Monday, 15 February 2016

7 Things to Know About Babies, Toddlers and Heat

Babies can’t tell you when they’re overheating and toddlers may too busy toddling around to even stop what they’re doing! Be sure to guard your young ones against the heat.


Here are 7 Things to Know and Do.

1. Watch The Diaper. Or, count the visits to the bathroom. If there are fewer wet diapers or fewer trips to the bathroom, it could be a sign that your child is becoming dehydrated. Other signs include being more irritable, have drier than usual skin, just not looking like they feel good or refusing food and drink. In babies, the fontanelle (the soft spot on the top of the head) may actually be lower than usual.

2. Keep Your Child Hydrated.
If you’re a nursing Mom, you may want to nurse more often or give the baby water between feedings. Don’t just offer water to a toddler or young child, make sure they drink regularly throughout the day. If necessary, offer fruit juice – but stay away from carbonated drinks.

3. Dress Them Right. Light, loose clothing is best. For the baby, maybe just a diaper and a diaper shirt. Remember, if you are going out, protect your child from the strong sunlight. Don’t forget the children’s sunscreen.

4. Cool Down With A Bath. It shouldn’t be hot or cold, but a dunk in a lukewarm bath is one way to cool down a child. You can even simply sponge them off with lukewarm water.

5. Nap Time?
Make sure that your child is in a cool spot. Make sure that air can circulate around the baby or child and that it isn’t blocked by stuffed animals or blankets. If you think it’s needed, use a fan but don’t point it at the child. Direct a fan towards the middle of the room.

6. Frozen Is Fun. If you are concerned about getting your enough liquid in a toddler or young child – go frozen. Make your own healthy popsicles or simply freeze orange slices or watermelon just may appeal to your little one.

7. Get Help. If you think your baby or toddler is showing signs of heat stress, don’t wait. Take the little one to an emergency room. Dehydration can be very serious in babies and small children – don’t take a chance.

When it’s hot outside you want your baby, your children – your whole family – to be cool and comfortable. If your home is cooled by an air conditioner, be sure to schedule a yearly air conditioning maintenance and service before the heat hits. Call a licensed Air Conditioning Service Phoenix company and make sure that your air conditioning will be working correctly when your babies, children and family needs it most.