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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Nicola Roy

What is the normal temperature for children to be as heatwave set to continue

Several parts of Scotland and the rest of the UK are currently experiencing a heatwave, as temperatures continue to exceed the country's threshold.

And while this is good news for sunbathers, the soaring mercury can be dangerous for children as it can lead to overheating and dehydration.

You might be keen to make the most of the good weather and get out into the sun with your family, but it's important to know when your child is too hot, as they may be at risk of sunstroke.

High temperatures in babies and children are often caused by bacterial infections, but it can also be down to the hot weather.

So if you've been taking advantage of the warm weather and are spending more time outdoors with youngsters, it's essential that they aren't exposed to too much heat for long periods of time.

Taking their temperature regularly is a good way to see that they aren't overheating, and according to experts at Which?, there's a certain threshold that parents should be aiming for.

There tends to be some variation when it comes to healthy temperatures for children, but generally speaking, the normal range for kids is 35.8C to 38C, with an average of 36.4C.

It also helps to take your kids' temperature when they're feeling well and before they go out into the sun so you know what's normal for them.

You can do this with either a digital stick thermometer, an in-ear thermometer or an infrared no-contact thermometer.

Taking your child's temperature can help stop them from overheating (Getty Images)

Viral or bacterial infections are what usually causes high temperatures in children, but they can also be as a result of sunstroke or dehydration.

With that in mind, the NHS provides some vital information for parents about how to keep their kids safe in the sun and avoid any health problems.

Sun safety for children

The skin of babies and children is much more sensitive compared to adults, and if they spend too much time in the sun, it could lead to skin cancer when they get older.

If your child is under six months old, they should be kept out of strong direct sunlight entirely.

And from March to October in the UK, children should:

  • cover up with suitable clothing
  • spend time in the shade, particularly from 11am to 3pm
  • wear at least SPF30 sunscreen

Parents should ensure their children are wearing sunscreen on areas that aren't protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands.

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