Sun Safety

How to stay safe in the sun and stay cool in the heat

5 S's

Babies less than 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight. Their skin contains too little melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their colour, and provides some protection from the sun.

     

Watch this short video to see how its done!

 

If you are worried about heat exhaustion please visit the website below to find out more about the signs of heat stroke in babies and children and what to do.

 

If you think your child or baby has heat stroke call 112 immediately.

 

Heat stroke and exhaustion first aid for babies and children (redcross.org.uk)

Dehydration

Give little ones access to water throughout the day, especially in warm weather. Encourage them to drink regularly - particularly when they've been running around. 

For older children, give them plenty of fruit and salad to help keep their fluid levels up. 

   

Travel

Don’t leave children in hot cars.  A child left in a hot car can die of heat stroke very quickly. 

 


Is it safe to cover your pram?

Babies’ prams and buggies should not be covered with blankets, cloths or any cover that prevents the air circulating.  Covering a pram or buggy could lead to overheating, which increases the chance of SIDS.

 

 

Babies sleeping in the heat

Watch this video from The Lullaby Trust to learn how to help your baby sleep in the heat. 

Don't worry if baby's hands and feet feel cool, this is normal.

If your baby feels feverish or you are at all concerned about how they feel you should check their temperature and call your medical centre.

 

Sleeping in the heat during pregnancy

       


Water safety

A drowning child can’t speak or control their arms.  They slip quietly under the water.

  • Young children do the unexpected
  • Never relax around water
  • Young children drown quickly and quietly

Watch this powerful video about the ‘Danger Age’ (approx. 7mins)

        

Feet!

Burns

As the temperature rises so do outdoor surfaces, sometimes twice as hot as the air temperature.  If stood on barefoot, especially by children, it can cause second-degree burns. Please be extra careful on the following surfaces:

  • Astro turf
  • Pavement
  • Sand

 

Common foot problems in the heat

Blisters are painful, fluid-filled lesions produced by friction and pressure. They can be caused by the following:

  • Ill-fitting shoes
  • Stiff shoes
  • Wrinkled socks against the skin
  • Excessive moisture
  • Foot deformities