs can be exacerbated by heat.  

That’s why pregnant women should take good care of themselves in extreme heat:

• avoid physically strenuous activities or schedule them for the morning or evening,
• take regular breaks, 
• elevate your legs to relieve pressure on your circulation,
• drink plenty of fluids, and
• avoid direct sunlight.