Intense summer heat calls for extra precautions for infants

Jun. 24—Adults know how to take proper precautions to protect themselves from the summer heat, but it's important to keep a close eye on babies and young children to protect them from overheating.

In the summer heat, infants and kids tend to overheat and sweat faster compared to adults, according to Precious Pipe, child care director at YWCA.

"So they require a lot of loose-fitting clothing, lots of water, shade, sunscreen, all of these things because their skin is very sensitive," Pipe said.

Signs that a baby is overheating include a lack of wet diapers, red skin, lack of appetite or panting.

"We would look for when they are just lethargic. Maybe when they're not crying or screaming, things like that," said Libby Owens, executive director of the St. Joseph Pregnancy Resource Center.

The most important thing is to keep the baby hydrated. Parents should check with their baby's doctor about hydrating methods for their babies, but Pipe suggests increasing breastmilk or fluid intake to combat the heat.

Some utilize car seat covers and clip-on fans to protect their babies from the harsh UV rays. When it comes to car seat covers, child care experts say they are OK to use, but to make sure the material is thin and that guardians are transferring the baby from the heat to their destination as quickly as possible.

"At the same time, we want to make sure that they've got some circulation," said Owens.

Using things like clip-on fans or misters can be helpful. However, Owens suggests that parents ensure all items are removed before driving their vehicle. In the event of a vehicle accident, these items can become projectiles.

"One of the small fans. You don't want to put a big fan directly in the face of an infant," Pipe said. "But one of those smaller fans that blow around their surface area is super helpful to keep them cool. A soft mister would be great for infants."

Lastly, parents need to make sure they always have a plan.

"Remember, why do we have the babies out, and what plan from point A to point B, let's make it as quickly as we can," Owens said.

Try to get your baby inside to air conditioning as soon as possible. If symptoms persist, seek medical intervention or call 911.

Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's website features a "child care weather watch" calculator. This will take the humidity and temperature to determine the "feels-like" temperature. From there, there are tips for determining if your child should be outside.