Transcript:
On extremely hot and humid summer days, babies and toddlers can be especially vulnerable to heat stress and dehydration.
Their small, developing bodies heat up faster than adults’ and may struggle to stay cool. And they’re also unable to speak up when they’re feeling hot.
So Harleen Marwah, a pediatrician at Mass General Brigham, suggests keeping a close eye on babies when it’s hot.
Marwah: “Is the baby more fussy today? Are they not calming in the ways they normally do? Are they feeling clammy? Are they releasing a lot of sweat? Are they physically feeling warm despite removing layers and trying to move them to a different environment? Have their feeding patterns changed? … All of those can be signs that a baby is getting tired and their body is really struggling to keep up with the temperature.”
Parents and other caretakers should also make sure infants and toddlers stay hydrated and rest in cool, well-ventilated areas.
And Marwah says never hesitate to call a doctor with any questions or concerns.
Marwah: “It can be really challenging and difficult to understand when something is an emergency, and so … if you ever have a question about your baby, please do contact your pediatric health center.”
Reporting credit: Ethan Freedman / ChavoBart Digital Media
