Children are significantly more vulnerable to extreme heat than adults. Their tiny bodies can become dehydrated quickly during a heatwave. Often, children are unable to express their thirst properly. If your child is old enough to understand, teach them what to eat and what to avoid during hot weather. Pay extra attention to their daily habits, including clothing and playtime. Be cautious so that no unintentional mistakes happen in everyday routines.
Meeting your child’s water needs during the heat doesn’t mean you should force them to drink repeatedly. Instead, try to understand their body’s needs. Observe the color and amount of urine. If your child urinates sufficiently and the urine is light yellow like straw, it indicates proper hydration. It’s also important to know the other signs of dehydration.
Don’t Force Water
After six months of age, children should start drinking water. Until around two years old, breast milk often fulfills much of their water requirement. They also get hydration from liquids and fruits. Encourage your child to drink water or fluids throughout the day. You can offer fruit juice or smoothies but avoid overly sugary drinks. Drink water yourself along with your child. Ensure they stay hydrated even while at school. However, don’t force water if there are no signs of dehydration. Watch out for symptoms such as irritability or stubbornness, reduced activity, less frequent urination, dark yellow or orange urine, dry mouth or tongue, and sunken eyes.
Eating Just Anything
Many serious diseases spread through food and water during hot weather. Infections often result from unhygienically prepared drinks and foods. Teach your child to avoid these, even when alone on the way to school. Satisfy their cravings by preparing their favorite safe foods and drinks at home. Don’t be overly strict about ice cream unless your child has a severe cold allergy. Occasionally offering safe, cold treats is fine—but teach them not to eat or drink anything cold immediately after entering from the sun. Let them rest a bit first before enjoying a cool treat.
Clothing and Hygiene Mistakes
- It’s a mistake to dress children in sleeveless clothing when going outdoors, as it increases exposure to sun and dust. Use full-sleeved cotton clothes to protect them.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes.
- Avoid dark-colored clothing as it retains heat.
- It’s a major mistake if the person preparing or serving food is careless about washing hands.
- Leaving milk or food out too long is harmful in hot weather as they spoil quickly. Store all food at the proper temperature.
Mistakes During Playtime
- Don’t let children play outside or on rooftops during intense sun. Let them play indoors during extreme heat. If they attend school during midday, make sure they follow this as well.
- If your child goes to a park, don’t let them immediately use metal playground equipment. First, test the temperature using the back of your hand, as metal can remain hot from the midday sun. Allow play only when it’s safe.
- Never leave children unattended near water. Also, make sure they don’t reach into bushes or dense shrubs.
Feature Model: Abdul Moid and Abdul Momin with their Sister
