Helping Baby Beat the Heat This Summer
Everyone knows the heat of a Georgia summer can be stifling and overwhelming, even for adults. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the effects heat can have on our infants and newborns. Ensure that you are constantly monitoring your child’s temperature and exposure to the outdoors this summer. By following these tips, you can ensure your child enjoys the summer fun and is still safe.
Outdoor Safety
Sun safety is one of the most important factors for younger children. Babies younger than 6 months should avoid all direct sunlight, since there is not enough melanin in their skin to properly protect them.
Older babies should still try to avoid the sun between 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun is at its most powerful. Make sure you use a high SPF sunscreen lotion, at least 30 or higher, and reapply frequently. Ensure your baby is covered with loose fitting clothing; clothing that is too tight or restrictive can overheat your baby.
A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby as you are dressed. If you are wearing shorts and a t-shirt that should be fine for your infant. Use lightweight fabrics such as cotton that breath better than synthetic fabrics. If your baby is out in the sun make sure they are covered with long sleeves and pants, and a hat to cover their face.
Older babies should still try to avoid the sun between 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun is at its most powerful. Make sure you use a high SPF sunscreen lotion, at least 30 or higher, and reapply frequently. Ensure your baby is covered with loose fitting clothing; clothing that is too tight or restrictive can overheat your baby.
A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby as you are dressed. If you are wearing shorts and a t-shirt that should be fine for your infant. Use lightweight fabrics such as cotton that breath better than synthetic fabrics. If your baby is out in the sun make sure they are covered with long sleeves and pants, and a hat to cover their face.
Car Safety
Newborns and infants are very heat sensitive. If you have to transport your baby with you, ensure that the air conditioning is running at all times. If your air conditioning does not reach the back seat, consider purchasing a battery operated fan that can keep air circulating, or lower your windows slightly.
Avoid putting your baby in sunlight, even in the car. While in the car, make sure your baby is protected from the sun’s rays with sunscreen, loose fitting clothing and a hat.
Remember that cars can heat up very quickly. Never leave a child in the backseat, even if the car is running. Every time you leave your vehicle ensure you have your child with you.
Avoid putting your baby in sunlight, even in the car. While in the car, make sure your baby is protected from the sun’s rays with sunscreen, loose fitting clothing and a hat.
Remember that cars can heat up very quickly. Never leave a child in the backseat, even if the car is running. Every time you leave your vehicle ensure you have your child with you.
Heat Related Illnesses
Be aware of and look for the signs of heat related illnesses. Illnesses such as heat stress, heat stroke, and prickly heat each have their own indicators and warnings.
Heat stress is an early indicator of oncoming heat stroke. Be aware of your child’s demeanor or if they begin looking unwell. Notice if have drier skin, are refusing to drink, are being limp or more irritable than usual, or if the soft spot on the head is lower. Feel the back of your baby’s neck as a sure sign for overheating. If it’s hot, damp, or clammy, your baby may be feeling the worst of the heat.
Heat stroke is when too much water is lost and a baby’s or child’s temperature begins to rise. In most severe cases, heat stroke can cause damage to vital organs and end in fatality. Some signs of heat stroke are rise in temperature, smaller amounts of darker urine, increased thirst, dry mouths or eyes, confusion, shortness of breath, and vomiting. If your baby is showing indications of heat stroke, seek immediate emergency treatment. Remove clothing from your baby and gently cool them by fanning them or pressing a slightly damp rag on their skin.
Prickly heat, or heat rash, is a rash of tiny little red pin-head spots, usually with small blisters. Heat rash can be present on parts of the skin that are usually moist, such as under the chin. Treatment includes frequent clothing changes and tepid baths. Creams can also be effective at lessening the effects of the rash, such as zinc or cod liver oil creams.
Heat stress is an early indicator of oncoming heat stroke. Be aware of your child’s demeanor or if they begin looking unwell. Notice if have drier skin, are refusing to drink, are being limp or more irritable than usual, or if the soft spot on the head is lower. Feel the back of your baby’s neck as a sure sign for overheating. If it’s hot, damp, or clammy, your baby may be feeling the worst of the heat.
Heat stroke is when too much water is lost and a baby’s or child’s temperature begins to rise. In most severe cases, heat stroke can cause damage to vital organs and end in fatality. Some signs of heat stroke are rise in temperature, smaller amounts of darker urine, increased thirst, dry mouths or eyes, confusion, shortness of breath, and vomiting. If your baby is showing indications of heat stroke, seek immediate emergency treatment. Remove clothing from your baby and gently cool them by fanning them or pressing a slightly damp rag on their skin.
Prickly heat, or heat rash, is a rash of tiny little red pin-head spots, usually with small blisters. Heat rash can be present on parts of the skin that are usually moist, such as under the chin. Treatment includes frequent clothing changes and tepid baths. Creams can also be effective at lessening the effects of the rash, such as zinc or cod liver oil creams.
Visit AGC Pediatrics
Don’t forget to get your child a wellness check this summer at AGC Pediatrics. Our physicians specialize in infant and newborn care, and treat youth up to 21 years of age. Call 706-625-5900 for more information today.
