Heat Health Advice for Parents and Carers
Babies and young children are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather and can become dehydrated more quickly than adults. Extra care should be taken during periods of hot weather.
Keep children cool
- Keep babies and young children inside or out of direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm).
- Dress children in light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
- Use shade whenever possible.
- Keep bedrooms and living areas cool by closing curtains or blinds during the day.
- Encourage outdoor play during cooler parts of the day.
Protect children from the sun
- Use appropriate sunscreen (SPF 50+) and reapply regularly.
- Ensure children wear hats and protective clothing when outdoors.
- Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight wherever possible.
Keep children hydrated
Encourage children to drink fluids regularly throughout the day, before they start to feel thirsty. Foods with a high-water content, such as watermelon, strawberries and melon, can also help maintain hydration. Ice lollies and jellies may be an occasional way of increasing fluid intake during hot weather.
Babies under 6 months
- Continue to provide breast milk or infant formula as the main source of fluids.
- Breastfed babies may wish to feed more frequently during hot weather – make sure to drink plenty of fluids yourself if you are breastfeeding.
Babies over 6 months
- Offer small amounts of water alongside their usual milk feeds and meals.
- Encourage regular fluid intake throughout the day.
Sleeping in hot weather
- Keep bedrooms cool where possible.
- Use lightweight bedding and clothing.
- Ensure babies sleep in a safe sleeping environment and avoid overheating.
- Use a room thermometer to check that the room your baby sleeps in is between 16°C and 20°C – your baby or child should not sleep in direct sunlight.
- A lukewarm bath or shower before bed can also help your child stay cool.
Never leave a child in a vehicle
Never leave a baby, child or pet alone in a parked vehicle, even for a short period. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly and become dangerous.
Outdoor play and activities
- Encourage regular breaks for drinks and shade.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest part of the day.
- Check playground equipment before use, as surfaces can become very hot and may cause burns.
Know the signs of heat-related illness
Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Unusual irritability in young children
Move the child to a cool place, encourage fluids and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Seek urgent medical attention by calling 999 if a child becomes confused, difficult to wake, has a seizure, or loses consciousness.
More information is available at:
https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/child-safety/outdoors/
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/heat-exhaustion-and-heatstroke-in-children/
Updated 22/06/2026