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"I’m Hot!” 
Tips for Preventing Heat Exhaustion and Illness in Young Children

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Summers in Wisconsin can be hot and humid, a perfect recipe for developing heat related illnesses.  Infants, young children and the elderly are especially susceptible to the effects of summer heat.  Parents and caregivers alike must be diligent in their efforts to protect young children from the harmful effects of overheating.  The tips below are offered to assist you in making good choices for young children in your care during the summer months. 

• Never leave infants or children in parked, closed vehicles, even for a minute.  The air inside a closed vehicle in the summer can quickly rise to dangerous levels, putting children at risk for heat exhaustion, heat related illness, and even death.
• Be sure that children drink lots of fluids.  Cool water or juice is the best choice.  Drinks that contain caffeine are not recommended because they can actually cause a person to lose fluids rather than retain them.
• If you are outdoors, spend as much time as possible in the shade.
• Limit the amount of exercise children get outside during the hottest part of the day. Children can quickly become dehydrated.  Try to get outside early or late in the day. 
• Spend as much time indoors, in air conditioning, if possible. If you do not have air conditioning, a trip to an air conditioned public facility is recommended (the grocery store or library are good choices). Spending as much time as possible in air conditioning is the best way to prevent heat related illness.
• Spend time in the water.  Let children splash in a pool while being supervised by responsible adults.  Set up a sprinkler and let children play during certain times throughout the day.  Dab infants with a cool rag, or give infants a cool bath to keep their body temperature at a stable level.

If children show any of these signs of heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately.

• A high body temperature (above 102°F)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

If children show any signs of heat exhaustion, including heavy sweating, paleness, cramps, tiredness, dizziness, weakness, nausea/vomiting, or fainting follow the steps below and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

• Give a cool beverages.
• Rest in the shade or in air conditioning
• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
• Seek an air-conditioned environment

During the summer months, it is imperative that adults are watching infants and young children closely for signs of heat exhaustion and heat related illness.  The best way to avoid heat related illness in infants and young children is to be educated about the causes of them, and be diligent about preventing them.  For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov

WCCIP • 2109 S. Stoughton Road, Madison WI 53716 • 
Ph 800.366.3556 • 
Fx 608.224.6178

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