Protect yourself and your baby from Florida's heat

Florida is hot and sunny almost year-round. We don't have to worry about shoveling snow, but we do need to protect ourselves and our children from heat. Here’s what you need to know about keeping you and your baby safe from Florida’s heat.

Never leave a baby in a car

Babies' bodies heat up very quickly. This can be dangerous, even deadly. More than 900 U.S. children have died since 1998 in hot cars, usually after an adult forgets them¹. There is no safe amount of time or safe temperature to leave a baby in a car. If you need to go into a store for two minutes, take your baby with you. Always check the back seat before you leave a car. This habit protects your baby and puts your mind at ease.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion

Watch for heat exhaustion in your baby and yourself. Heat exhaustion occurs when your body gets too hot. It’s more common when the temperature is above 90 degrees and humidity is over 60%. You are more likely to get heat exhaustion if you have not been drinking enough water or other fluids. But heat exhaustion can happen any time when you are in direct sunshine or very active.

Signs of heat exhaustion in older children and adults include:

• muscle cramping
• lots of sweating
• cold, clammy skin
• dizziness or weakness
• fast pulse
• vomiting

Don’t wait for all these signs in a baby. If your baby is sweating a lot and seems less active, assume it is due to heat exhaustion.

If your baby has any of these symptoms, get them out of the sun, have them lie down, cool them off with cool water and get them to drink. If they keep vomiting, take them to an emergency room.

Know the signs of heat stroke

You also should know the signs of heat stroke, because this is a medical emergency. If your baby's skin is hot and dry instead of cold and sweaty, if their temperature is very high and if they are very sleepy or unconscious, call 911. Get your baby to a cool place and cool them down with cool water. If they are sleepy, don’t try to get them to drink, as they may not be able to do so safely.

You can keep babies safe on hot days. Here are some tips:

• Limit time in direct sunlight, especially during the middle of the day. Look for shade, or make your own with umbrellas, tents or wide-brimmed hats.
• Bring water whenever you are going to be in the sun — for drinking and wetting the skin to cool it down.
•  Check the forecast when you plan outdoor activities. If the temperature and humidity are high, go out in the coolest part of the day.
• Keep a close watch on your baby at all times. She won't be able to tell you she's too hot, so watch for the signs.

¹ Source