Protecting children from heat at school and play

Key rules

• Water: Offer water often without waiting for thirst, and give no extra water to babies under 6 months unless a paediatrician says so.
• Babies under 6 months: Keep them out of direct sun entirely.
• Parked cars: Never leave a child in a parked car, even briefly; call 112 if you see one trapped.
• Classroom limits: There is no national maximum classroom temperature, so ask the school and your regional education department.

Children overheat faster than adults

Young children cannot manage heat well. They sweat less, make more heat for their size, dehydrate faster, and cannot ask for water or take off clothes themselves. So you have to manage heat for them, before they show signs of trouble.

Water, clothes and shade

Offer water often. Do not wait for your child to ask. For babies, offer breastfeeding or formula more often. Under 6 months, give no extra water unless a paediatrician says so.

Dress your child in light, loose clothing and a hat. Plan outdoor play outside the central hours of the day, and keep it in shade. At home, use ventilated rooms and cool baths.

Sun protection by age

• Under 6 months: keep your baby out of direct sun entirely. Use shade, clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Sunscreen is not generally recommended at this age. If shade is impossible, a small amount on exposed skin may be used.
• 6 months to 3 years: avoid direct sun in the central hours. Use a mineral sunscreen of SPF 50+.
• All children: UV-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.

Guidance on exact age thresholds varies slightly, so ask your paediatrician if your child is near a cut-off.

Never leave a child in a parked car

Even a short stop is dangerous. A car interior can pass 50 °C within minutes. No law names this exact situation, but leaving a child in danger can be a criminal offence. If you see a child trapped, call 112. The police can authorise forced entry in an emergency.

Heat in the classroom

No national law sets a maximum classroom temperature. Workplace rules set indoor temperature ranges, and teachers' unions cite them for schools, but they are not a clear classroom limit. Each region's education department issues its own guidance, so rules differ by region.

Typical measures are adapted timetables, shade, ventilation, moving activities away from peak heat, and allowing water and light clothing. Some regions allow flexible hours or an early end to the school day in heatwaves. Practice varies widely by school, and many older buildings have no cooling. Ask the school what it does, and ask your regional education department what your region allows. The checklist below lists the questions.

When to see a doctor

Get medical help if your child is unusually sleepy or limp, has a dry mouth, has few wet nappies, has a fever, vomits, or seems confused.

Timeline and deadlines

• Keep your baby out of direct sun entirely, using shade, clothing, a hat and sunglasses: from birth until 6 months

• Avoid direct sun in the central hours of the day and use a mineral sunscreen of SPF 50+: from 6 months to 12 months, and up to age 3

• Dress your child in UV-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and keep them out of midday sun: for children over age 3, whenever they are outside

• Reapply sunscreen: every 2 hours while outside

Checklist

• Ask the school what it does in a heatwave, such as shorter timetables, shade, ventilation and moving activities away from peak heat.

• Ask the school whether your child's classroom has ventilation or cooling, as many older buildings have none.

• Confirm the school lets your child drink water and wear light clothing in class.

• Offer your child water often, without waiting for them to ask.

• Cool your child down with a cool bath and a ventilated room when they look flushed or tired.

School heat measures differ by region and school, so check them with your school and regional education department.

What to watch out for

• Never leave a child in a parked car: The inside of a car can pass 50 °C within minutes, even on a short stop. Leaving a child can be a criminal offence of abandonment or endangerment, and local fines can be large. Take your child with you every time you leave the car, even for a minute.

• Children overheat faster than adults: Young children sweat less, make more heat for their weight, dehydrate faster and cannot ask for water or take off clothes themselves. Offer water often, keep them in light clothing and shade, and avoid the central hours of the day.

• Babies under 6 months and direct sun: Babies under 6 months should not be in direct sun at all, because their skin and heat control are not ready for it. Use shade, clothing, a hat and sunglasses, and stay indoors in the hottest hours.

• Signs your child needs a doctor: Lethargy, a dry mouth, few wet nappies, fever, vomiting or confusion mean your child may be dehydrated or overheating. Seek medical help. For confusion, fainting, seizures or a temperature of 40 °C or more, call 112 straight away and cool your child while you wait.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I see a child trapped in a hot parked car?

If you see a child trapped in a hot parked car, call 112 straight away. Police can authorise forced entry in an emergency, so stay on the line and give the exact location.

Is there a maximum temperature allowed in my child's classroom?

No, Spain has no single national maximum temperature for classrooms, and the rules depend on your region. Teachers' unions point to workplace temperature ranges, and regional education departments issue their own heat guidance. Ask your school which measures it applies.

Does my baby under 6 months need sunscreen?

Sunscreen is not generally recommended for babies under 6 months, so keep them out of direct sun instead. If shade is impossible, a small amount on exposed areas may be used. Ask your paediatrician if you are unsure.

Can my child's school end the day early in a heatwave?

Yes, in some regions schools can use flexible hours or end the school day early in heatwaves, but this depends on your region and school. Ask the school or your regional education department what applies.