Why Hot Weather Can Leave Children Feeling Sick (+ What to Do About It)

Why Hot Weather Can Leave Children Feeling Sick (+ What to Do About It) | AD

Summer has definitely arrived here in the UK. It’s only June and we’ve already had two extreme heatwaves with the current one being unusually long-drawn-out. Most parents are quick to reach for sun cream, sun hats, and water bottles before heading outdoors in the hot weather. These are all essentials, of course. But there’s one common heat-related symptom that is often overlooked – nausea. 

Why Kids Struggle the Most with Heat-Related Nausea

Children are particularly vulnerable to feeling sick when the weather is hot. This is because their bodies heat up more quickly than adults and they tend to become dehydrated faster too. Additionally, children often struggle to recognise the early signs that they are overheating.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Whether kids are running around a park, playing at the playground, spending the day at the beach, travelling in a warm car, queuing at a summer attraction, or even at school, the combination of heat and dehydration can quickly leave them feeling queasy, dizzy, and generally unwell. 

Nausea can be one of the first signs of overheating but it can also indicate heat exhaustion. It’s important for parents to be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion.

Symptoms include:

• Sweating
• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Sickness

If your child is experiencing any of the above, they should be moved into a cool and shaded area immediately. Additionally, they should be encouraged to sip water slowly, and have excess clothing removed if possible. 

Signs of Heatstroke

If any of the below happens, seek urgent medical help immediately as these can be signs of heatstroke:

• A very high temperature
• Symptoms worsen 
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Sweating stops despite child being hot

How to Prevent Heat-Related Nausea

Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to help prevent heat-related nausea before it starts. One option that is becoming increasingly popular is Sea-Band Children’s Acupressure Bands (£7.79, Amazon.co.uk). 

Instead of relying on medication that often comes with side effects such as drowsiness, these reusable wristbands apply gentle pressure to the P6 (Nei-Kuan) acupressure point on the wrist. This pressure point has been used for centuries to help relieve feelings of nausea. It works well and doesn’t have any side effects, making them ideal for active children who want to be able to enjoy summer adventures. 

Sea-Band Children’s Acupressure Bands can be worn before/during travelling, during outdoor activities, or whenever children begin to feel queasy in the heat. Because they are completely drug-free, they are suitable for repeated use throughout the day whenever needed.

Top Tips for Keeping Children Comfortable During a Heatwave

There are also lots of other things that you can do to keep children comfortable during a heatwave. 

Below are some tips:

• Encourage children to sip water regularly, even if they don’t say they’re thirsty. Use an insulated water bottle with ice to keep the water cold and refreshing.
• Plan outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day, such as an early morning walk or playing in the garden later in the evening. 
• Take regular breaks from school work or other activities in the shade or indoors with good ventilation.
• Dress children in lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing. Natural fibres such as linen and cotton are good options.
• Use sun hats with wide brims and apply sunscreen regularly throughout the day if spending time outdoors.
• Use fans – large ones or handheld fans. Our favourite fans are the Diveblues Turbo Portable Handheld Fans.
• Never leave children in parked cars, even for a few minutes, as temperatures can rise dangerously fast in this environment.
• Offer snacks with a high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, strawberries and oranges to help boost hydration.
• Frozen snacks such as ice pops or homemade frozen juice ice lollies are also a great way to cool down and to boost hydration. 

If your child is prone to nausea during hot weather or long journeys, consider using Sea-Band Children’s Acupressure Bands as a simple, drug-free way to help relieve feelings of sickness. They are available from Amazon.co.uk here in a choice of Pink, Blue, Green, and Orange.

As summer temperatures continue to rise, it’s so important to recognise the early signs of overheating. By taking simple preventative steps, you can help ensure that your children stay safe, cool and are able to enjoy everything the season has to offer even when the weather is uncomfortably warm. 

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