Is It Safe to Take My Baby Outside in the Heat?

As a new parent, you probably have a million questions about how to keep your baby safe and comfortable. One question pediatricians get all the time is whether or not it's safe to take your newborn or infant outside in the blazing summer heat.

The answer is yes, but with precautions. Because their systems are still getting used to the world, newborns and infants are more prone to heatstroke and dehydration than older children and adults, so it's important to take extra care when taking them outside in hot weather.

Andrew Carlson, MD, Medical Director of Primary Care, shares some tips for keeping your baby safe in the heat.

Dress your baby appropriately.

Light, loose clothing is key. Avoid dark or tight-fitting clothing, as this can trap heat and make your baby uncomfortable.

Use a hat and sunscreen.

A sun hat will help to protect your baby's head and neck from the sun's harmful rays. Sunscreen can help to protect your baby's skin from sunburn, but it’s only FDA-approved for infants 6 months and older.

>Related: Protect That Skin for Summer

Stay in the shade.

Get comfortable in a shady spot when you're outside together. This will help both of you to stay cool.

Go inside for regular breaks.

If you're planning on being outside for awhile, take breaks indoors often to cool down.

Watch for signs of heat-related illness.

Look out for:

High fever. Heatstroke begins when the body’s core temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rapid breathing.
Seizures
Loss of consciousness

If you think your baby is experiencing heat-related illness, call 911 immediately.

Keep your newborn or infant well hydrated.

Keeping your baby hydrated in hot weather is really important. Here are some easy tips to make sure they get enough fluids:

Breastfeeding: Breast milk has all the water and nutrients your baby needs. Just keep feeding them like you usually do and watch for signs that they're hungry. Feeding your baby whenever they seem hungry will help them stay hydrated.
Formula Feeding: It's important to mix the formula exactly how the instructions say. If you add too much water, it can mess up the important salts in your baby's body and make them very sick. If you're worried your baby isn't drinking enough, talk to your doctor instead of changing the formula mix.

Babies under six months old usually don't need extra water, even when it’s very hot. They get all the water they need from breast milk or formula. If you notice that your baby has a dry mouth, isn't crying tears, or is more sleepy than usual, these could be signs they're dehydrated, and you should get help from a doctor right away.

>Related: How to Keep Kids Hydrated During a Heatwave

Keep your baby's room cool and well ventilated.

You can use a fan or air conditioner to keep your baby’s room at comfortable temperature.

Never, ever leave your baby in a parked car under any circumstances.

Not only is this dangerous; it’s also illegal. Even if it seems like a mild day, the temperature inside a parked car can get into danger territory, fast.

>Attention, parents. Read this guide from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on how to prevent hot car deaths.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your baby safe and comfortable in the heat.