You may not think you have to worry about heat stroke in the middle of winter, but it is possible for your baby to become overheated if they're sleeping or outside, bundled in tons of winter gear. That's why you need to know the ways to safely cool your baby down when they're overheated.
According to the National Institutes of Health, babies are at higher risk for SIDS in the winter months. This is why it's extremely important to be aware of baby's body temperature when they are sleeping or taking a long ride in the car.
Parents may feel the need to pile on loads of layers at the first sign of a chill in the air, but it is possible to overdo it and cause your baby to be too warm in the process. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants up to one year only need one more layer than you would wear to keep yourself warm. So if you are melting in your winter layers, chances are your tiny tot is too.
If you notice that your baby is overheating, removing layers, uncovering her head, and giving a cool drink can help bring her body temperature back to normal. Although you may want to give your baby a fever reducer, according to Baby Center, acetaminophen will not reduce a temperature caused by heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
As you prepare your baby for the winter temperatures, remember to avoid the temptation to load up on layers and know what you can do to keep her body at a safe and comfortable temperature.
1Remove Clothing
If your baby is overheated, it is possible that she's wearing too many layers. According to Parents, if your baby's temperature is too high, start by removing a layer of her clothing. This will help bring her body temperature back down to normal.
2Use A Fan
According to Baby Center, fanning your baby can help bring his temperature down. If you don't have access to an electric fan, a magazine or even your hand can do the trick.
3Give Them A Drink
As Parenting mentioned, a drink of water with electrolytes, like Pedialyte, will help baby cool down. If you don't have access to Pedialyte, you can also give your baby breast milk or formula to help regulate his temperature.
4Put Them In A Cool Bath
If you're at home, Baby Center suggested a cool bath as a way to lower baby's temperature. But while you may be anxious to cool your baby down, remember to keep baby safe in the bath at all times. Never leave her unattended in the tub.
5Elevate Their Feet
Your baby may not be able to tell you when he's too hot, but if you notice the signs that he is overheated, you can help get things under control. The experts at Seattle Children's Hospital recommend lying baby down on his back with his feet slightly elevated to help bring his temperature down.
6Uncover Their Head
Although you will want to cover your baby's head in the colder temperatures, her hat may be the thing that is causing her to overheat, as heat is stored in the head. As Raising Children suggested, removing hats or other head coverings to allow baby to cool her body temperature down.
7Use A Cool Cloth
If you can't give your baby a bath, you can cool her down with the contents of your diaper bag. Try wiping her head with a cool washcloth to help regulate her temperature.
