Keeping Your Children Safe and Hydrated During Hot Weather: Tips from Experts

Parents should keep their children hydrated during hot weather by offering ice cream and cold beverages. However, it is essential to give them a little warm water after consuming these to maintain a normal throat temperature and prevent a sore throat. Children tend to forget to drink water, so it is crucial for parents to ensure they are adequately hydrated. Monitoring the color of the child’s urine can also provide insights into their hydration status.

In addition to keeping children hydrated, good hygiene practices should also be followed. Cleaning children’s toys regularly and avoiding crowded places can help prevent illnesses from spreading. Sick children should stay at home to recover and prevent the spread of sickness to others. Limiting close contact with flu patients and suspected individuals is also recommended to minimize the risk of infection.

As per the Ministry of Health guidelines, fever reducers should be given to children with a fever above 38.5 degrees (measured under the armpit), especially those with a fever above 39 degrees, to reduce fever and relieve pain. It is safe for children with a fever to be in air-conditioned rooms, with the temperature recommended to be between 25-27 degrees Celsius and humidity around 50-60%. A cool room temperature is important as it prevents disruption of sleep caused by hot environments.

Parents should dress their children in light, breathable clothing instead of using warm compresses or covering them up with blankets or wrapping them tightly. It is not advisable for parents constantly measure their child’s temperature or offer milk or fruit juice as it can lead to dehydration.

It is essential for parents seeking medical attention if their child shows unusual symptoms such as continuous high fever above 39 degrees Celsius, wheezing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, difficulty waking up, convulsions with cold extremities, persistent vomiting, stiffness of the neck, bleeding, refusal to eat or diarrhea.

Maintaining good hygiene practices and ensuring that sick children stay at home can help prevent illnesses from spreading during hot weather.