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Heat Stroke In Babies

Prevention, Symptoms and Treatment

heat stroke in babies
Heat stroke (some times called "sun stroke") is a condition that happens when someone gets overheated. It can be life threatening because the body's temperature continues to go up and the body is unable to cool itself anymore. It is babies that are especially prone to having problems with heat stroke. It can happen in hot weather if he is out too long, it can occur riding in a car that is warm as well.

It is very important that you know how to prevent, spot, and treat sun stroke in babies to avoid serious medical issues.

HeatStroke And Babies

Symptoms of Heat Stroke
Preventing Heat Stroke
What If My Baby Seems To Suffer From Sun Stroke?

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

As a parent, it's important that you know the first signs of heat stroke. Of course often babies may show the symptoms of heat exhaustion before they show signs of sun stroke.

Heat exhaustion isn't quite as bad and symptoms can include stomach and leg cramps, thirst, being tired, or cool moist skin. By then it is time to act to cool down you child before and actual heat stroke occurs!

The following are some symptoms that your baby may exhibit if he goes on into heat stroke:

Skin that is hot, dry, and red
High temperature of 103 degrees and above without sweating
Headache, which can cause irritability
Restlessness
Lethargy
Vomiting
Breathing that is shallow and quick
Unconsciousness
Confusion

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Preventing Heat Stroke

It is definitely better to work to prevent heatstroke in babies if at all possible.

It really doesn't take a lot for sun stroke to occur in babies, especially when it is hot outside. To prevent this problem, make sure you dress your baby during the summer in clothing that is loose and lightweight. Do your best to keep your baby shaded when outside and if you are in the car, make sure he is cool.

On warmer days it is best to make sure that you give your baby extra fluids. Whenever the heat is too bad, simply keep your baby inside the house to avoid heatstroke.

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What If My Baby Seems To Suffer From Sun Stroke?

Even though you do everything possible to avoid allowing your baby to deal with sun stroke, there may be a time when your baby deals with this problem. It's important that you know what to do if your baby begins to act like he is dealing with heatstroke. The first thing you need to do is to call 911. You need help there as soon as possible. Then you need to bring your baby's body temperature down fast. Undress your baby and get him to a cool area as soon as you can. Start using a cool washcloth to sponge your baby's body. Fanning babies also can help to cool them. Work to keep your baby calm as well so they don't get upset and make their body temperature higher.

If your baby hasn't gone all the way into heatstroke, give him some water if he is old enough. If he is too young, then give him some formula or breast milk to drink. However, if your baby has gone into a heat stroke, don't give your baby a drink. Wait for help to arrive.

Of course preventing sun stroke is the best option, you need to know what to do if it ever does occur to your baby, especially since babies are so susceptible. Keep these tips in mind so you can take care of your baby should this ever happen to you and your little one.

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You'll find more tips on how to care for your baby in hot weather here.