Staying safe in the sun
It is important for all of us to protect ourselves from the effects of the sun, but it is essential for a child who has only half a working heart. Below are some tips for enjoying the sunshine whilst keeping safe.
Protection from the sun’s rays
Children’s skin is very sensitive, especially along the scar area, and so they burn easily in the sun. Also some medications make the skin even more sensitive. Children on Amiodarone can be particularly sensitive to sunlight, so parents need to be especially vigilant about keeping them well protected. Always protect their skin by using sun cream. It is often useful to buy a good quality product as they tend to have a longer-lasting effect. High factor creams are essential for children. Tanning is not a priority at their age, just being out in the sun will give them a healthy glow.
Make sure that their shoulders are covered and that they are wearing a hat and sunglasses, proper UV light protection ones. Always make sure that there is shade in the garden, park or beach. Umbrellas and little play tents can be useful. Sun shades on a pram or pushchair and sun protectors in the windows of cars all help to protect a baby or child from too much sunshine. A baby or child with sunburn is very unhappy and sunburn can be very dangerous. You may find a hand-held fan or a clip-on buggy fan useful.
Children do overheat but even in the sun they can get cold
If you are going out and about always dress your child in lots of thin layers so that they can have as many or as few layers on as they need to keep them warm but also to keep them cool.
A change of clothes is essential even for older children if there is water in the park or if you visit the beach as the tendency will be for children to find water! Children with half a working heart get cold quickly even in the sun so a towel and fresh clothes will soon warm them up. Always remember waterproofs because the weather can change very quickly and a sudden downpour can leave a child soggy and cold.
Be careful when using air conditioning as your child may find it too cold, even though it feels comfortable for you.
Energy levels in the sun
When the sun is shining we all move outdoors. It is great to get some fresh air. When children are outside they often run around more and will therefore tire easily. Plan activities and plan short breaks. Just ten minutes sitting down before your child is up and playing again can be enough to give them a good rest. Even on the beach or at the park have a story book or colouring to hand so that you can entertain your child whilst they take a break. Wax crayons may not be a good idea though as they have a tendency to melt!
Swimming with only half a heart
Swimming is great exercise for children with heart conditions, the water supports their body making exercise a little easier. If they are swimming in the sea or an outside pool a small wetsuit can keep them warm. They are now easily available in motorway service stations, large supermarkets and sports shops and don’t cost a fortune. If they are swimming outside in swimming costumes you need to cover their skin in waterproof sun cream and if they are not diving under the water a cap keeps the sun off their eyes.
Remember that playing around in the sea can be very tiring so planned regular breaks as set out above are a very good way to ensure that children can enjoy their holiday without getting tired and fractious.
Medicines in the sun
Even when the sun shines children need to take their medications. Some children need them even when they are out and about. If your child is taking liquid medications it is often important to keep them cool. A little ice pack bag with drinks and medications stored in it will keep them safe, but be careful it isn’t too cold as you don’t want frozen drinks and medication! Remember to pack some Calpol or Paracetamol because a child who becomes over hot or even slightly burnt will need something to settle them and reduce their pain and temperature.
Eating in the sun
Not many of us want to eat large heavy meals when the weather is hot and the sun is shining. Children with half a heart are no different but we all know fuel their heart and help them grow. Lots of small meals and planned snacks that are filled with calories will help to keep their intake high.
Ideas include fat-filled ice cream, sandwiches filled with protein like eggs, ham or peanut butter, finger food like chicken dippers, mini sausages or cheese chunks and chopped up vegetables like carrot and celery and milkshakes made with fruit and ice cream. These are all good fun and tempting for a tired, hot child.