Heat can be dangerous not only for adults but also for children, whose bodies are much less adapted to high temperatures. Overheating, dehydration, and even heatstroke can occur unnoticed, especially during active outdoor play. Otto Stoyka, Candidate of Medical Sciences, doctor at the Kyiv City Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, and public health expert, spoke specifically for UNN about why children are at risk, which symptoms to watch for, and how to help a child in hot weather.
Children are significantly more sensitive to heat than adults. This is especially true for infants, whose thermoregulation mechanisms do not yet work as effectively as they do at an older age, the doctor says. In addition, active children often get so caught up in play that they don't notice overheating and forget to drink water.
Children are more vulnerable, especially the younger they are. Their thermoregulation is not yet adjusted like that of adults. If we talk about infants, they largely depend on the conditions created for them by adults. Older children can overheat due to active games in the sun, forgetting to drink water or seek shade. Physical exertion is added to the heat, which can also worsen the condition
What signs of overheating should alert parents
According to the doctor, overheating can manifest in children in different ways, so it is important for parents to closely monitor the child's behavior and well-being, as even minor changes can indicate that the body is no longer coping with the high temperature.
A child may become excessively agitated, tearful, or cranky for no apparent reason. Or vice versa - lethargic, sluggish, and less active than usual. Skin color also changes: the face may become very red, or sometimes, conversely, the child suddenly turns pale. Such changes should alert parents and be a reason to immediately move the child to a cooler place
According to Otto Stoyka, one of the main ways to prevent overheating is a proper drinking regime. At the same time, the needs of children of different ages vary.
For children under six months who are breastfeeding, additional water is usually not needed because breast milk adapts to the child's needs, even in the heat. After six months, it is worth offering plain drinking water. The best drink for children in hot weather is clean, still water at normal temperature without additives or sweeteners
The doctor also advises avoiding overly sugary drinks. They not only fail to quench thirst but can, on the contrary, increase the desire to drink. It is also important to remember that children during active play do not always feel thirsty in time, so adults should remind them about water.
If a child is preoccupied with playing, they may simply not notice that they want to drink. Therefore, parents should periodically offer them water. There is no need to give very cold or very hot drinks. Also, do not overindulge in sugary juices or sodas, as they do not help effectively quench thirst
What to do if a child overheats in the sun. If a child does feel unwell due to the heat, it is first necessary to assess their condition and provide access to coolness, the doctor explained, and in case of loss of consciousness or a sharp deterioration in well-being, it is important not to panic and to act consistently.
First of all, you need to move the child to the shade or a cool place. If they are unconscious, you must not give them anything to drink. You should monitor their breathing and general condition. For cooling, you can gently wipe the forehead, neck, and body with a damp cloth. The main thing is to closely observe the child and seek medical help if necessary
The expert emphasizes that the best way to avoid heatstroke or sunstroke is to prevent overheating. To do this, you should walk in shaded areas, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and regularly offer the child water, because it is the parents' attentiveness that helps to notice the first warning signs in time and prevent serious health consequences.
When children's medical check-ups should be free – an explanation for parents15.05.26, 11:04