Archive · 16 Jun 2025
Preventing Heatstroke in Newborns and Young Children
Babies can get too hot easily because they can't control their body temperature as well as adults.
Their low weight and high surface area make them prone to overheating.
Extra clothes or swaddling can make it worse.
To keep babies safe, keep them cool and hydrated.
Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day and make sure they get enough breast milk (for babies under six months) or other fluids, like water and fruit juices.
Always carry water and ORS when going out with children.
Newborns are at high risk of heat stroke due to low weight and high surface area.
Babies cannot regulate their body temperature efficiently, making them susceptible to overheating.
Extra layers of clothing or swaddling can trap heat and raise body temperature.
Keep infants indoors during peak heat hours, typically between 11 am and 5 or 6 pm.
Infants under six months should be exclusively breastfed on demand for hydration.
- Who
- Newborns and young children.
- What
- Avoiding heat stroke in newborns and young children.
- When
- During peak heat hours, typically between 11 am and 5 or 6 pm.
- Where
- Indoors, in a temperature-controlled environment.
- Why
- Because they cannot regulate their body temperatures as efficiently as adults.
Practices that Increase Heatstroke Risk
Prevention Measures
Clothing
Practices that Increase Heatstroke Risk
Extra layers of clothing or swaddling.
Prevention Measures
Appropriate amount of clothing.
- Risk Factor
- Low weight and high surface area
- Peak Heat Hours
- 11 am to 5 or 6 pm
- Hydration (under 6 months)
- Exclusively breastfed on demand
- Hydration (older children)
- Water, coconut water, fruit juices
- Fluid intake (under 2)
- 1 litre/day
- Fluid intake (older children)
- 2 litres or more/day