Seasonal Issues
Warmer weather is a time to be aware of a number of safety issues for children. These include water safety, fans, sun protection and heat stress in cars. More information on each of these issues can be found below.
Beaches, pools, spas can all bring much enjoyment on a hot day. It is important to remember children need to be supervised at all times in and around water. Ensure children do not have access to water in and around the house or where you may be visiting, unless you can supervise them continuously. If you go to someone else's house be aware of potential water hazards and take action to prevent access by children, especially small children, or ensure constant supervision.
Fans
Fans can cool the home and make the hotter weather more bearable. Ensure fans are not within reach of children - fans can be dangerous for small fingers and fans on stands may entice small children to explore or pull over. Be aware of overhead fans when lifting or playing with children - fans are a dangerous hazard for children when lifted too high.
Sun Protection
Babies and childrens' skin is delicate and can be easily damaged by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun. UVR can cause painful sunburn and lead to freckles, wrinkles and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Some tips on protecting yourself from the sun:
- Plan your day to reduce your child's exposure to the sun, especially between 11am and 3pm during summer and 10am to 2pm at other times of the year.
- Cover as much of your baby's or child's skin as possible with loose fitting clothes made from closely woven fabrics.
- Protect their skin using appropriate skin protection by applying sunscreen (SPF 30+) at least 20 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or more often if it has been wiped or washed off. Talk to your chemist about appropriate sunscreens for children and to The Cancer Council NSW about appropriate sun protection.
- Take an umbrella or sun-tent to the beach or park or make sure you are well covered by shade covering or trees.
- Window shades or tinting give extra protection for children during trips in the car.
- Even on cloudy days, UVR levels can be dangerously high.
For more information visit the following websites:
The Cancer Council NSW You can also call the Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20
NSW Health
Children and Heat Stress
Children do not tolerate the heat as well as adults. Their bodies generate more heat relative to their size than adults do. They also lose more fluids because they have a greater proportion of skin surface in relation to their size.
Ensure children are dressed appropriately for the weather conditions, are not overheating and have adequate fluid intake.
Keep in mind to ensure there is airflow around children, especially under 6 months of age, to reduce the chance of heat stress, for example, ensure there is airflow when a child is within a capsule (having the hood down, may be restrictive and increase heat on a hot day) or when a child is in a covered pram.
These factors are also relative to a child that has been left unattended in a locked car for even a short period of time. For more information on heat stress in cars click here.