During the summer or on a sunbathing holiday, your child may suffer from heat stroke. Heat stroke is scary and something we parents want to avoid as much as possible. In this article, we'll look at how to avoid heatstroke and what to do if your child does get heatstroke.

How to avoid heat stroke in young children

There are many things we can do to try to avoid heatstroke, although it can affect young children regardless of whether we do 'all the right things'. However, here are some things to keep in mind to reduce the risk of your child suffering!

1. High and strong sun protection
   Pediatric nurses and other health professionals recommend using about a child's handful of sunscreen for an entire child's body. Use at least SPF30 but preferably SPF50 or SPF50+. Remember to buy water-resistant sunscreen and reapply regularly throughout the day.
2. Thin, airy clothes
   Both short and long sleeves can work in the hot temperature, the most important thing is that the material breathes and that the garments are airy and comfortable against the skin. Go for cotton or linen material that breathes easily.
3. Drink water often - be smart!
   Children often find it difficult to think about or want to drink water. That's why it's up to us parents to encourage water drinking. Buy a water bottle that your child likes and let them drink regularly throughout the day - offer often and think often and a little rather than rarely and a lot! You can also slice some fruit and add it to the water to make it feel extra festive.
4. Sun hat on!
   Make sure your child is always protected from the sun with a sun hat or cap.
5. UV suit and hat for swimming
   Invest in a UV suit and UV hat to protect them when it's time to swim and play. Many children can play for hours in the bath if they choose, so protecting them in there is a good idea.
6. shadow
   Make sure you always stay in the shade, even if you prefer the sun as an adult.
7. Fans and crossdrafts if you don't have AC at home
   Most Swedish homes don't have AC, so it's important that we do what we can to bring the temperature down at home. Keep all windows open (even at night if necessary!), fans, shower with lukewarm water before bedtime and close curtains to keep the sun out if necessary.
8. No blanket over the stroller!
   A common mistake is to put a blanket over the stroller to keep the sun out when the child is sleeping. However, what happens then is that the heat stays in the stroller and the stroller can get up to twice as hot in a short time. Instead, stretch a thin blanket or sunshade over the stroller or buy a stroller parasol - but keep the stroller free of blankets hanging over it!

What to do if your child gets heatstroke

If your child does suffer from heatstroke, it is important to deal with it immediately. Here are some tips on how to care for a child who has suffered heatstroke.

1. Shower on the border between cold and lukewarm to bring down the temperature
2. Put cool, wet towels on the baby
3. Give teaspoons of fluid replacement every 10 minutes
4. Avoid skin-to-skin contact, instead let the child be cool without skin contact.
5. If the child is hungry, give cold fruit from the fridge. Smoothies are also great!
6. Make sure your child pees regularly, preferably every 3 hours.
7. Let the child rest or sleep on sheets without clothes or diaper.
8. When a child gets heatstroke or you suspect heatstroke, it is recommended to contact the health services. Call 1177 or a digital healthcare provider to get quick advice about your child.