As a parent or caregiver, you should be aware of the increased health risks to infants and young children posed by extreme heat.
While all children can suffer from heat-related illnesses, at highest risk are those with asthma, heart or kidney problems, mental or physical disabilities, developmental disorders, diarrhea and those on certain medications.
If children in your care are at increased risk, speak to your primary care provider about the specific steps you should take to minimize the dangers during very hot weather.
You can also take the following precautions to keep infants and young children safe in the heat:
• Keep children hydrated by giving them cool liquids – preferably water – before they feel thirsty.
• Dress kids in loose-fitting clothing, a breathable hat, and keep them in the shade whenever possible.
• If available, check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) before leaving the house as children tend to be more sensitive to air pollution, which is often at higher levels during extreme heat. Weather channels usually carry this information.
• Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat illnesses including unusual sleepiness or temper tantrums, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid heartbeat or breathing, extreme thirst and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.
