Explained: How to Keep Young Children Safe During Heatwaves

Children's bodies are less equipped to handle extreme heat, making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Their large surface area relative to their body mass means they lose fluid more quickly, and their developing skin offers less protection against the sun's harmful rays.

Heatstroke, a critical condition where a child's core temperature soars above 40 degrees Celsius, is a serious threat. Symptoms can include a hot, dry body with no sweating and altered consciousness. "This is life-threatening," warns Michel Ramser, head of the emergency department at the University Children's Hospital Basel. Immediate hospitalization is crucial if heatstroke is suspected.

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Infants have a large body surface area in proportion to their body mass. Therefore, they lose more fluid through the skin in the heat than adults do.

While heatstroke is rare in Switzerland, parents must be vigilant. Simple measures can significantly reduce risks. Ensuring children stay hydrated, seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day, and dressing them in light, breathable clothing are essential. Parents should also be aware that even in the shade, temperatures can become dangerously high if there's no air circulation.

A critical reminder for all parents: never leave a child alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to lethal levels rapidly, posing an immediate danger.

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This is life-threatening.