It’s really hot! Take special care of young children
Published on Montreal Children's Hospital (https://www.thechildren.com)

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It’s really hot! Take special care of young children

A few tips to protect your child from dehydration during heat waves.

A few tips to protect your child from dehydration during heat waves:
  • Give your child something to drink more often:
  • A breastfeeding baby should be given the breast more often
  • A bottle-fed baby should be given water between bottles
  • Cool your child in a tub of warm water several times a day
  • Avoid exposing your child to the sun and bringing him or her outdoors between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • If you have to go out, make sure your child is wearing light clothing and cover his or her head with a wide-brimmed hat
  • Make sure that there is air circulating around the child’s bed and move the bed away from the wall

Never leave a child alone in a car or a room where there is no air circulating, even for a few minutes.

Signs to watch for in a child that may indicate heat-related illness:

Signs to watch for in a child that may indicate heat-related illness:

  • Wets less than 4 diapers in a 24-hour period
  • Urinates less often and urine is dark
  • Skin, lips or mouth are dry
  • Abnormally agitated or irritable
  • Sunken eyes and circles under the eyes
  • Sleeps a lot and is hard to awaken
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Abnormal skin colour, pale or red
  • High body temperature, 38.5°C or over (rectal)
  • Headaches, vomiting or diarrhoea

If the child shows any of these signs, call Info-Santé by dialing 811 or consult a doctor.

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Source URL: https://www.thechildren.com/health-info/conditions-and-illnesses/its-really-hot-take-special-care-young-children

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