Sobrang Init! Tips And Tricks To Keep Kids Cool And ‘Asim Free’

In a recent forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the heat index is predicted to reach 52 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country. This qualifies as a severe heat warning, indicating “extreme danger” due to the high discomfort index.

The heat we are experiencing is set to intensify in the coming days and months. Mas iinit pa! It will be increasingly uncomfortable and unsafe to stay outdoors, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.

Recently, local government units, universities, and schools have suspended face-to-face classes or shifted to virtual classes due to the extreme heat.

Nevertheless, despite these suspensions, children may still need to go to school or go outdoors for activities or errands. While keeping them indoors or equipping them with portable electric fans helps, there are additional measures we can take.

At a recent product launch, Smart Parenting spoke with Bianca Gonzalez-Intal, mother of two, and Dr. Ruth Margaret Alejandro, FPPS, a Board-Certified Pediatrician from Makati Medical Center, about how to keep kids cool in this heat.

Easy, tested, and proven tips and tricks in keeping kids cool and asim free:

1. Hydration is key.

The top tip for keeping kids (and adults) safe in the heat is, of course, hydration. As the heat index rises, it’s crucial to drink plenty of water. Bianca shared her strategy to ensure her children stay hydrated and cool: “What I try to do, to make my kids cool kahit ang init sa school is, naglalagay kami ng maliit na block of ice sa kanilang water bottle that stays cool through out the day.”

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2. Wear light clothing.

“We make sure that they wear light clothes. Cotton, if pwedeng shorts, light leggings, para din hindi sila naiinitan kahit na they’re active,” Bianca continued. Even if we follow all the tips and tricks to keep kids cool, they will inevitably move and run around. We can’t keep them from being active. The more they run around, the more likely they are to feel hot and uncomfortable.

Dr. Ruth Alejandro advises similarly, “Dapat light talaga ang suot nila, maybe dri-fit kung pwede.”

Research also shows that the color of the clothes affects how much heat they absorb: the lighter the color, the less heat. Dress kids in light colored-clothes made from cool materials so they can freely engage in activities without feeling overheated.

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3. Good hygiene

“Good hygiene goes a long way,” Bianca added. “If you use the right shampoo, the right body wash, and even lotion and powder, they’re kept smelling good, they’re protected and they’re moisturized throughout the day.”

Simply put, bathe the kids. The refreshing sensation of a fresh shower or bath in this heat is like finding an oasis in the desert. Maintaining good hygiene is essential for kids to feel comfortable and fresh, setting a positive tone as they head off to school. After a long and hot day at school, a fresh shower helps them cool down and rest.

Dr. Ruth added, “When the kids are a little older, we can put powder na din. For pre-adolescents, mag-deodorant na because their body is starting to become oily and smelly.” During her discussion, she noted, “Sa newborns and toddlers, ang pinakapawisin ay ang ulo nila. That’s normal. Some patients ask me, bakit yung baby ko, kahit naka-aircon, pinagpapawisan ang ulo. That’s because it is the part of the body that gets the most perspiration. For bigger kids and adults, sa armpit na ang pinaka-pawisin.” She reminds parents to keep this in mind when ensuring toddlers and children stay cool.

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Kids are also prone to heat exhaustion. Read here to learn the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and how to prevent it.