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Summer is just around the corner, and it's a great opportunity to create fun memories with your family. There are plenty of events to enjoy, like festivals, fireworks displays, and pool trips! However, parents with small children may be a little worried about going out in the hot weather. To ensure a safe and comfortable outing, it's important to plan ahead and take precautions against the summer heat.
In this article, we'll introduce some tips for enjoying summer outings with your children, as well as heat prevention tips that can be used when going out with a baby carrier or hip seat. Let's enjoy summer outings and trips with the whole family, staying cool, comfortable, and full of energy!
Things to keep in mind when going out in hot weather
Summer is a time when the sun is strong and temperatures rise. In recent years, with the issue of global warming, there are many midsummer days and extremely hot days. It is especially important to take proper precautions before going out with small children.
Here we will explain the points to be careful of when going out in hot weather, basic knowledge to protect children from heatstroke, choosing clothes to protect against the heat, and the importance of staying hydrated.
Precautions for the summer heat
The summer heat is tougher on children than you might think. In particular, children's body temperatures rise rapidly when exposed to direct sunlight, as their thermoregulation systems are not yet fully developed. For this reason, try to avoid going outside during the hottest times of the day (around 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM) and instead stay active during cooler times of the day. How about getting up early and playing in the park in the morning, or taking a walk in the cooler evenings?
It is also important to walk in the shade whenever possible. It is recommended to use a parasol when walking in places with little shade. On hot days, make sure to take frequent breaks in air-conditioned areas, and make other efforts to ensure your child is comfortable.
Protecting children from heatstroke
Heatstroke is a general term for disorders that occur when body temperature rises due to sweating, a decrease in water and salt (such as sodium) in the body, or poor blood flow, exposing vital organs to high temperatures.
Children's sweating ability is less developed than adults', so they are at a particularly high risk of heatstroke and require special care. Also, on sunny days, the closer to the ground the higher the temperature, so young children are especially at risk than adults. During hot weather, check on your child frequently, and if they show any abnormalities, immediately move them to a cooler place and have them rest.
To protect your children from heatstroke, please keep the following points in mind:
- Carefully observe the person's complexion and sweating pattern, and if the person's face is red and they are sweating profusely, have them rest in a cool place.
- Teach your child to drink fluids appropriately according to their thirst.
- Let your child play outside moderately on a daily basis to help them get used to the heat.
- Choose clothes that don't trap heat, and regulate your body temperature by taking off and putting on clothes depending on how hot it is.
The importance of hydration and how to stay hydrated
Children are more susceptible to dehydration than adults, so it is very important for them to drink fluids regularly, especially during hot weather. By the time they feel thirsty, they have already lost fluids, so it is important to give them fluids and salt little by little before they become thirsty.
Before and during your outing, carefully observe your child to see if they are feeling uncomfortable due to the heat, and make sure they drink fluids as needed. Staying hydrated is an important habit for keeping children healthy, so be sure not to forget.
Recommended heat prevention goods
Proper heat protection products are essential to prevent children from feeling uncomfortable in the summer heat. Here we will introduce recommended items for use with baby carriers and hip seats, as well as tips on how to choose each item.
Cooling vests and ice packs
Heatstroke can be prevented by having children wear a cooling vest or sheet with ice packs placed on the back or under the arms. By cooling the large aorta under the armpits, the child's body temperature will not rise.
Since cooling vests and cooling sheets are worn closely to the body, it is important to choose the right size for your child. Also, check the product's target age and use it under adult supervision for safety.
For infants who cannot be fitted with a cooling vest, you can lower their body temperature by placing a cloth-wrapped ice pack inside a baby carrier or hip seat. Place the ice pack close to the baby's back or side, and adjust the position as needed to prevent the baby's skin from getting too cold.
Please be careful not to let the ice pack come into direct contact with your skin. If you cool your skin for too long, there is a risk of frostbite, so choose an ice pack of the right size for the duration of your outing, and move it around from time to time.
Small fan
Small fans are extremely convenient for adults and even when traveling with babies and small children. They are lightweight and portable, so you can just throw them in your bag and use them anywhere.
In particular, models that can be attached to baby carriers or strollers gently circulate the surrounding air, making it comfortable even on hot days. By choosing a model with adjustable airflow, you can adjust the cooling level to suit the temperature of the day, ensuring your child is comfortable.
Also, to prevent children from getting their fingers stuck in and injuring themselves, we recommend using a model with no exposed blades or a mesh that is so fine that fingers cannot get stuck in.
Cooling towel
Cooling towels, which become cool just by wetting them with water and shaking them gently, can be placed on the back of a child's neck or on their hands and feet to help lower their body temperature. When you're out and about, it's a good idea to fold these towels compactly and carry them with you so you can use them as needed.
Since cooling towels come into direct contact with children's skin, it's important to choose towels made from materials that are gentle on children's skin. Also, if you choose a type that has a long-lasting cooling effect, you can keep them cool even when you're out for a long time.
Neck cooler
Neck coolers, which have become commonplace recently, are a convenient item that can be used to cool down without having to put them in the freezer. They cool down to a temperature lower than body temperature, but not too cold, so they are recommended for people who don't like sudden chills or who are worried about low-temperature burns.
The recommended age range varies depending on the product, but most manufacturers recommend use for children aged 3 and over. For safety reasons, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using.
Also, please be careful not to let children play with or put it in their mouths, and use it within the reach of an adult. Because it is worn around the neck, it is best to remove it when running around or playing actively, and only wear it during breaks.
Sunshades and UV protection items
The strong rays of the summer sun can be very dangerous for children's sensitive skin. A sun hat with UV protection, a parasol, or a sunshade are essential items when going out. Especially when using a hip seat, be sure to use a parasol or cape to provide shade to your child so that they are not exposed to direct sunlight.
When choosing these items, it is best to choose ones that can block over 90% of UV rays. We recommend checking the quality of the material and its UV protection, and choosing a durable product that can withstand long periods of being outdoors.
Baby carriers and hip seats
On a sunny summer day, the closer you are to the ground, the higher the temperature. Therefore, when a short child walks, they are exposed to an environment that is even hotter than the heat felt by an adult. When the temperature is 32°C at face height for an adult, it exceeds 35°C at a height of 50cm, which is the height of a child.
To avoid the sun reflecting off the ground, it is recommended to avoid walking your child continuously in the hot sun and to carry them in a baby carrier or hip seat. When doing so, it is also important to choose a material that is highly breathable and does not get stuffy.
POMULU is recommended even in hot weather!
Large capacity that can hold heat prevention goods
POMULU has a large capacity that can hold all the luggage you need when you go out. With four pockets - a main pocket, a sub-pocket, a back pocket, and a pocket for small items - it's easy to see what you put where, and you won't lose your belongings inside the bag.
Heat protection products are bulky, so you tend to carry a lot more luggage in the summer than you might expect. It can be a hassle to travel around with so much luggage in the heat. With POMULU, a 500ml water bottle, a small fan, a cooling towel, a UV-blocking hat, and sunscreen can all fit in the main pocket. You can also keep an ice pack wrapped in cloth in the back pocket to keep your child cool and comfortable.
Go out light and comfortable even during the hot season with POMULU!
No need to worry about sweating! Machine washable
Baby carriers and hip seats tend to get damp with sweat, especially in the summer, so choosing washable materials is extremely important for hygiene reasons.
The POMULU 2WAY hip seat is machine washable! Regular washing will help keep it clean and prevent skin problems for your child. Since it comes into direct contact with your child, you'll want to keep it clean even on hot days.
POMULU washing instructions
- Place it in a laundry net. Don't forget to check that there are no items left inside.
- Wash using a gentle cycle such as the dry cycle or delicate cycle. We recommend using a mild detergent that won't damage the fabric.
- Adjust the shape and dry in the shade.
summary
By taking the proper precautions and preparing for the heat, you can enjoy summer outings with your children safely and comfortably.
POMULU can be washed in the washing machine, so you can use it safely even during the hot summer months, even if your child sweats.The pockets also have plenty of space for items you need to protect yourself from the heat, so you can go out light!
Let's make lots of fun memories with your family this summer!
Source: Ministry of the Environment Heatstroke Environmental Health Manual 2022
https://www.wbgt.env.go.jp/heatillness_manual.php
