Holidays in Warm Countries

Many family holidays involve traveling to a warm sunny area, preferably with access to a beach. The result is an ideal child friendly environment as long as certain precautions are taken.

The issues are the same as for adults - avoidance of sun burn, watching for dehydration, stomach upsets - but with children there is just so much more need to take care.

Children seem to thrive in the heat and sun. However, they are more vulnerable to heat stroke (stress) than adults. Left to themselves they may fail to take enough water and they are less able than adults to regulate body heat by sweating. Their smaller size also makes them vulnerable to absorbing heat more quickly (in the same way as they lose heat more quickly in the cold). The best solution is to monitor their activities, insist on breaks and ensure they drink enough. Children are particularly vulnerable if the temperature is over 95F or in conditions of high humidity.

With younger children you need to be particularly careful to avoid sunburn. Always use high factor sun tan lotions and keep children dressed in loose clothing. If possible, only go out in the morning or evening and try to avoid the heat in the middle of the day. Remember that being in water is no protection against sunburn so it is a good idea to swim wearing a t-shirt or similar.

Young children are vulnerable to both heat rash and prickly heat. Both are easy to avoid (they tend to be caused when children are so hot that sweating no longer regulates their core temperature), and can often be cured by avoiding heat and keeping the affected areas clean.

Again, young children are particularly vulnerable to dehydration if they have an upset stomach. An illness that is an irritant in an adult can be much more serious for a younger child. The best approach is to avoid eating uncooked food, or eating from buffets or food that has been allowed to stand too long. If your child is ill, it is essential to ensure they continue to drink and, if available, use specialist dehydration tablets (it is better to give plain water rather than add salt and sugar yourself) and try to avoid sugary fizzy drinks. Allow children to eat if they feel up to it (it is not a good idea to try and starve diarrhea). Equally you should be careful to avoid cross contamination.

If the symptoms persist for more than 3-4 days then it is essential to seek medical help.