Infants not feeling fine in the summertime
A heatwave across the US is nothing uncommon, and quite possibly leaves their cross-Atlantic neighbours quite jealous year after year. There is one age group left completely unsatisfied at the seasonal warmth however.
Doctors and medical experts are warning parents to pay close attention to their children’s’ temperatures during the summer months, explaining that young infants don’t have the same coping mechanisms as adults in accommodating the extreme conditions.
Babies are much more likely to experience heat-related injuries, due to their inability to sweat in the same way as fully-grown humans. Their surface area to body mass ratio is not proportionate to the amount of sweating normally required on a very hot day, leading to the child’s temperature rising beyond healthy levels.
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Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the most common illnesses to look out for, and doctors have listen a number of guidelines and symptoms for parents to watch out for in being aware of the dangers.
A big must is to avoid exposing the child to elongated periods in a car on a hot day. The same can apply for adults as well, with the extra internal heat coming from the machine, but for infants, it is especially dangerous.
Signs of heat exhaustion to look out for include extreme grumpiness from the baby, headaches, nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps. The same guidelines apply to adults suffering from the force of the heat, also.
To help make it through the summer unscathed, it is advised that plenty of water is taken on board, shaded areas are utilised as often as possible, and the child’s skin is kept cool using towels or flannels.