Heat and dehydration

• Dry mouth, lips and tongue
• Fewer wet nappies than usual or dark coloured urine (wee)
• No tears when crying or sunken eyes
• Cold hands and feet
• Mottled bluish skin
• Unusual lack of energy, unusual sleepiness or difficult to wake

If your child has these signs, visit your doctor or an after-hours clinic immediately, or call 111 for an ambulance. You can also call PlunketLine any time on 0800 933 922 if you’re not sure. 

• Cool, but not cold tepid baths or sponging can be helpful if the heat is distressing for your child
• Dress in light, breathable clothing
• Keep to parts of the house where it’s cool
• Avoid going outside in the heat
• If you do go outside, stick to the shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen. 

• Breastfed babies may want to feed more frequently, and breastfeeding mothers need to maintain their own hydration by drinking frequently. Sleepy newborn babies may need to be woken for more frequent feeds.
• Bottle-fed babies may want to feed more often. Offer formula or cooled, boiled water.
• Offer older babies and children regular drinks during the day – not just at mealtimes
• Water is ideal, but diluted fruit juice (1 part juice and 10 parts water) can be an option for children who refuse water. You can also offer ice blocks, fruit pieces like oranges or watermelon, or crushed ice. 

• Avoid putting baby down to sleep in a pram, as these can have very little air flow
• At night, you can help cool the air by hanging wet towels over chairs or windows and letting the air pass through them. Do not place baby to sleep directly under open windows.
• If you’re using a fan, don’t point it directly at your child
• Sleeping in natural fabrics like cotton and wool is ideal as they are breathable, help keep the body at the right temperature and absorb moisture like sweat. 

• Offer plenty of their normal fluid/water to drink during car trips.
• Dress tamariki in cool, comfortable, close-fitting clothes that cover the areas where harness webbing or buckles might touch. Natural fibres are best.
• Check the temperature of car seats, harnesses and seat belts before your child gets into the car. Hot metal, plastic or leather can burn. If surfaces are hot, cover them with a damp cloth and then help your child into the car. It can be a good idea to cover car seats when you're not using them.
• It's important your child’s harness fits snugly, whether they are awake or asleep. A loose or twisted harness increases the risk of injury in a crash or sudden stop.
• Use shades on your car windows to protect your child from the sun if your windows don't have tinting.
• Putting a hood or bonnet over a capsule to protect a baby from the sun reduces air circulation – only use after-market covers that are tested and approved for use by the manufacturer for that particular child restraint. Some of these covers can not be used while travelling.
• On long journeys, stop at least every two hours so everyone can get out of the car and have a stretch. This includes babies, who can roll around on a rug on the ground.
• It's a good idea to plan car travel for the cooler times of day. Cool your car as much as possible before you let your child get in.
• Where possible, have an adult travel in the back seat with infants, to keep a check on their temperature and positioning.
• Never, ever leave your child alone in the car.