AIBU to not let them outside in the heat (35°)

[Beanbag12]

So today where I am it was realllly hot. Myself and my partner decided to keep our DC in the house in the cool for most of the day. They went out this morning and after dinner when the garden was partly in shade, but I limited the amount of direct sun. I have seen a lot of photos of kids out in direct sun in paddling pools etc, so I am wondering if I was being a bit unreasonable to keep them in? I know tomorrow is going to be a lot cooler and they’ll be outside most of the day.

Mine were out almost all day - factor 110/50 so protected. I don’t see an issue but they had lots of water and fruit inbetween.

We went to the splash park early today. I took lots of sunscreen for top up, plenty of fluid, sun hats etc. The water kept them cool and the park is half in the shade so we stayed on that side. Left at 1pm as it just got too hot and was a little unbearable for me. They stayed in until after dinner and were then out until bedtime

Suncream will do nothing to prevent heatstroke though, it is an essential to prevent burning, not overheating.

It also depends on ages of children - 5 and over are probably a bit more resiliant/able to tell when they're over heating.

YANBU it was very hot.

but we’re Pakistani, so our skin is less vulnerable

is that actually true? I thought you needed sunscreen just the same as people with lighter skin.

We just had the door open so the dc could come & go as they pleased. They mostly went up & down the side of the house on their bikes and then came in for a drink. Then they come in to watch the telly at about 5.

I do the same with ours, 2 and 5.

Outdoors before 11am, back out there after 4 pm.

@probstimeforanewname Our skin isn’t as vulnerable as white skin, I personally have never use suncream (including on holidays in Kenya etc) and I have never burned. My sons skin is much darker than mine (without a tan), I do put suncream on him, but that combined with his skin type means he can spend more time in the sun without suffering damage, compared to a white person.

Mine are 7 months and 2 and we have no shade. We went out this morning early then shopping then spent afternoon indoors. I then took tiddler out at about 6pm for an hour in garden but not baby. Have to be so careful.

Thanks for your views. I do actually feel like I did the right thing in this case. We were out most of the day yesterday and tomorrow we’ll be out literally all day as we’re going to GP’s house who live near a farm/woodland/amazing park/have a big garden.

Exactly @Mrscog - I saw a programme once where a man actually died from sunstroke, it was shocking how quickly it took hold of him. I knowing that’s an extreme case but it was definitely an eye opener!

Can't you just put a hat and sun cream on, make sure you have plenty of water and get on with your day? Vitamin D is good for them- just stay in between 12-2 when the sun is at its hottest. I think this is OTT but I grew up in a hot country

I think that the advice about avoiding direct sun between 11-3 on hot days is wise. If you have shade, it's a bit different. But try not to get stressed! I mean, children live in much hotter climates than this and play and are totally fine etc but probably are not out in the middle of the day.

I stayed in today, far too hot for me.

It's been 35 (in the shade} where we are today. Far far too hot for anyone to be out in, let alone children. All the locals stay indoors during the hottest times, with very good reason.

It seems extreme to me. We spent the morning at a fifth birthday party. There was lots of manic running around inside and out. The children were kept well hydrated and were fine. This afternoon we let my four year old come and go as she pleased from the garden. She spent some time trampolining outside and then came in to play with toys and have a story. With a bit of sense you can let your children enjoy the sunshine.

@Lemonlady22 really no need for that sarcastic remark

@Lemonlady22 it is kinda true though :)

I think in and out all day is fine, but not in during the hottest time.
What if you'd had a zoo or theme park etc booked for today, wouldn't you have gone?

Mine have been out all day at a massive brownie event, along with 2000 other kids. Hats, sunscreen, water.

All fine.

We kept DS in 12-3, and although he was outside in the morning and later in the afternoon, that was with factor 50, a UV sun suit, a hat, and no longer than 30-40 mins out before coming inside to cool down and sit quietly.

🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

Your children went out in the morning and evening, that’s fine, only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun!

So long as they are well protected with hats, sun glasses, lots of spf50 and hydrated, fine to be in or out. Reapply the sun cream frequently, particularly if out and playing with water. But compeltely fine to be inside either if you prefer, dont feel like you have to have them out just beacause its sunny.

Seriously, each to their own. We are very fair and all prone to getting heat rash/headaches etc so we have to be careful. I look at people out all day in 35 degrees and think they’re mad, but they’re prob thinking the same of us when we’re all bundled up out and about in subzero temps.

I'd keep them inside in the middle of the day from around 11am to 3pm, but allow outdoor play in the morning and evening with appropriate sun protection (t-shirt, hat, sunscreen). You can also check the predicted UV index on the Met Office website and keep them inside during the hours when it's predicted to be high.

My DD(5) kept herself inside today. She's never really liked heat.