Twins and the Heat

Summer months bring lots of fun, but it also brings with it heat waves and scorching temperatures. You and your twins will be running about more than usual, but be careful. Many parts of the country (including the Northeast!) will get their first heat wave of the summer later this week, and we want you to be prepared! Heat Safety is extremely important for you and your multiples, so while your hands may be full, make sure to keep these precautions on your mind.

 

Be sure to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses if one – or both – of your twins over exerts themselves. KidsHealth.org lists signs for various heat related illnesses, including Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke. Surprisingly, heat cramps are more common than one would think! These pains in muscles are mostly related to dehydration. Kidshealth recommends: “A cool place, rest, and fluids should ease a child’s discomfort. Massaging cramped muscles may also help.”

Keep these tips on hand when playing in the heat with your multiples:

• Teach kids to always drink plenty of fluids before and during an activity in hot, sunny weather — even if they’re not thirsty.
• Make sure kids wear light-colored, loose clothing.
• Make sure your kids only participate in heavy activity outdoors before noon and after 6 PM.
• Teach kids to come indoors immediately whenever they feel overheated.

Dehydration can lead to many heat illnesses.Safe Kids USA lists the common signs of dehydration, and how that can lead to heat stroke. But it can be easy to prevent! They say:

A child’s gulp equals a ½ ounce of fluid so generally, your child should drink about 10 gulps for every 20 minutes of play.

Heatstroke is probably the most life-threatening ailment your twins could succumb to. Kids and Cars – a website devoted to illnesses related to prolonged time in unattended vehicles – has made it its number one priority to raise awareness on heatstroke. One of the most common times this can develop is when twins are left in the car, unattended, for some time. Even with the windows open, they are at risk of headaches, fevers, fatigue, and disorientation (often symptoms of heat stroke) No matter what, take your kids out of the car while shopping – even if it’s just for a minute!

If you are pregnant during a heatwave, be careful too! While the heat can be misery if you are pregnant, a heatwave presents new extremes to be cautious of. Suite 101.com’s Pregnancy Column recommends drinking lots of fluids, eating little and often throughout the day, and if you are going to exercise, try something like swimming that will keep you cool. For the hottest days of the summer, check out these tips:

• Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day; usually between 10am and 3pm
• Keep cool with air conditioning or electric fans
• Keep a spray bottle of water in the fridge to refresh your skin
• Try to only go out during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning and late evening

 

Category: Parenting Advice, TwinLife Parent