Tips to keep your children safe during heatwave

City Desk  :
A “very severe” heatwave is sweeping over the north, northeast and northwest districts of the country, while Dhaka and Khulna divisions, along with Rajshahi district, are experiencing “severe” heatwave conditions.
Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the heatwave, experiencing a range of illnesses such as cough, fever, and diarrhea.
Babies under 6 months should be exclusively breastfed. Mothers who exclusively breastfeed should increase their intake of water, juicy fruits, and saline solution compared to normal times. It is recommended that mothers consume a minimum of 3 litres of water and saline solution.
Children should be given water according to their weight along with breast milk until they reach two years of age. For instance, if a child weighs 10 kg, they should be given one litre of water, while if the kid weighs 20 kg, they should be given one-and-a-half litres of water.
Along with water, children can consume normal fruits such as watermelon and mango when they are in season. Homemade drinks are also permissible. However, it is important to avoid giving any store-bought juice.
Sweat should be promptly wiped off if a child perspires. Children should avoid playing outdoors when the temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius. It is advisable for children not to wear dark-coloured clothes. Light colours, preferably white, are better options. Additionally, children should avoid excessive running or physical exertion.
We have to be mindful of heat stroke symptoms in children, such as faintness, lethargy, dizziness, and nausea, especially if they have been outdoors or playing for an extended period. If these symptoms appear, the child should be taken to a shaded area, their clothes should be removed and they should be sprinkled with water. If a fan is available, use it. If you are outdoors, improvise ventilation with whatever is accessible.
We should avoid letting children drink or bath in ice-cold water. Instead, offer them water at normal temperature, preferably coconut water. When bathing, use water at a comfortable temperature, neither too hot nor too cold.