It is important to protect your child from extreme heat. Extreme heat can cause children to become sick in several ways . Watch out for signs of extreme heat  exposure and call your doctor immediately.

How to protect your child from extreme heat

Find an air conditioned space : If you don’t have air condition at your home , find a nearby building that does.

Stay Hydrated : Make water readily  available and encourage your child to drink water regularly. On hot days, infants on breastmilk should be given an extra bottle of breastmilk but they should not be given water especially in the first 6 months of life.  Infants on formula should be given an additional bottle of formula.

Dress lightly :  Dress your child in  light colored  and  lightweight clothing . Dressing should be limited to one layer of absorbent material that will maximize  the evaporation of sweat.

Plan for extra rest time : Heat can make children and parents feel tired.

Cool off : Give your child a cool bath or water mist  to cool down when your child is feeling hot. Swimming is another way to cool off.

Prevent sunburns : Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection every time your child goes outside.

What are the possible health effects of extreme heat ?

Extreme heat can make your child sick  in so many ways including the following :

• Dehydration
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat cramps
• Heat stroke

When should i call the pediatrician ?

Call your pediatrician immediately when your child starts experiencing these symptoms :

• Feeling faint
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Intense thirst
• Not urinating for many hours
• Breathing faster or deeper than normal
• Skin numbness and tingling
• Muscle aches
• Muscle cramps