This week, Bobbi Conner speaks with Dr. Sara Ritchie about safeguarding newborns and infants from overheating during the intense summer heat. Dr. Ritchie, an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and a Pediatrician at MUSC Children’s Health, offers essential insights and advice for parents.
Understanding the Risks
Dr. Ritchie explains that infants and young children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses compared to adults. “Infants have a larger body surface area relative to their body mass,” she says. This means they are more exposed to environmental heat. Additionally, their internal temperature regulation systems are still developing. Infants lose fluids quickly and cannot communicate their needs for more breast milk or formula efficiently. As a result, they are prone to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, which can occur rapidly in high temperatures.
Practical Tips for Parents
Dr. Ritchie emphasizes the importance of planning ahead to ensure infants stay cool. She advises parents to find air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day. While fans can help, they may not cool the air when temperatures exceed body temperature, potentially increasing the risk of heat gain.
Hydration is crucial. Parents should follow their infant’s regular feeding schedule with formula or breast milk, anticipating increased demand during warm weather. Dr. Ritchie cautions against giving water to infants before they start solids, typically around 4 to 6 months, and recommends consulting a pediatrician for the appropriate timing.
Dressing infants in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing can help, as well as using hats to protect their faces, ears, and necks from the sun. Providing plenty of shade and using cool baths or water mists are also effective cooling strategies. In cars, sunshades on windows are essential, and infants should never be left alone in a vehicle, even if it’s running.
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Sun Exposure Precautions
Dr. Ritchie stresses the importance of protecting infants under six months old from direct sun exposure. Their skin is extremely sensitive, and they are at higher risk of overheating. Therefore, avoiding direct sunlight for this age group is crucial.
Conclusion
Dr. Ritchie’s insights provide vital guidelines for parents to protect their infants and newborns from overheating during the summer.
For South Carolina Public Radio, this is Bobbi Conner reporting from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
