Don't Sweat the Heat: 4 Benefits of Using Cooling Patches
Playing outside is great exercise for kids, but when the temperature climbs it is easy to overheat. High temperatures and humidity can lead to heat-related illness such as heatstroke.
Children under four are at higher risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which is why it is important to take precautions.
Keeping kids hydrated and in the shade are two good steps — and a cooling patch is a handy extra for a bit of cooling comfort on hot days.
Here is a closer look at how they work and what they offer you and your family.
What Are Cooling Patches?
Cooling patches give a cool feeling on the skin when your child is hot or has a fever. They adhere to the skin and are easy to place on the forehead, and our small patches are the right size for little ones.
There is nothing to activate — each patch is ready to use and gives a cool feeling for up to eight hours, so it stays cool even during activity outside. Just clean and dry your child's forehead, peel off the backing and stick it on.
The gel feels cool against the skin and is more comfortable to wear than an ice pack. You can also use cooling patches alongside other medicines, as they contain none themselves.
When to Use Them
A common reason to use a cooling patch is for cooling comfort when a child has a fever, as a tidy alternative to a cold cloth, alongside your usual fever care.
You can also use one to help keep your young ones comfortable outside in warm weather. Used together with other precautions — staying hydrated, cool clothing, shade — they help keep kids comfortable.
They are safe for the whole family, which makes them a handy item for family trips.
Wondering about the other benefits?
1. A Cooling Patch Keeps Your Child Comfortable in the Heat
While playing outside, kids sometimes forget to take breaks and cool down. A cooling patch makes it easier to give them a cool feeling while they are out in the sun.
Keeping young ones cool and comfortable can help keep their energy and mood up.
Other ways to keep cool in summer include cooling clothing or breathable fabrics like cotton, and leaving outdoor play for the cooler parts of the day.
Remember to keep everyone hydrated with plenty of water. Avoid caffeine, as it can make dehydration worse.
Even a one per cent dip in the body's water content can affect our organs, concentration and mood, and dehydration can bring on mood swings and muscle cramps.
2. They're Portable and Easy to Take on Holiday
Planning a trip to the pool, the beach or a family camp this summer? Trips with the family are great fun, but it is easy to get overheated in the sun.
Cooling patches are small and easy to pack in your luggage or bag for a family holiday. Be sure to also pack a first aid kit and safety items in case of an accident.
When travelling with the family, proper planning is key. In summer, pack clothing suited to the heat.
Stop and rest to avoid overheating, and relax in the shade. A personal cooling option like our cooling patches or a personal mister helps, and a battery-powered fan keeps everyone happier in the heat.
3. A Cool Feeling When There's a Fever
Did you know severe sunburn can lead to fever? Kids are particularly prone to sunburn, so it is important to watch for warning signs.
Signs of Fever
According to the NHS, a fever is when a child's temperature is 38°C or higher.
If you think your child has a fever, check for these signs:
- They feel warmer than usual to the touch
- They have a red face
- They feel sweaty or clammy
If you notice any of these, check their temperature. Our stick-on temperature indicators are easy to apply and last for up to 48 hours.
A Comfort Measure Without Medicine
You never know when a fever might strike. For example, do you know how to check your baby for fever signs?
When a child is unwell, keeping them comfortable matters — and it isn't always easy to keep a cloth on their head or to run a bath. A stick-on cooling patch is a tidy comfort option, and it contains no medicine, so it can be used alongside your usual fever care.
4. They're Convenient and Easy to Carry
One reason toddlers are at higher risk of heat exhaustion is that their bodies can't regulate temperature well, so it is important to keep an eye on them. It isn't always easy to carry a thermometer or an ice pack.
Our cooling patches are easy to carry and fit in your nappy bag, suitcase or handbag. You can take them anywhere, from sporting events to the beach.
Our patches keep their cool feeling for hours and stay put during activity, so you don't have to worry about them falling off. When it's time to remove one, it comes off with little discomfort.
Discover Cooling Patches for Yourself
Cooling patches are an easy way to give your child some cooling comfort during a fever, and to help keep the family comfortable in the heat.
Think of them as a portable, personal cooling option. Because they last for hours, you can enjoy the day without the heat getting in the way.
Discover our cooling patches and take a look at our other FeverMates products.