For many of us, a heatwave means time outside, enjoying picnics and ice cream. But for families with a child who has a complex condition, a disability, or is neurodiverse, hot weather can be much harder to manage.
With three heatwaves already behind us this summer and more possibly on the way, it’s a good time to check how your family is coping and what extra support your child may need.
Keep medical safety and physical comfort first
Encourage your child to drink more water than usual, rather than pop or juice, as we sweat more in hot weather. Colourful straws, homemade flavoured ice, or a syringe can help if drinking is difficult. Foods such as watermelon and cucumber can also help with hydration.
Check your child’s medication, as some medicines can affect how the body responds to heat. If you are unsure, contact your GP or your child’s medical team.
If your child struggles to regulate their own body temperature, keep them out of the sun and check room temperatures. Cooling mats, cooling blankets or cooling vests may help prevent overheating.
If your child uses a wheelchair or mobility aid, breathable wheelchair liners can help keep them cooler.
Watch for signs of heatstroke or heat exhaustion, including sudden confusion, dizziness or extreme fatigue. If you think this is happening move the person to a shaded or air-conditioned area and use cool, damp cloths to lower their temperature. If in doubt, call 111. If you think someone has heatstroke, call 999. Further NHS advice is here.
Help your child feel comfortable and calm
Heatwaves can be unsettling. School hours may change, uniforms may switch to PE kit, and family routines may be disrupted. But there are things you can do to help your child feel more settled.
Poor sleep in hot weather can worsen some conditions, such as epilepsy. It may cause some challenging behaviour. To help your child sleep, keep bedrooms cool by closing blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day. Open windows, if it’s safe to do so, as this will improve airflow, and switch to a lightweight duvet, sheet or thin blanket.
Fans or portable air-conditioning units can help, but do not point them directly at the body as this can lead to dehydration. If the noise is overstimulating, try noise-cancelling headphones.
Choose lightweight, loose, light-coloured clothing. Cotton and bamboo fabrics can help children stay cool and reduce scratchy sensory discomfort.
Keep activities calm and quiet so body temperatures do not rise too much. Water play or ice drawing can also help with regulation.
Applying sun cream can be difficult for children with sensory sensitivities. Try unscented, matte or no-residue formulas, or use roll-ons, sticks or sprays if cream feels unpleasantly sticky to your child. Dry-touch products may feel also better than greasy formulations. A favourite toy or video can help distract your child while you apply it.
Plan ahead
Check local forecasts and news for any impact on power, water supplies or transport.
Use weather reports to plan ahead and keep fans, cool clothing and other essentials within easy reach.
Cars can become dangerously hot very quickly. Use a windscreen shield when parked, add sun shields to passenger windows. Keep extra water with you, and never leave children alone in stationary cars.
Heat can damage road surfaces, and bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled.
If you live in England, the free Heat-health Alert Service warns people about hot weather and heatwaves that may affect health. Sign up here.
Quick ways to stay cool
- Apply cool water by spray or sponge to exposed skin.
- Place cold packs, wrapped in a cloth, under the armpits or around the neck.
- Turn off any electrical equipment not in use.
- Public buildings such as libraries and supermarkets are often cooler than home, so consider spending time there when the heat becomes too much.