Summer is just around the corner so time to give some thought to how you are going to protect your baby from the sun and heat. This article will provide clear information to enable you to make the best decisions in protecting your baby from sun and heat.

Is it safe for my baby to go out in the sun?
Whilst babies are under six months old, they are advised to be kept out of strong direct sunlight. Babies’ skin is much thinner than children or adults, so UV rays can cause sun damage in a very short space of time. Babies are also more susceptible to heat, thus increasing temperatures can make them seriously unwell and has been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

• Risks

The two main concerns are:

1. Overheating.
2. Sunburn.

Sunburn at a young age has been demonstrably linked to a higher rate of skin cancer – a US study found that severe burns at a young age increased chances of melanoma (a form of skin cancer) by 80%.

• Timings

If possible, avoid going out during the hottest hours which are from 10am to 3pm.  This is because the UV levels and temperatures are highest during this time.

• Choose a breathable and UV protecting buggy cover

When travelling with the baby in a pram, ensure you have an adequate and safe cover, to protect your baby from the harmful UV rays whilst allowing:

• Easy accessibility to facilitate regular checks on your child and,
• Sufficient air circulation within the pram which will help regulate the temperature for your child.

The Lullaby Trust (www.lullabytrust.org.uk) has warned covering your pram or buggy with blankets (or cloths and covers) can lead to heat being trapped within the buggy and could cause your baby to dangerously overheat.  They recommend attaching a clip-on sunshade or parasol to a pram or buggy and checking if baby is getting too hot by feeling their tummy or the back of their neck. They advise to keep babies out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

• Can I use a parasol?

Parasols will not block air circulation, however they only shade a small area. The area they shade will shift as the sun moves or as you travel. This means your baby might suddenly be sitting in direct sunlight without you noticing. Also, not all parasols are UV resistant.

If you decide to use a parasol, ensure you choose a UV resistant version and that you consistently check that your baby remains shaded by the parasol.

• Can I use a muslin cloth?

Many parents choose to clip a muslin nappy across the buggy to shade their little one from the sun. This is not the worst solution, but muslin is not UV resistant so it cannot protect your baby from the sun’s most harmful rays.

• What’s the safest option?

My personal preference would be to use a buggy cover made of UV resistant but fully breathable material, that covers the whole opening of the buggy, but allows the air to circulate. The best of these have zips to enable the parents to quickly and easily check on their babies to ensure they are not getting too hot.

• Parking your buggy

Remember that the sun will move and so if you have parked your buggy in the shade, you need to continually check that your baby remains out of direct sunlight.

• Regular checks

It is important to regularly check on your baby to ensure they are not getting too hot. As babies are so sensitive to temperature, remember that even on overcast or lower temperature days, your baby could still overheat.  You should regularly:

1. Check if your baby is sweating.
2. Feel their tummy – it should be warm but not hot.
3. Check for flushed or red cheeks.
4. You could carry a thermometer with you. A specific baby digital thermometer can be purchased and should be used in the baby’s armpit or ear. A healthy temperature hovers around 36.4 degrees centigrade.

Further protection for your baby:
Babies over six months old can enjoy a limited amount of sunlight, providing they have been protected by the appropriate measures.

• Skin colour – Babies with very pale skins are most at risk from burning, however, babies with darker skin are still susceptible to sun damage and can burn.
• Shade – UV rays can still burn and overheat babies in the shade!
  

​Clothing:
Choose tight-weaved clothing that covers the baby’s whole body. Look for garments with a UPF of 50 which will block 98% of UV radiation. 

Choose wide-brimmed sun hats (not caps) which will cover your baby’s neck and ears too.

They should also wear sun glasses to protect their eyes. Sunglasses should meet the British Standard (BSEN 1836:2005) and carry the CE mark – check the label. This is because the UV rays can cause eye damage to a baby’s young eyes.
 
Sun Cream:
In the UK the general advice is that children under 6 months should not use sun cream.

Why?
Infants’ skin is thinner than adults, with a much thinner stratum corneum, the dead outermost skin layer. Therefore, an infant’s skin is less able to protect the body effectively against chemicals in sunscreen which could penetrate deeper into their skin, making newborn babies more vulnerable to allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis, inflammation or other harmful effects from chemical absorption. Newborn skin also lacks the film on the skin’s surface (known as the acid mantle) that protects the skin from bacteria viruses, and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), a condition that can lead to dehydration. The lack of the acid mantle could leave babies more vulnerable to the chemicals in sunscreen.
 
Babies also have a higher surface area-to-body weight ratio than older children and adults. A baby’s body surface area is about four times the body surface area-to-weight ratio in adults, which gives a far greater body surface area and leaves them exposed to far greater penetration by chemicals. In adults, most sunscreen ingredients don’t get absorbed systemically into the bloodstream — and those that do are absorbed in tiny amounts. However, for babies this is far more likely.
 
In addition, babies could try and lick sun cream from their bodies causing it to be ingested. This is another reason the Skin Cancer Foundation (www.skincancer.org) recommends delaying the use of sunscreen until your baby is at least six months old.
There has been very little research undertaken on sunscreens for babies, most studies have been done on adults.
 
Using Sun Cream
If your baby has reached over six months of age, they should be wearing sun cream from around April to October (use your judgement to decide – they may need it as early as March, weather dependent).

Babies and young children are more prone to rashes than adults. One fifth of adults report skin irritation from sun cream, so it is important to:
1. Choose a sun cream designed for babies.
2. Test the cream first.

• Choose wisely

Choose a hypoallergenic sun cream specifically designed for babies.
You should choose a high factor (SPF 50). For children the NHS recommend at least a factor 15. It should have at least a four-star UVA and UVB protection rating. There are specific sun creams created for babies which you can buy.
Check the expiry date and discard when out of date.
Some brands offer tinted versions of sun cream so that you can see where you have put the product.

• Do a patch test

We would always recommend trying sunscreen on a small area of your baby’s skin (doing a patch test) to make sure your baby can tolerate the product. Apply the small area before you need to rely on the sunscreen to protect them from the sun and check the area for signs of redness or allergy for the next few hours. If there is no reaction, you can then apply this to all exposed areas of their body. When trying a new brand, always patch test in this way too.

• How to apply suncream

Use enough! Many people do not use enough sun cream – so make sure that you use at least a tablespoon of sun cream if covering the legs and arms of a baby.

Apply sunscreen liberally to any area of your baby’s skin that isn’t covered up by clothes or a hat. Remember to include his hands and feet, and the back of his neck and ears.

• Pat, don’t rub!  It’s best to pat it on rather than rub it in. If you can, put sunscreen on your baby 15 minutes before they are exposed to any sun.

Cover exposed parts of your child’s skin with sunscreen, even on cloudy or overcast days. Apply sunscreen to areas not protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands. Be especially careful to protect your child’s shoulders and the back of their neck when they’re playing, as these are the most common areas for sunburn. 
 

• Reapplication

Reapply the sunscreen at least every couple of hours and after they have played in water, even if the sunscreen claims to be waterproof. Some water-resistant products may only protect your baby’s skin for up to 40 minutes of water play, while others may protect for up to 80 minutes.

Other tips for keeping your baby safe from the heat and sun in summer:

• Fluids

Fully breastfed babies should not need to be given extra water – but do check for any signs of dehydration. Otherwise, babies under 6 months should be regularly given cooled boiled water. Over six months of age, they can be given regular water.

• Sleep

In summer, it is best to create a cool sleeping environment for your baby. Place your baby feet to the foot of the cot, on a flat mattress without blankets or pillows.

When out and about in the summer with your baby in a buggy or pram, sleep can be more problematic. Don’t be tempted to put a blanket over the pram to block out the  sunlight as this can trap warm air within the buggy, causing the temperature to soar to dangerous levels.

Instead ideally opt for a mesh pram cover that will block out sunlight and allow air to circulate. Always ensure you park your buggy in the shade and keep checking to ensure it remains shaded and cool.

• Cloudy days

Remember, you can still get burned in the shade. Sun protection remains essential even on overcast days. If the temperature seems low to you, remember that it could still affect a young baby or child.

• The impact of water

Many people do not know that if you are on or near a body of water, this will dramatically increase the potency of the sun’s rays.  Sun cream should be reapplied after swimming.

If your baby has sunburn:
Firstly, don’t panic! 

• Do, however, treat the burn more seriously than you would an adult’s. Remove them from the sunlight immediately and take them indoors, preferably into a cool or air-conditioned environment.
• Shower the affected area for 10 minutes under tepid water, then apply neat aloe vera. Seek immediate medical advice if a baby or child has become sunburnt, particularly if their skin has blistered.
• Give them regular drinks of cool water to ensure they remain hydrated.
• If they show signs of heat exhaustion – hot, flushed, sweaty, unsettled, vomiting or diarrhoea – always get medical advice immediately.

With these tips in mind, enjoy the sunshine!

​Life First provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. Life First is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

Adapted from a post by Emma Hammett at https://firstaidforlife.org.uk/ Kate Ellwood (May 2019)

Today the Belgian Red Cross-Flanders launched a Belgian version of a free first aid app, with which everyone can offer first aid in the event of an accident or in an emergency situation.  The app is intended for those who have never undergone training and do not know what to do in the event of such an emergency. As a result, anyone with the app would be able to provide basic assistance in the event of an emergency.  I am excited as on the app from the 15th April will be a map overview of where you can find an AED device.  An AED is used in first aid when someone is unresponsive and not breathing (cardiac arrest).  Don't worry about it being in Dutch you can switch languages in the app!  

According to figures from the Red Cross, thirty Belgians are hit daily by cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting and more than 80 percent of the Flemish people do not offer first aid if someone next to them succumbs to a cardiac arrest.  Ine Tassignon, spokesperson for Belgian Red Cross-Flanders says "When a victim can be helped immediately with an AED, their chances of survival increase considerably.  If you look in advance where there are AEDs in your area, you can save valuable time when you actually one".  I couldn't agree more!

The app is called "Eerste hulp - Rode Kruis" - not to be confused with "EHBO - Rode Kruis" from the Dutch organization - and is available for:

iOS 
https://itunes.apple.com/sr/app/ehbo-ifrc/id1312876691?l=nl&mt=8

Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.gdpc.fa

Life First provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. Life First is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

How dangerous is electricity?

• Serious electric shocks are not as common as many people think. In the UK (2010-11), 60 children (under 15) were admitted to hospital after an electric shock. This compares to 47,000 under 15s admitted to hospital as a result of falls.
• The main danger with electricity is that it can cause house fires.  Faulty electrics start up to one in six house fires.  Causes include loose wiring, damaged cables and leads, and faulty or misused electrical appliances. 

How can accidents with electricity be prevented?
The good news is that children are at very little risk from electric shocks. Electrical sockets are designed to be safe.  But electricity can be dangerous in other ways.  Old electrical appliances and wiring, and children playing with electrical appliances, can cause burns and house fires.  Of the accidents involving electric shocks which take place in the home, many involve children biting electrical cords or poking a metal object into electrical sockets.  Or they happen when an electrical appliance meets water such as a bath or paddling pool.  Water greatly increases the risk of fatality.

You should be aware of how much your children have learned, and what they are capable of doing with electrical appliances.  If you are aware of the dangers of electricity, you can teach your children, as they grow up, to be aware of the dangers too. But younger children might not know the dangers, and they become curious before they know what they are playing with.  You may not know your toddler is able to plug in an iron or electric fire.

Most accidents that happen with children and electricity can be prevented by keeping potentially dangerous devices out of young children’s reach and away from water. For example:

• Electrical devices such as hairdryers and mains-operated radios should be kept out of the bathroom

Other situations, where electrical equipment fails or is used incorrectly, can be prevented by knowing the right way to use electrical appliances. For example:

• Plug sockets should not be overloaded. Be aware not just of how many plugs are going into one socket, but also how much power they are using.  Kettles and irons use more power than lamps and even TVs.
• Older electrical appliances can cause house fires. Check plugs, sockets and wires for scorching or fraying.  If there’s a problem, use a registered electrician to fix them.

​​High voltage danger
The danger from an electrical shock depends on the type of current, how high the voltage is, how the current travelled through the body, the person’s overall health and how quickly the person is treated.  If the person survives the initial shock, their prognosis is usually good.  However, even when the electric shock is not fatal, it can lead to permanent injury.

Electrical sockets are not the only source of electric current, and babies have little fingers and are curious; hence the importance of knowing the appropriate first aid response.  Certain socket covers can damage sockets and remove the automatic shutters – be extremely careful when choosing socket covers to ensure they meet the appropriate safety standards.

Faulty wiring and electric shocks
Old electrical appliances can have wires which become damaged and frayed over time and can, as a result, can give an electric shock when touched. Sometimes pets can chew and damage wires and they too can experience electric shocks.

Have your electrics regularly checked by a qualified electrician!
 
Electric Shock - what do you do?

Your own safety is paramount!

If you touch someone who is holding onto an electrical wire with a live current, there is a strong chance you will be electrocuted too.  As a result, it is vital you always ensure the area is safe if someone has been electrocuted.
Do not touch them until you have turned the electricity off at the mains.  Furthermore, ensure you know where the mains is located and how to turn it off.  Touching the socket where the appliance is plugged in, before disconnecting the mains, could lead to further injury.

Stop the current!

If someone has had an electric shock, switch off the electrical current at the mains to break the contact between the person and the electrical supply.

Can’t reach the mains supply?
If you can’t stop the electrical current, move the source away from you and the person using a dry, non-conducting object made of cardboard, plastic or wood.  A wooden broom handle can work.

If a baby or child has grasped a damaged wire, it is possible the electric shock can cause muscle spasm and as a result they will be unable to let go.  Always try and switch off the power supply.  Once the electricity has been switched off, they are safe to touch.

When to dial 112 for an ambulance:
If the person isn’t breathing or if the injured person experiences any of the following dial 112.

• Severe burns
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
• Cardiac arrest
• Muscle pain and contractions
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Whilst waiting for medical help:

• Check for response and then check for breathing
• If they are unconscious and breathing – put them into the recovery position
• Unconscious and not breathing – start CPR.
• Conscious and breathing - if they are conscious and appear ok, get them checked by a medical professional.
• be calm and reassuring
• keep them warm and dry
• treat superficial burns with cool, running water

Don’t be distracted by burns!

Electrical burns have an entry and exit point and burn all the way through the inside.  Therefore, the electrical burn itself, may not be the most important injury.  Furthermore, keep checking for more serious and possibly life -threatening conditions resulting from the electric shock.

For more information on keeping your family safe
​
Child Accident Prevention Trust:
https://www.capt.org.uk/

Electrical Safety First:
www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/

Life First provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. Life First is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

​Here are ten compelling reasons why learning first aid needs to the New Year’s resolution you stick to in 2019.
 
Reason One – First aid saves lives
Basic first aid can mean the difference between life and death. A Red Cross survey showed a staggering 59% of deaths from injuries would have been preventable had first aid been given before the emergency services arrived.

 
Reason Two – First aid reduces recovery time
First aid can have a huge impact on someone’s chances of recovery, and can mean the difference between them having a short term or more permanent disability.
 
 
Reason Three – First aid reduces hospital time
Early intervention with first aid can reduce the length of time the patient needs to stays in hospital.

 
Reason Four – First aid prevents medical situations deteriorating
Knowing the basics of first aid can prevent a bad situation from getting worse. Consider a patient who is bleeding from a deep cut. Without intervention, the patient could suffer severe blood loss. By applying pressure using simple first aid techniques, you can prevent a medical emergency from rapidly deteriorating and stabilise the patient until further medical help arrives.

 
Reason Five – First aid can reduce unnecessary visits to hospital
Not every accident ends up in hospital but still needs medical attention. Some injuries such as a bumped head, bruised knee or sprained ankle can be better managed with the correct procedure such as competent bandaging, rest or swelling reduction with a wrapped ice pack. First aid training also teaches you to prioritise injuries, giving the most seriously injured or ill the very best chance. As well as equipping you with the knowledge to establish whether someone needs further care and whether that care should be given by the GP, at a hospital or needs immediate paramedic intervention.

 
Reason Six – Competent first aid can reduce the amount of pain experienced by casualties
Knowing how to respond helps you stay calm in an emergency situation. Staying calm allows you to provide emotional support to the patient and help prevent them from panicking – which can often be a very effective form of pain relief. In addition, knowing how to physically move someone in pain, support their injuries and administer appropriate bandaging and dressings can also greatly reduce the amount of pain they experience.

Reason Seven – Crucial communication for the emergency services
Staying with the patient until the emergency services arrive to take over means you can convey vital information about how the patient sustained the injury or information about their condition. This information is vital to the emergency services for the effective treatment of the patient and can also aid the patient’s treatment and recovery.

 
Reason Eight – First aid increases awareness and reduces your susceptibility to accidents
 Learning first aid and becoming alert to potential hazards and medical issues increases our health awareness and allows us to take better care of ourselves, our friends and families. It creates resilient communities and relieves pressure on the NHS.

Reason Nine – First aid makes you feel empowered
Learning first aid will give you the confidence to act appropriately when an accident occurs. It is vitally important to deal with any life-saving injuries before reaching for the phone to call for an ambulance.
It is also very useful to know when and if to move someone following an accident and when they should be kept still.

Reason Ten – Be prepared for anything
None of us know what the future has in store for us or for our loved ones. Sudden illness such as heart attack, stroke, severe bleeding and breathing difficulties require immediate attention, which after a course, you will be well equipped to provide. First aid also equips you to deal with bleeding, burns, breathlessness, bites, shocks stings, splints and fainting so whatever medical situation life throws at you, you can respond effectively.
 
From:  First Aid for Life Website at:  https://firstaidforlife.org.uk/first-aid/  08/01/2019 

Life First provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. Life First is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

DOTS is an acronym used to remember what to look for when conducting a physical assessment of a casualty (i.e. looking for injuries).

​DOTS stands for:

• Deformities
• Open wounds
• Tenderness
• Swelling

 These four signs are common indications of an injury to a body part.

Deformities
A deformity is used to describe an abnormal shape of a body part. Common causes of deformities are fractures or dislocations as they disrupt the skeleton.
The best way to check for a deformity is to compare sides. For example, comparing both wrists to look for a deformity associated with a wrist fracture.

Open wounds
Searching for open wounds is an important part of the assessment of a casualty, especially if the person is unresponsive. It is important to find and stop any bleeding in order to prevent the casualty deteriorating.
Wounds can be hidden and not immediately obvious so you may have to go searching! Always remember to protect yourself from any bodily by wearing gloves.

Tenderness
Pressing on an area may cause pain, this is known as tenderness and may indicate an underlying injury. Tenderness will occur before other more visible signs (for example bruising). 
In an unresponsive patient who is unable to communicate you should always look at the face when assessing for tenderness. You may see a pain response if you press over an injury. 

Swelling
Swelling occurs mainly with soft tissue injuries and fractures. Swelling does not occur immediately after an injury so may not be obvious during your initial assessment. 

Life First provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. Life First is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

I have had 2 sets of parents on my recent first aid classes who have small children experiencing breath-holding spells.  Breath-holding spells' refers to two distinct conditions that can occur when a child is frightened, upset or angry, or experiences a sudden shock or pain.  They are very scary and generate significant anxiety for parents but are ultimately harmless and most children grow out of them.  So, I thought I would post a link here to the NHS website in the UK that offers some balanced and useful information on what they are and how to treat them.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/breath-holding-spells-in-children/


Life First provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. Life First is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

Have you thought about having a Personalised Asthma Action Plan for your child with asthma? It is one of the best things you can do to look after your child's asthma.  Having an up to date plan means your child is far less likely to have asthma symptoms or an asthma attack.  Research shows children without a PAAP are four times more likely to end up in hospital than those with one. 

A Personalised Asthma Action Plan contains information about your child's asthma on triggers, how and when to take the preventers and relievers, how to spot asthma worsening, indicators that their asthma may be becoming unstable and a clear action plan in the case of an asthma attack.  There is a proforma Child Asthma Action Plan for download at the Asthma UK website.  It is UK based so would need adapting for Belgium but it provides a baseline and can be found at: 

​https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/child/manage/action-plan/
  
Sharing your child’s action plan with friends, family, school and after school clubs means everyone who needs to know how to look after your child’s asthma has an easy way to do it – and you get peace of mind. ​

Top Tips to Keep Your Child Safe

• Help your child to establish and keep a regular routine using their preventer inhalers
• Ensure your child is competent at using their own inhalers properly, using spacers if appropriate
• Help your child prepare a Personalised Asthma Action Plan (PAAP) with their asthma nurse or GP
• If your child has a PAAP share a copy with the school and at any activity clubs your child attends
• Store a copy of it on your phone so you can share it with any caregivers, friends or family who may look after your child
• Provide the school with a spare inhaler so your child can receive their medication even if they forget their own

Finally, understand the early warning signs your child could be more likely to have an asthma attack, as spotting these signs could help avoid it.

Spotting the Signs of an Asthma Attack

Asthma nurses report the following warning signs could indicate that someone’s asthma is becoming unstable:
​

• using the reliever inhaler three or more times a week,
• Finding the reliever inhaler is not controlling symptoms for more than 4 hours
• coughing or wheezing at night or in the morning,
• breathlessness when talking
• struggling to keep up with friends, because of breathlessness
• developing a cold or being exposed to flu like symptoms

​Life First provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. Life First is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information.

If swallowed lithium batteries burn!  Watch this to see the damage they can cause.

PLEASE, PLEASE keep lithium batteries out of reach of young children!​