Baby Safety Tips for Hot Weather

A comfortable baby is a happy baby (most of the time)! If you and your littles plan to spend some time outdoors this summer, here’s some baby safety tips for hot weather to keep in mind.

Safety is ALWAYS First

If babies could share what they were feeling, life would certainly be easier! While this isn’t the case for any scenario, hot weather temperaments are no exception. Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your little one, but it’s extremely important to take precautions to keep them safe from the heat. Babies are much more susceptible to heat-related illness than adults, so it’s important to be aware of the risks before you brave the summer elements.

Baby Safety Tips During Hot Weather

• Avoid taking your baby outside during the hottest part of the day, which is usually between 11am and 3pm.
• If you do go outside, stay shaded as much as possible. Avoiding prolonged direct contact can go a long way.
• Dress your baby in light, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid synthetic fabrics, which can trap heat. Choose natural fabrics like cotton or linen.
• Keep your baby’s head cool. A wide-brimmed hat or sun hat is a must (and a cute style feature!). You can also wet a washcloth and place it on your baby’s head.
• Apply sunscreen to your baby’s exposed skin. Be sure to use a sunscreen that is labeled as “broad spectrum” and has an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Take breaks in the cool air. If you’re out and about, find a cool place to stop and rest, such as a shopping mall, library, or air-conditioned restaurant.
• NEVER leave your baby alone in a hot car. Even if the windows are cracked, the temperature inside a car can quickly rise to dangerous levels.
• Make sure your baby has plenty of fluids to drink. Breastfed babies may need to be fed more often, and formula-fed babies may need an extra bottle or two. You can also offer your baby cooled water.

Additional Safety Tips

Monitor your baby’s temperature closely: If your baby’s skin feels hot to the touch, they may be overheating. Other signs of heat stress include irritability, excessive sweating, and rapid breathing.

If your baby shows signs of heat stress, take them to a cool place and give them fluids to drink: You can also apply a cool, wet cloth to their skin. If your baby is not responding to these measures, call 911 immediately.

Be aware of the signs of heatstroke: Heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency. Symptoms include a high body temperature, hot, dry skin, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness. If you think your baby may have heatstroke, call 911 immediately.

Closing Thoughts: ALWAYS Check the Back Seat

Checking the back seat for your baby is a simple but essential safety habit that can save lives. Especially during the summer, car temperatures can rise extremely quickly, making this season especially important for this precaution. It’s key to make this a habit each time you leave your car, even if you think your baby is not there. This is because babies can be extremely quiet and may not make any noise if present.

• Make it a habit: Get in the habit of checking the back seat every time you get out of your car. This will help you to remember to do it even when you are tired or distracted.
• Look and listen: When you check the back seat, look for your baby’s car seat or stroller. If you do not see them, listen for any sounds.
• Call out your baby’s name: If you don’t see or hear your baby, call their name. This will help to wake them up if they are asleep.