Protection of babies and small children in hot weather

It is particularly important for babies and small children to be well protected in hot weather
(especially from 30° C). The following hints and tips are intended to support this:

• If possible, keep babies and small children at home between 10 AM and 7 PM.
• In high humidity, sweating as the body's own cooling mechanism does not work very well -
  especially with babies and small children. Therefore, in humid climates, pay special attention
  to protection against overheating.
• Babies and small children need to drink enough when it is hot. Therefore, breastfeed or feed
  them more often or offer them water to drink again and again. A small appetite is normal and
  no cause for concern.
• Use loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton.
• Cooling with air conditioning, room fans (but avoid strong air flows), lukewarm baths (twice a
  day) or compresses/wraps.
• Move playground visits and physical activities to the cooler morning or evening hours.

NEVER leave a baby or small child (or animal) alone in the car - not even for a moment. Do not
stay in a stationary car for more than a few minutes in hot weather - even if accompanied by an
older child or adult. If necessary, get out of the car and go to a shady place.

• Always cover the head of babies and small children when outdoors in heat/sunshine. Protect
  parts of the body not protected by clothing with sunscreen (sun protection factor 30+).
• Outdoors, babies and small children should stay in the shade. If there is no shade, use
  umbrellas to cover/protect the head and body.
• Avoid heat accumulation in closed prams/strollers (by using a sunshade etc.).

CAUTION: Do not hang up cloths or blankets that cover the entire pram.

• In case of changes in the baby’s / child's body temperature or other abnormalities, e.g.
  unusual sleepiness, drowsiness - if in doubt, call 1450 or a doctor.
• If babies are ill in hot weather (colds, especially diarrhoea) and drink little, call or see a
  doctor.