How heat affects babies

We are affected to a greater or lesser extent by summer heat, but one of the groups most affected by the high temperatures are children under 4 years of age. Newborns do not regulate well the temperature and those that are somewhat older tend to feel the same heat of adults without finishing managing it well. If you want to avoid high temperatures becoming a danger for the little ones, do not forget to read the following .com article. On this occasion, we explain how heat affects babies and what are the best measures and preventions that you can take so that summer does not become a torture for the children of the house. Protect your little ones!

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To understand the effects of heat on children, it is necessary to know what the susceptibility of babies to high temperatures is. His body volume has a lot to do, since it is much lower than that of adults and, generally, causes babies to increase their body temperature more quickly, making them a collective vulnerable to heat.

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On the other hand, they are more likely to lose body fluids faster than adults and, therefore, have to dehydrate more easily. They perspire much more and it is very difficult for them to be aware of not carrying out exercises or efforts during the heat waves, since their small mind does not allow them to reason with that complexity.

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During the warmer months, care for your baby should be increased since the effects of high temperatures can be diverse. Solar overexposure due to outdoor hours, excessive exercise caused by the hyperactivity of some children or lack of hydration can lead the baby to suffer some health problems.

The main problems that are attributed to excess heat in the little one is dehydration or rashes on the skin. It is also common to notice that the baby is more exhausted, less active and more tired. Other effects of heat on children can be seen in the swelling of hands, feet or ankles, and in the most severe cases fainting or heat stroke can occur. Think that the baby still does not regulate body temperature well, so you will notice that your skin is hot even if you do not sweat, it is difficult to breathe or present symptoms of fever.

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The mood is one of the clearest manifestations on hot days, since usually children are more irritable, do not rest properly, sleep less and even their appetite decreases.

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Protecting creatures from the effects of heat is essential to ensure that they are not in danger. First of all, you should avoid prolonged sun exposure or extreme heat, think that babies have very sensitive skin and in addition to suffering heat strokes, they could also burn quickly. Avoid going out at the hottest hours or doing outdoor activities for a long time. If you go to the beach or the countryside, always protect the baby with a cap and apply a lot of sunscreen with the highest possible factor.

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Also, hydration is the main point so that the baby is not affected by high temperatures. In the hottest periods, you should drink liquids frequently (water, juices ...), especially if the creatures are very active it is best to drink water before, during and after any activity. High doses of fruits and vegetables will help you stay properly hydrated. Although the baby is very small and is breastfeeding, it is important to offer water between taking and breastfeeding. If you see that you reject it when you insist, it will be a sign that you do not need it.

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On the other hand, it is advisable to keep the baby in a cool, shaded and ventilated place to suffocate extreme heat and high temperatures. At home, keep the rooms ventilated and the curtains down to prevent heat from seeping into every corner of your home and maintain an ambient temperature between 20 and 22ºC.

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To refresh your baby never expose him directly to a fan or air conditioning, much less if he is naked or half-naked, since his skin would cool quickly, the sweat would dry but could catch a cold. If it is too hot, it is best to cool it with a sponge soaked in fresh water and then keep it resting in a place in the house where there is not much current. If the child is older, then hydrate it with a good juice, remove the clothes and let him play somewhere where the air runs a little. Avoid intense activities during the hottest hours of the day.

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If you must travel by car, it is also necessary to combat the heat that your baby can suffer inside the vehicle. Always ventilate the interior by opening and closing the windows from time to time so that the air runs. Do not keep the air conditioner inside the car constantly, as the mucous membranes of the small areas can be resected. During stops, always rest in shaded areas. And most importantly, never leave your baby locked inside the car even for a moment and be parked in the shade, as it can suffer a severe blow of heat and dehydration.

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You must also take into account the clothing chosen to withstand the heat. We recommend light clothing, breathable fabrics such as cotton and light colors so as not to retain heat. Always walk in the shade and in the less hot hours, such as early morning or late afternoon. And at night, do not hesitate to cover it with a finite sheet to avoid that the contrast causes it to definitely catch cold. Of course, do not overcook it because excess heat could cause irritations or skin rashes, known as sudamina.