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Losing their cool

Protect infants from extreme heat

When heat waves occur in northern Wisconsin, babies need special attention to keep their cool. “We’re much better at bundling up in winter than keeping cool in summer,” said Timothy Lindgren, M.D., family medicine physician at Marshfield Clinic Park Falls Center.

Watch infants for signs of heat stress, especially if your home or baby’s room is on the second floor. “If the baby is sweating, he’s too warm,” Dr. Lindgren said. A baby who seems lethargic may be dehydrated. Check diapers for more concentrated urine. “You may think the baby is handling it OK because you are. Babies are very susceptible to heat exposure.

Babies should not be exposed to direct sun. Provide shade and dress them in long sleeves and pants.

“The most important thing you can do is get to a cooler place,” he said. Among options are a restaurant, library, shopping center or airconditioned home of grandparents or friends. A beach or swimming pool is not a good choice.

Baby formula is concentrated food that does not have much free water. Dr. Lindgren suggests offering the infant a few extra bottles of water on those very hot days. “If they need it, they’ll take it.” Avoid using a fan on or near a baby. “It dehydrates them faster,” Dr. Lindgren said. A hat traps a baby’s body heat and should only be worn in the sun.

Babies less than six months old – even those with naturally dark skin – should be kept out of direct sunlight. Their skin is thinner and burns more easily than older children or adults. A shady spot under a tree, umbrella or stroller canopy works well. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that sunscreen not be applied to babies younger than six months. If an infant must be in the sun, dress him or her in long sleeves and pants. The baby’s hat should have a wide brim to shade the face and ears.

If a child younger than six months cannot be covered or kept in the shade, sunscreen may be applied, Dr. Lindgren said. “I don’t think it’s OK to expose a baby to a lot of sunlight.”

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