During the summer or on holiday in the sun, there is a risk that your child will suffer from heat stroke. Heatstroke is scary and something we parents want to avoid as much as possible. In this article, we go over how to avoid heatstroke and how to deal with it if your child actually gets heatstroke.

How to avoid heat stroke in small children

There is a lot we can do to try to avoid heat stroke, although it can affect young children regardless of whether we do “everything right” or not. However, here are some things that are good to keep in mind to reduce the risk of your child being affected!

1. Lots of strong sun protection
Paediatric nurses and other healthcare professionals recommend that you use about a child’s hand- full of sunscreen for a child’s entire body. Use at least SPF30 but preferably SPF50 or SPF50+. Remember to buy water-resistant sunscreen and top up regularly during the day.
2. Thin, airy clothes
Both short-sleeved and long-sleeved can work in hot temperatures, the most important thing is that the material breathes and that the clothes are airy and comfortable against the skin. Choose a cotton or linen material that breathes easily.
3. Drink water regularly – be smart!
Children often have difficulty thinking about or wanting to drink water. Therefore, it is up to us parents to encourage them to drink water. Buy a water bottle that your child likes and let them drink regularly during the day – offer it frequently and think “often and a little” rather than “rarely and a lot”! You can also slice fruit and add it to the water for an extra festive touch.
4. Sun hat on!
Make sure your child is always protected from the sun with a sun hat or cap.
5. UV suit and hat when bathing
Invest in a UV suit and UV hat that protect your child when it’s time to swim and play. Many children can play indefinitely in swimming areas if they want, so protecting them in there is a good idea.
6. Shade
Make sure to always stay in the shade, even if you prefer to be in the sun.
7. Fans and draughts if you don’t have air conditioning at home
Most Swedish homes do not have air conditioning, so it is important that we do what we can to bring the temperature at home down. Keep all windows open (even at night if necessary!), use fans, shower with lukewarm water before bed and draw curtains to keep the sun out if necessary.
8. No blanket over the buggy!
A common mistake is to put a blanket over the buggy to keep the sun out when your baby is sleeping. However, what then happens is that the heat stays in the buggy and it can become up to twice as hot in just a short space of time. Instead, stretch a thin blanket or sun cover over the buggy or buy a sun shade – but keep the buggy free of blankets hanging over it!

What to do if your child gets heatstroke

If your child does suffer from heatstroke, it is important to deal with it immediately. Here is some advice on how to care for a child who has got heatstroke.

1. Shower between cold and lukewarm water to bring their temperature down
2. Place cool, wet towels on your child
3. Give teaspoons of fluid replacement every 10 minutes
4. Avoid skin-to-skin contact, instead let your child cool down on their own.
5. If your child is hungry, give them cold fruit from the fridge. Smoothies are also great!
6. Make sure your child urinates regularly, ideally every 3 hours.
7. Let your child rest or sleep on their sheets without clothes or a nappy.
8. When a child gets heat stroke or you suspect they have heat stroke, it is recommended that you contact your healthcare provider. Call your health care services or a digital healthcare provider to quickly get advice for your child.