It’s one thing staying safe during the UK summer, but when you are overseas, it can be a different story. Even at its hottest at home, it doesn’t compare with the consistently high temperatures in the Mediterranean and beyond. So, if you are heading south for summer, here is a guide for parents to help children stay safe on holiday in a heatwave.

With much of southern Europe having experienced blazing heat in recent times, this should be in most parents’ minds. Most of it is common sense. But when you are not used to sustained heat for that amount of time, any advice can come in handy. Make sure you read this before you set off on your travels.

How to stay safe on holiday

Plan your days

Playing out in the exposed sunshine in the middle of the day can increase their risk of sunburn or sunstroke. It can also be more tiring when the temperatures are really hot. Although the temptation is to spend all day on the beach, you might want to plan some activities inside where there is air conditioning, or at least in the shade.

Go to a cafe or restaurant for lunch and cooling drinks and take activity books or devices to keep them entertained indoors and away from the midday sun.

Don’t skimp on the sun lotion

Two truths remain universal. Sun lotion is essential for kids to stay safe on holiday and putting sun lotion on children is one of the most tortuous tasks known to parenthood. But the latter cannot cancel out the former. And it’s not just a case of putting it on in the morning. Reapply regularly, with all the dips in the swimming pool and sea swims your child might partake of on holiday.

Also, remember that they are likely to sweat more than they do at home, as the temperature is usually higher than they are used to. You can’t be too careful, no matter how annoying the process of putting it on is.

Carry water bottles everywhere

There’s the old adage that, if you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Make sure your children are sipping water on a regular basis. At home, you might take reusable bottles around, but it is not always advisable to drink the tap water on holiday. So you might need to buy bottles in preparation.

However you get it, add plenty of water to your packing for the day, as the heat can really dehydrate. This can make children feel dizzy, tired and ill.

Clothing choices

Hats with a brim are a must in the sunshine, helping children to stay safe on holiday. Loose-fitting, breathable clothes help to keep them cooler too, protecting their shoulders is key when they are running around. When they do get ready for a swim, give them a shady area to change in.

Bedroom blinds

If you have blinds or curtains in the child’s bedroom on holiday, keep them closed during the day. This will prevent the room from heating up as much because you’re reducing the amount of direct sunlight they receive. Use a fan to circulate the air at night if you don’t have air conditioning in your accommodation. But keep them a safe distance from the child and out of reach so they can’t stick fingers in an injure themselves.

Do you have any other tips to help children stay safe on holiday in a heatwave? Leave them in the Comments