Heat Waves in India: Essential Tips to Keep Infants and Children Safe in Hot and Humid Weather

Heat Waves in India:  Indian states are grappling with unbearable heat in the month of April. As per the weather warnings of the India Meteorological Department, heat and humidity are going to get worse with each month. Temperatures are set to soar above the forty-degree mark in the coming days, and the heat is expected to break records this summer. 

Heat waves are ready to be a reality hitting people across all ages and affecting their health and lifestyle alike. While heat waves are threatening for everyone, infants and children are at a higher risk of facing the adverse effects of extreme heat. So if you have young children or infants at home, you need to abide by these essential tips to protect them from the heat waves this summer. 

Tips to keep infants & children safe during heat wave

Infants and children are usually dependent on their parents or elders to look after them. Similarly, during the heat wave, you are going to be their guide and savior to keep them protected. Children and infants' bodies are still developing and hence face more trouble in regulating their body temperature due to which they can suffer from dehydration and heat exhaustion. 

Here is how you can do it. 

Hydrate     

Infants only rely on breast milk or milk formula for their hydration so you have to ensure they do not go thirsty for longer periods of time. With children, they may or may not feel like drinking water so it is essential for you to offer them water even when they are not thirsty. You can add flavorful options like juices, lemonade, infused water, and coconut water to make them hydrated. 

Loose clothing 

Cotton is the best fabric for kids in summer with its lightweight nature and breathability. Do not use synthetic fabrics for children or infants as it will make them sweat more, and irritate their skin. 

Stay indoors 

While kids always want to be in the park or on the streets to play, make sure they avoid the outdoors during peak hours like the afternoon. Stay indoors and keep them engaged in indoor games to avoid heat waves. 

SPF & Accessories 

Whenever the kids head out of the home, ensure they wear sunscreen suited for their age, and wear sun accessories like goggles, hats, umbrellas, and more to protect them from direct heat. 

Keep the insides cool

When staying indoors, use air-conditioning, fans, or coolers to maintain a generally cooler temperature inside to regulate their body temperature. 

Don’t lock them in cars

Cars tend to get warm when you lock them with the air conditioning turning off. Do not leave the kids in the car as it can seriously impact their health. 

Look for signs 

Always look for heat-related illness signs on your children or infants like sweating, flushed skin, dizziness, nausea, heat rash, nose bleeds, cramps, swelling, or contractions.