Archive · 20 Jul 2026
How to Keep Infants Safe in Extreme Heat
Infants and young children need special care in extreme heat.
They get hot faster because they sweat less and have a higher metabolism.
Parents should watch for signs of dehydration, like no tears or wet diapers, and heat illness, like fatigue or flushed skin.
To keep kids safe, avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day, dress them in loose, light-colored clothes, and make sure they drink enough water.
Never leave babies in parked cars, even for a short time, as temperatures can rise quickly.
Using a canopy for shade and checking metal parts of car seats for heat can also help keep babies comfortable and safe.
Infants are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to physiological factors like lower sweating capacity and higher metabolism.
Signs of dehydration in infants include lack of tears or wet diapers, while heat illness may manifest as fatigue, flushed skin, or increased irritability.
Parents should avoid taking infants out during peak heat hours, dress them in loose, light-colored clothing, and ensure they are well-hydrated.
Never leave infants in parked cars, even briefly, as car temperatures can rise rapidly; use reminders to avoid forgetting a child in the car.
To cool a hot car, open windows for 10-20 seconds while running the air conditioning, and use a sun shade to keep the interior cooler.
- Who
- Infants, toddlers, and young children.
- What
- Guidelines for keeping infants safe during extreme heat.
- When
- During heatwaves, particularly in the summer months.
- Where
- Outdoors and in vehicles, especially in areas affected by heat domes.
- Why
- Infants are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to physiological factors and higher outdoor activity.
- Vulnerability Factors
- Infants sweat less, have higher metabolism, and absorb heat faster due to higher surface area-to-mass ratio.
- Dehydration Signs
- Lack of tears or wet diapers.
- Heat Illness Signs
- Fatigue, flushed skin, increased irritability.
- Safety Tips
- Avoid peak heat hours, dress in loose clothing, apply sunscreen, and ensure adequate hydration.
- Car Safety
- Never leave infants in parked cars; use reminders to avoid forgetting a child.