Why your child eats less in hot weather – and 7 signs it’s a medical emergency

EATING less in the heat is fairly common for kids, but if this is accompanied by certain other symptoms, it may be a sign of something more serious. Babies and children are particularly vulnerable in periods of hot weather, the NHS says. Losing an appetite in the heat can be normal, but if this is accompanied by certain other signs, something more serious could be wrong with your child Credit: Getty Babies and children are more vulnerable to the heat than healthy adults Credit: Getty If your child seems to be eating less than usual in the heat it is, of course, unsettling. But if they are still drinking lots of water, have the same energy levels as usual and otherwise seem healthy, it is probably just a normal short-term response to the heat. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! Rachel Woods, associate professor of medical education at the University of Nottingham, says: “Eating takes energy. After a meal, the body has to digest food, absorb its nutrients and process or store them. “This process also produces heat [and] in warm conditions – when the body is already working to prevent its core temperature rising – this additional heat production may be one reason we feel less inclined to eat.” Research directly exploring the effect of heat on children’s appetite, however, is limited. But Professor Woods says: “When we become hot, blood flow to the skin increases, helping the body transfer heat to its surroundings. Sweating provides another important cooling mechanism. “This does not mean a healthy child’s digestive system stops working in hot weather. But it does mean the body is making significant physiological adjustments to cope with the heat.” While parents may be inclined to stick to their normal cooking routine in hot weather to ensure their children get enough nutrients, this may sometimes make eating slightly harder. Most read in Health Rather than rustling up a hot meal, why not try a balanced picnic-style meal with cold food – this could include sandwiches, cheese, fruit, raw vegetables and yoghurt. Writing in The Conversation, Professor Woods adds: “Research on responsive feeding generally supports responding to children’s hunger and fullness cues, while pressure to eat has been associated with greater food fussiness and less enjoyment of food.“ It is important to give your children lots of water to make sure they don’t become dehydrated Credit: Getty The 7 signs something more serious could be wrong with your child While losing your appetite in the heat is not something to initially be concerned about, if your child experiences any of these seven symptoms, something more serious could be wrong. The signs to look out for: Refusing fluids Repeatedly vomiting Becoming unusually drowsy Peeing less (a sign of dehydration) Having a dry mouth (another sign of dehydration) Producing few or no tears when they cry (also an indication of dehydration) Having a high temperature accompanied by confusion, fast breathing, a seizure or loss of consciousness – this could indicate heatstroke, which is a medical emergency In all of these instances, contact your doctor or a medical professional. What’s more, while you may be inclined to limit your kids’ water intake before a meal to ensure they don’t spoil their dinner, this is not necessary in hot weather. Keep water readily available to make sure they don’t become dehydrated. There are, however, certain signs that if accompanied by a reduced appetite in the heat, could mean something more serious is going on with your child. If your child is refusing to have fluids, repeatedly vomiting or becomes unusually drowsy, these are all causes for concern. If they are peeing less than usual, have a dry mouth or are producing few or no tears when they cry, these could all be signs of dehydration. What’s more, if your child has a very high temperature as well as confusion and fast breathing and experiences a seizure or loss of consciousness, these can all be indications of heatstroke – a medical emergency. For all of the symptoms just described, you should speak to a doctor or medical professional. If your child refuses water, dry ice lollies with dilute fruit juice instead Credit: Getty Kids need to drink more fluids in hot weather, even if they don’t feel thirsty Credit: Getty It is also a good idea to seek medical advice if your child’s poor appetite continues after the hot weather has passed. So, what can you do to make sure your child stays hydrated in the heat? Kids need to drink more fluids during periods of hot weather, even if they don’t feel thirsty, Save the Children says. Water is best for this, but if your child refuses this, try water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber or ice lollies made from diluted fruit juice. You can also make drinking fun with special cups or straws, but try to avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks as these can worsen dehydration. The NHS advises that for those aged up to 6 months, fully breastfed babies do not need any water until they’ve started eating solid foods. But during hot weather they may want to breastfeed more than usual. If you’re bottle feeding, as well as their usual milk feeds, you can give your baby a little cooled boiled water. Once you have started to introduce solid foods – from around 6 months – you should offer your baby sips of water from a cup or beaker with meals. Comment now