Summer! Something we all look forward to.
Vacations. Cottages. Camping. Swimming. Boating. Beach Time. And even backyard fun!
Summer means family fun time. Togetherness. And heat.
Keep Your Littles Cool: Signs of Heat Stroke in Children Under Five
It's important to keep our little ones safe, especially when the sun is shining! Heat stroke can happen quickly. And when we’re having fun, heat stroke can look like your child is played out.
If your child is under five, it's essential to know the signs of heat stroke.
The first signs: watch out for flushed skin, their face will turn red like a ripe tomato. Your child may begin to breathe rapidly. And if they're feeling dizzy or seem more tired than usual, that's a sign too.
But here's the tricky part.
Sometimes they might stop sweating, or they could have a fever without showing it on the outside, those are big red flags. If they start to complain of a headache or having a sick tummy, act fast! And if they seem confused or like they might faint, don't wait – get help right away!
If you notice ANY of the signs above, here’s what to do:
Make sure they drink plenty of water; keep them sipping on cool water. Freezes work great!
Find shade; get them out of the sun!
Get help from a healthcare professional - like an EMT
How can you be proactive?
Here are three things you can do to help reduce the risk of heat stroke in your child.
Have your child wear a hat.
Make sure they have a cool drink close by at all times!
Ensure your child has a cool shady spot to play under.
Mindful Parenting Worksheet(s) we have available to help you: