Sun and heat

That's what it's all about

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This summer
will be very hot again.

Sun and heat are dangerous for children.

Much more dangerous than for adults.
Children, for example, get sunburn very quickly.

And their bodies quickly become too hot.

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You can protect your child
from the sun and heat.
Here we provide lots of tips
and important information.



  • How to protect your child

    Drink a lot

    Children are often
    less thirsty than adults.
    Or they forget to drink something while playing
    .
    But children's bodies
    need plenty of fluids in hot weather.

    Therefore, make sure:
    Children
    need todrink enough in hot weather.
    Ideally water or sparkling water.

    When it is very hot

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    It is particularly hot at midday.
    It is best to stay indoors with babies
    and small children.
    If you are outside with children
    :
    Go into the shade.

    Small children and babies
    must not

    • lie in the sun
    • play in the sun.


    Sun protection

    That's important outside:

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    • The child's head
      must be covered.
      Put a sun hat or
      a cap on your child.
      Make sure:
      The child should not take off the cap or
      the hat.
    • The bright sunlight can damage
      eyes.
      That's why your child needs
      sunglasses.
    • Apply cream to your child.
      Pay attention to this:
      There is a number on the sun cream
      .
      The number shows how long
      the cream protects the skin.
      The number is also called
      Light Protection Factor.
      The Light Protection Factor must be
      for children at least 30 .
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    Caution:
    Even if your child is wearing
    cream:
    The child should not be in the sun for too long
    .


  • Children want to play and run around

    Remember:

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    From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    it is very hot in summer.
    Then your children can play or rest better
    inside.

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    It's cooler in the mornings and evenings, even on hot days.

    This is a good time
    to play and run around.

  • In the car

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    It gets very hot very quickly in the car
    .
    This is dangerous for children.

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    Attention:
    Never leave your child alone in the car when it is hot
    .
    Not even for a short time.
    Your child can die
    in a hot car.

  • By the water

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    In summer,
    splashing around in the water is great.
    The children play
    and cool off.
    But something can also happen while
    doing so.

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    You must pay attention to this:
    Do not let your child
    play alone in the water.
    Because small children can also
    drown in shallow water.

    And:
    The water makes
    the sun's rays stronger.
    Your child will quickly get a sunburn in the water
    .
    Please apply cream to the child immediately
    when it comes out of the water.

  • At night

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    Children sleep best in the
    coolestroom in the home.
    Because it shouldnot be too warm to sleep at
    .
    Please pay attention to this too:

    • Your child should only wear light clothes to sleep
      .
      For example, an undershirt.
      A sleep suit
      is often far too warm.
    • Cover the child
      only lightly.
      For example with a bed sheet.


This can happen due to sun and heat

The sunstroke

Here is an example:
Your child has been playing in the sun without a cap
for a long time.
Now the child feels bad.
Perhaps your child
has a sunstroke.

  • These are the on signs

    • The child's head is red
      and feels hot .
    • The skin feels normal.
    • The child has no fever.
    • The child is restless.
    • The child is sick.
    • The child must vomit.
    • The child has a headache.
    • The child has ear pain.
    • The child has a
      stiff neck.
    • The child is slightly dizzy.
  • If this is the case with your child

    • Get the child
      out of the sunimmediately .
    • Cool your head and the
      neck with wet cloths.
    • Let the child drink.
    • Reassure the child.
    • Do not leave the child alone.

    In most cases, the child
    will soon feel better again.
    You do not need to call the doctor.

    But:
    If the child becomes unconscious
    youmust call the doctor.

The heat stroke

Your child may have
a heat stroke.
A heat stroke is
worse than a sunstroke.
These are the on signs:

  • The child's head is red
    and feels hot .
  • The skin feels hot
    and dry.
  • The child has a headache.
  • The child walks unsteadily.
  • The child develops a fever.
  • The child is not
    properly responsive.
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That's the most important thing now:

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  • Call the emergency doctor immediately .
    Tell him that your child
    has a heat stroke.
  • Get the child
    out of the sunimmediately .
  • Put
    the child's legs up.
  • Cool your head and
    the back of your neck with wet cloths.
  • If possible:
    Let the child drink.
  • Reassure the child.
  • Do not leave the child alone.
  • If the child
    is very unwell:
    Provide first aid.
    If you do not know
    how to do this:
    Get help.





Translation into plain language:
LEWAC gGmbH - Office for Plain Language Aachen

Images: © Lebenshilfe für Menschen mit geistiger Behinderung Bremen e.V.,
Illustrator Stefan Albers, Atelier Fleetinsel, 2013 - 2021.

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