Keeping Children Cool in the Car
Summer is on the horizon and so are those unbearable humid temperatures. The inside of vehicles can reach deadly temperatures in the heat. For example, is it's 85 degrees outside, the inside of a car could easily reach over 120 degrees, even with the windows cracked. This is because the heat gets trapped inside the vehicle.
Know how to handle the heat and be prepared when hot weather arrives.
How to Cool Children in Vehicles:
· Use reflective sunshades for the front and back windows while the car is stationed. These shades are proven to keep your car interior cooler during sunny days by block UV rays.
· Crack the windows. By cracking the windows, you are allowing heat to escape.
· Put suction cup window shades on their side of the vehicles.
· Keep a cooler in your car filled with refreshing water and lots of ice.
· Blast the air conditioning for a few minutes prior to getting in.
· Purchase a small handheld fan that runs on batteries for children to use.
· Purchase a small water bottle so they can squirt themselves down.
· Use an evaporative cooling towel on their neck or head.
· If they are old enough, let them chew on ice from a cup.
· Take off shoes and socks and let their feet sweat.
· If the child is in a car seat, purchase a sunshade that goes around the chair. Most sunshades have a UPF 50+
· Make sure your child is sitting in a "breathable" material. Some car seats are dark in color and heavy for wintertime. Light colors and white are better options.
· Park under trees and in cool places.
· To avoid hot seats, sit on top of a towel, especially with leather seats.
· The medal on seat buckles and even the seat belt themselves can be very hot. You can use belt protectors that are child friendly and cooling.
· Lather up on sunscreen prior to the car ride and wear sunglasses.
· Finally, you can purchase The Noggle which is a tube that connects to the cars air vent and can be directed to any direction you choose.
A word of advice, if the heat is too hot for your child, it is also too hot for animals as well. Never leave a pet unattended, not even for a minute in the heat. Heat stroke and organ failure can happen quickly due to the rising temperatures. Being prepared with water and cooler packs are great for pets. You can use them on the pets' abdomen area. Both children and animals should limit playtime outside. It's best to have little exercise early in the morning hours or late in the evening. Always be cautious. Never leave your children or pets in a hot vehicle, even for a five minute errand. You could save a life.
Remember, if you do see a child or an animal in a hot vehicle, it is advised to call 911.
Author Note: Amber Poole is the author and owner of a couple of popular blogs, including Fit Foodie Runs. She is a huge advocate of healthy lifestyle full of activity and healthy eating. Be sure to follow her on Facebook.