Summer is here! Adults love taking their infant child outside during the summer because it gives them a chance to enjoy the fresh air. It is important to make sure your infant doesn’t suffer from heat exhaustion in the upcoming, hot months. It is a very serious condition that can lead to hospitalization and even death. It’s very important to keep checking on your baby to make sure they aren’t overheated. Since they can’t talk, it is hard for them to tell you if they are too hot! This article is going to provide you with a detailed list (with help from babycenter.com) of how you can tell if your infant has heat exhaustion.
Sweating – If your baby starts sweating while outside, then you need to take them in the house immediately. It is never good for an infant to sweat! If you absolutely have to take them outdoors for long periods of time during the summer, make sure they are lightly clothed or even not clothed at all. Sweating can lead to dehydration, and since infants under 9 months don’t really need to drink water – they can’t tell you through crying if they are thirsty or not! The best way to keep your infant from sweating would be to avoid hot summer days spent outside completely.
Fever of 105 degrees F or more – This is common sense. Actually, if your infant has a temperature that exceeds 102 degrees F, you need to take them to the closest ER or call 911 immediately!!! This is never normal and can lead to brain damage. If calling 911, place baby in a cold bath to try to contain or lower temperature until paramedics arrive.
Vomiting – Vomiting is one of the tell-tale signs that an infant is uncomfortable. If you’re outside and your baby randomly starts vomiting, it is time to take them in the house. Take baby into a cool room and offer him or her a bottle of plain water. This will help with any dehydration. Call a doctor for further advice.
Unusually Tired – If baby just had a nap before going outside but is suddenly tired again, then you need to place them in front of a fan inside the house. Your body tends to shut down when there is something wrong, and going to sleep helps your body repair faster. Try not to allow baby to sleep for an hour or two after coming back indoors.
Paleness – If your baby appears pale for any reason while outside on a hot day, cool them off ASAP!! This is not normal, especially being that you are outside in the sun. Place baby in a cool, air conditioner room for 45 minutes (under supervision) if they appear pale to you. Call a doctor to ask for any recommendations.
