Keeping Children Safe Over the Carnival Period

A parent’s guide to fun and fewer emergencies

Carnival can be a great experience for children — music, cretivity, colour, costumes! But with large crowds, heat, loud music, and long days outdoors, it can also be one of the busiest times of year for paediatric urgent care visits. The good news? Most Carnival-related injuries and illnesses are preventable with a little planning.

Here’s some tips on how to keep your child safe while still enjoying the festivities.

Beat the Heat!

Children overheat much faster than adults, so it's important to protect them against heat-related illness.

What parents can do:

• Hydrate early and often – Don’t wait until your child says they’re thirsty

  • Offer water every 20–30 minutes when outdoors

  • Freeze water bottles overnight so they stay cool longer

• Dress smart

  • Light-coloured, loose, breathable clothing

  • Wide-brim hat for babies and younger children

• Plan shade breaks

  • Rest in shaded or indoor areas every 1–2 hours

  • Avoid peak heat (10am–3pm) for babies and toddlers if possible

    
    

Warning signs of heat exhaustion to monitor for:

• Headache

• Dizziness or fainting

• Nausea or vomiting

• Unusual sleepiness or irritability

• Very little urine

Seek medical care urgently if your child becomes confused, stops sweating, or collapses.

Protect Little Ears from Loud Music

Carnival music trucks and speakers can reach dangerous noise levels, especially for babies and toddlers.

Protective tips:

• Use child-sized ear defenders (not just cotton in the ears)

• Keep babies away from speaker stacks

• Take quiet breaks away from music zones

  
  

Crowd Safety: Don’t Lose Your Child

Large Carnival crowds can be overwhelming — and children can disappear from sight in seconds.

Before you go:

• Take a photo of your child that morning (what they’re wearing)

• Dress them in bright, easily visible clothing

• For younger kids, write your phone number on a wristband or card in their pocket

• Teach older children:

  • Your full name

  • Your phone number

  • To approach a police officer, security officer, or a mother with children if lost

Meeting plan:

Pick a clear landmark meeting point in case you get separated.

Sun Protection = All-Day Job

Carnival often means hours in direct sun.

• Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen 20 minutes before going out

• Reapply every 2 hours, and after sweating

• Don’t forget:

  • Ears

  • Back of neck

  • Tops of feet

  • Shoulders

Babies under 6 months should be kept mostly in shade and dressed in protective clothing.

Food Safety on the Road

Street food is part of the fun — but food poisoning is common during Carnival.

Safer choices:

• Choose vendors with approved food badges on display and hot, freshly cooked food

• Avoid foods sitting out in the heat

• Skip foods with raw eggs, unpasteurized dairy, or undercooked meat

• Carry snacks from home for younger kids.

  
  

Get medical care if your child has:

• Persistent vomiting

• Bloody diarrhea

• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no urine, lethargy)

Road & Vehicle Safety

Fatigue + excitement can mean distracted adults and children.

• Always use age-appropriate car seats or booster seats

• Hold hands in parking lots and near roads

• Never let children sit on laps in moving vehicles

• Be extra alert around music trucks and moving vehicles during events

Sensory Overload Is Real:

Some children (especially toddlers or children with sensory sensitivities) may become overwhelmed.

Watch for:

• Covering ears

• Crying or shutting down

• Clinginess or panic

Take breaks in a quiet space, offer water, and don’t force participation.

Pack your mini Carnival First Aid Kit

Keep a small bag with:

• Water

• Snacks

• Sunscreen

• Hat

• Hand sanitizer

• Plasters (band-aids)

• Wipes

• Child’s regular medications (inhalers, allergy meds)

Carnival should be a time of joy, culture, and memories — not hospital visits. With a little preparation, awareness, and regular breaks, your family can enjoy the season safely. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy the road responsibly!

Be well,

Paula

 Dr  Paula Robertson is a busy mom and a paediatrician with over twenty years' experience working with young people and their families. She is also a certified children's mindfulness teacher and Positive Discipline Parenting

coach. You can find out more at www.paulathedoctormom.com.

Our AI wellness assistant has contributed to the writing of this article