Babies and young children are more vulnerable to heat-related illness than adults, so planning ahead for hot weather risks in your early childhood education and care (ECEC) service can make a big difference. With very hot days predicted this summer, it’s important to know how to keep babies and young children safe.

What is heat-related illness?

In hot weather, our bodies try to cool down by sweating and moving blood closer to the skin. In extreme heat, this process can become less effective, resulting in overheating or dehydration that could lead to illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Dehydration and overheating can occur quickly in babies and young children, so it’s important to check on them regularly during hot weather.

Signs of heat-related illness in babies and young children

Learn more about the signs, symptoms and first-aid for heat-related illness in children and adults on the NSW Health website.

Tips to keep children cool

Taking these extra steps to keep children cool and safe will go a long way in protecting them from heat-related illnesses.

Prepare for hot weather

In the lead up to summer:

• check that air-conditioners, fans, refrigerators and freezers are working properly
• in case of power loss, have battery-powered fans, damp towels and water spray bottles ready to help keep children cool
• if a power failure affects your refrigerator or freezer, there is a risk that some foods and medicines may become unsafe. Learn more about staying safe and healthy during extended power outages.

Stay cool indoors

• Keep babies and young children inside and out of the heat. If you have air conditioning, use it. Fans can help when temperatures are under 39 degrees. Keep fans out of reach and don’t point them directly at babies.
• Dress children in light loose clothing.
• If you do not have an air conditioner, cool babies and children with a damp cloth or face washer.

Avoid hot surfaces

• Outdoor playgrounds and surfaces – especially metal, plastic equipment, rubber pour and artificial grass – can become very hot in the sun. Always check surfaces before children use them to prevent burns.

Protect from the sun

• Make sure children wear sun-safe hats, protective clothing, shoes and sunscreen. This helps to prevent sunburn, burns and minimises exposure to UV radiation.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher. Apply about one teaspoon per body part and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming, water play or sweating. Refer to your service’s sun protection policies and procedures for guidance around specific requirements and precautions in place at your service.
• Encourage children to play in shaded areas to further reduce their exposure to UV radiation.
• Use the SunSmart UV radiation index app or widget daily to monitor the UV index and recommended sun protection times.

Stay hydrated

• Offer children water frequently to keep them hydrated. Find hydration tips for children on the healthdirect website.

Preparing for bushfire season

With hot weather comes the possibility of fire danger. Being prepared for bushfire season can make all the difference in an emergency. ECEC services can plan, prepare for and ensure the safety of children by:

• reviewing and updating risk assessments as required to ensure they are up to date and comply with regulation 97 of the Education and Care Services National Regulations
• ensuring all staff understand their roles and responsibilities in an emergency
• conducting emergency and evacuation rehearsals, which must meet the requirements of regulation 97(3) and your service policies and procedures
• engaging children in age-appropriate learning experiences and conversations about emergency planning to build their preparedness
• keeping children’s emergency contact details up to date
• monitoring air quality in your area and staying inside when it’s poor
• downloading the ‘Hazards Near Me’ app to stay up to date on nearby emergencies, including bushfires
• keeping updated on the latest advice from the NSW SES on how to stay safe if an emergency arises
• review emergency kits to ensure they are well stocked, including updated emergency contact details
• having medications like asthma inhalers on hand if needed.

It is important that you take the time to understand what emergency situations may arise at your service and what actions need to be taken in the event of an emergency including bushfires or other natural disasters. Learn about regulatory requirements and effective emergency planning and management.