Children, especially newborns or very young ones, find it harder than adults to adapt to heat. Their body temperature regulation system is more delicate, and their bodies are very sensitive to weather conditions. The consequences – heatstroke, dehydration, sunburn – can be extremely serious, so it is essential to protect them as well as possible.

Here, then, is what to do to protect children from heat and sun.

Natural fabrics and cool outings

Avoid the hottest hours

First of all, especially if the child is only a few months old, avoid keeping them outside the house during the hottest hours. It is better to go out in the morning and in the late afternoon or evening, when the temperature is more bearable. In any case, opt for parks, pine woods and other shaded spots, even in the city: urban greenery regulates temperature naturally.

Cotton and linen are the way to go

To protect children from heat and sun, dress them in comfortable, light-coloured clothes made from natural fibres (cotton and linen), which help perspiration and thermoregulation. Consider bringing a change of clothes to prevent excessive sweating from causing discomfort or skin irritation. If the little one travels in a pushchair, you can improve their comfort by lining the seat with a small cotton sheet, which works perfectly in the car seat too. You can also place a thin cotton towel between your body and your child's to reduce the feeling of heat when carrying them in a sling or baby carrier. And don't forget to put a comfortable hat with a wide brim on them, so as to protect their delicate face from the sun's rays.

Protecting children from heat and sun indoors

At home, it is essential to cool rooms naturally by throwing windows wide open during the cooler hours: early in the morning or after sunset (but watch out for mosquitoes). During the hottest part of the day, in rooms exposed to the sun, it is important to keep shutters or blinds half-closed to limit overheating. Be careful with air conditioning. It can be used even when there are young children in the house, but with a number of precautions: never set the temperature too low (two or three degrees below the outside temperature is enough) and make sure the airflow never blows directly onto anyone. Inverter models are more efficient and generally provide greater comfort. A fan can also be an excellent solution for protecting children from heat and sun, as long as the airflow does not blow directly on them.

Plenty of water and fresh fruit whenever they want

At mealtimes, it is important to favour fresh, light foods: bring plenty of seasonal fruit and vegetables to the table, along with simple dishes without overly elaborate dressings, such as pasta salads, rice salads, fruit ice cream and yogurt. Foods such as carrots and tomatoes boost the natural production of melanin, which protects the skin from the sun and encourages tanning. Making sure children drink plenty of fluids becomes even more important in particularly hot weather: still water is best (tap water, unless the relevant authorities advise otherwise, is perfectly fine), cool but not ice-cold, or freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and cold-pressed juices. Fizzy or sugary drinks do not provide adequate hydration, while icy-cold drinks can cause serious discomfort. Those who are breastfeeding may notice an increase in demand from the baby: go along with it without worry.

Tips for the beach and the mountains

Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses

At the beach, the pool and in the mountains, it is essential to use a sunscreen with a very high protection factor specifically designed for children. If you are going to the tropics, or if your child has a particularly fair skin type, add a UV-protective top to go with the sunscreen. In addition to a hat, sunglasses that are lightweight, shatterproof and designed to shield against ultraviolet rays are a must (always check that they carry the CE mark). In any case, young children should avoid the beach during the hottest hours of the day – between 12 and 4pm – while newborns should not be exposed to direct sunlight at all.

Mind the dip

It is not strictly necessary to wait three hours after eating before going for a swim, but the greatest care must be taken with sudden temperature changes: avoid ice-cold drinks and sudden plunges into cold water, especially after eating. It is better to have several light snacks throughout the day and to enter the water very gradually, without straying far from the shore. After sun exposure, give your child a shower with lukewarm water and rehydrate their skin with sweet almond oil or shea butter. In the case of heat rash – small red spots caused by sweat – apply a soothing cream containing zinc oxide.

What to do in the event of a sudden temperature change

Finally, watch out for sudden temperature changes, especially when getting on and off public transport or going in and out of shops and offices. In such cases, it can be useful to bring a light sweatshirt to cover the child with if the air conditioning is very strong. If you need to give your child any medication, ask your paediatrician whether there are any contraindications for sun exposure. Never leave a child in a car, even if parked in the shade: just a few minutes is enough to trigger irreversible consequences. If they feel unwell, with a headache, fever, nausea and dizziness, contact your paediatrician immediately, as it could be sunstroke or heatstroke.