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 children. Find out here how to protect your child on hot days and what you should pay special attention to during hot weather.

In the height of summer, protecting children from the heat is especially important because they cannot yet regulate their body temperature as well as adults. In addition, they often forget to drink while playing or don’t realize they’re thirsty until it’s too late.

This increases the risk of dehydration, heat stress, or circulatory problems.

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. During this time, children should play in the shade whenever possible or stay indoors where it’s cooler. If possible, save roughhousing and other strenuous activities for the cooler times of day.

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 an SPF of 50 or 50+. Apply sunscreen at least half an hour before going outdoors and reapply it regularly—especially after swimming or heavy sweating. Caution is also advised even on cloudy days.

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

• Offer a drink with every meal,
• take regular breaks to drink,
• keep a 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. The drinks may be cool, but should not be served ice-cold.

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 directed at your child for extended periods.

At night, light sleepwear and a thin summer sleeping bag or a thin summer blanket promote restful sleep.

Whether it’s a wading pool, an outdoor pool, or a lake—playing in the water is fun and helps you cool off. However, your child shouldn’t jump into cold water right away, especially after spending a long time in the sun. Always let them acclimate to the water temperature gradually so their circulation can adjust to the temperature difference.

Applying sunscreen is especially important when spending time by or in the water. When splashing around or swimming, it’s best to provide additional protection for the skin on their shoulders and back with a T-shirt or UV-protective shirt. Remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming.

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

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

• Heavy sweating,
• flushed face,
• headaches,
• dizziness,
• Nausea,
• ringing in the ears,
• fatigue,
• difficulty concentrating,
• unusual lethargy or apathy.

If you suspect this, immediately take your child into the shade or a cool room. If necessary, remove any excessively warm clothing, apply damp (but not too cold) compresses, and offer something to drink.

Sunstroke can occur when the head and neck are exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Children without head coverings are particularly at risk. The intense sunlight causes the head and neck to heat up, which can irritate the meninges. 

Typical signs of sunstroke may include:

• headaches,
• dizziness,
• nausea and vomiting,
• fatigue,
• a hot, flushed face.

If you suspect heatstroke, immediately take your child into the shade or to a cool place. Cool their head and neck with a damp towel. Caution: Do not use ice packs from the freezer for this—the sudden cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict too much, which can increase heat buildup in the head and lead to circulatory collapse.

If the 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 headaches,
• vomiting,
• lethargy or even impaired consciousness,
• seizures.

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