With heat waves arriving across the country, one of the biggest concerns for parents is how to prevent heatstroke in their youngest children, knowing that babies can't tell us whether they're too hot or not.
Above all, it's important to pay attention to children only a few months old, as their body temperature self-regulation system is not yet fully developed and they are therefore perfect targets for heatstroke. Babies are generally cold, but pediatricians advise against overdressing them or, on the contrary, taking off almost all their clothes when it's hot. They recommend paying close attention to the baby's signals to determine whether he or she is hot or cold.
Observing the baby
Children just a few months old regulate their temperature by sweating through their heads. That's why it's ideal to touch the back of his neck, and if it's clammy, it means he's warm, even if his hands and feet are cold. In this sense, babies haven't yet fully developed their blood circulation, so cold hands or feet don't mean they're cold. Other indicators of a baby's condition are that he's having trouble feeding, his cheeks are red and his movements are slow or muffled. In these cases, it's very likely that the baby is overheated. You can dress him in a bodysuit and keep the room cool, but don't overuse the air-conditioning.
Body temperature
The normal temperature for adults and children is between 35°C and 37°C, but babies are more sensitive to temperature changes. Occasionally, a child may have a fever. This occurs when the body temperature is between 37º and 37.5 C, indicating a higher-than-normal temperature. The best thing to do in this case is to take off some clothes and wait for the temperature to drop. If this doesn't happen, it's best to consult a specialist.
Recommended clothing for heatwaves
When summer arrives, it's ideal to dress your baby as freshly as possible, with clothes made from natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or muslin, which are not only soft, but also prevent skin irritation and allow perspiration. Of course, light colors like white and pastels are recommended. Avoid dark tones that concentrate heat.
Keys to checking your baby's temperature
The bedroom. According to specialists, the ideal temperature for a baby's bedroom should be between 21º and 22º C. Of course, the room must be ventilated beforehand. You can use a room thermometer to check the temperature. Hand on chest. If you want to make sure your child is neither hot nor cold while sleeping, you can enter his room and place your hand on his chest and upper back. If it's warm, your baby is fine; if it's cold, he's probably chilled; and if he's sweating, he's probably hot. Specialists insist that it's normal for limbs, feet, hands, cheeks and nose to be colder than the rest of the body. Observe their skin. This is an important factor in knowing what's going on inside your body. When it's very hot, your baby will have a high body temperature and his skin will be hot, damp with sweat and red. A damp cloth. If you notice that your baby is very hot, it's a good idea to remove the layers of clothing he's wearing and moisturize him. If the heat is very intense, it's best to run a damp cloth over his body to gradually lower the temperature. Follow these tips to prevent your baby from suffering in the summer heat. Take good care of him and make sure he stays cool and comfortable all summer long.
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