Sun Stroke And Babies: What You Need To Know

Sun stroke, also known as heat stroke, is a dangerous condition that can be caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight or heat. It is particularly serious for babies and young children, whose bodies are more susceptible to temperature changes and less able to regulate temperature. This is due to their immature immune systems and skin, which do not yet have the necessary resistance to withstand the impact of sudden temperature changes. As such, it is important to be aware of the signs of heat stroke in babies and the precautions that can be taken to prevent it.

Heat exhaustion symptoms

Sun stroke in children is defined as prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can become serious if not addressed. Children are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of the sun and high temperatures due to their immature immune systems and skin that hasn't developed the necessary resistance to sudden changes.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body gets too hot, typically during a heatwave or in hot temperatures. It is one of three major heat-related illnesses, along with heat cramps and heat stroke, and can progress to heat stroke if not treated promptly. Heat exhaustion symptoms in babies may include:

• Paler skin than usual, noticeable on the palms, nails, eyes, gums, or tongue
• Cooler skin temperature
• Increased thirst and other signs of dehydration, such as reduced peeing or crying
• A rise in body temperature

Babies may not exhibit clear early signs of heat exhaustion other than appearing fussy and unwell. It is crucial to monitor them closely and take preventive measures to avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during the hottest hours of the day.

If you suspect a baby or child is experiencing heat exhaustion, it is important to act quickly. Move them to a cooler environment, provide them with plenty of fluids (breast milk, formula, or water for babies over six months), and seek medical advice. Even if they appear to recover fully, it is recommended to seek professional medical advice.

Heat stroke symptoms

Babies and children can get heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. It is caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can lead to a dangerous overheating of the body. This is because children's bodies, especially those of babies, do not have the necessary resistance to cope with the effects of extreme heat.

• Hot, flushed, and dry skin
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Restlessness or confusion
• Rapid worsening of symptoms
• Unresponsiveness
• Body temperature over 40°C

If you suspect a baby or child is suffering from heatstroke, call emergency services immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, move them to a cool environment, remove their outer clothing, and wrap them in cold, damp clothes or a sheet. Keep their body temperature down by continuously pouring cold water over them.

Preventing sun stroke

Babies and young children are at a higher risk of heat stroke as they cannot control their body temperature as effectively as adults. It is therefore important to take precautions to prevent babies from developing heat stroke. Here are some ways to prevent heat stroke in babies:

• Keep babies out of direct sunlight: Babies under 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight. Their skin contains very little melanin, which provides some protection from the sun. Older babies should also be kept out of the sun as much as possible, especially during the summer and between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm, when the sun is at its strongest.
• Use appropriate sun protection: When going out in the sun, attach a parasol or sunshade to your baby's stroller to keep them out of direct sunlight. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and ensure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Many brands offer sunscreen specifically designed for babies and young children, which are less likely to irritate their skin.
• Dress babies in appropriate clothing: Dress your baby in lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing to help keep them cool.
• Keep babies well-hydrated: Like adults, babies and young children need to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. For babies under 6 months, breastfeeding or formula will provide adequate hydration. If your baby is 6 months or older, you can give them some water in addition to their usual milk feeds.
• Take extra precautions in hot weather: On hot days, keep checking that your baby is not getting too hot and dress them in cooler clothing if needed. You can also use a fan, cooler, or air conditioning to help regulate their body temperature.
• Be mindful of the environment: When using a pram, car seat, or baby carrier in summer, place a layer of cotton fabric under your baby to help keep them cool. Try to keep them in the shade when outdoors and consider carrying an umbrella or portable fan to help protect them from the sun.
• Never leave babies unattended in a car: Do not leave your baby or toddler unattended in a parked car, even for a minute. Leaving the windows open is not enough to keep the car cool, and their body temperature can rise quickly.

Sun stroke treatment

Sun stroke, also known as heat stroke, is a medical emergency and can be very dangerous for babies and children. If you suspect that a baby or child has sun stroke, call emergency services immediately and give first aid until help arrives.

First, move the baby or child to a cool, shaded area, or ideally an air-conditioned environment. Remove any unnecessary clothing, especially for babies. If possible, take their temperature and try to cool them down to 101-102°F (38.3-38.9°C). You can do this by:

• Fanning them while wetting their skin with cool water from a sponge or cloth.
• Applying cool, damp cloths or compresses to their chest, neck, head, thighs, and arms.
• If available, immersing them in a shower or tub of cool water.

Do not use ice or ice-cold water for babies or young children.

Offer the baby or child plenty to drink to rehydrate them. Babies under 6 months old might want to feed more often, whether that's breast or bottle milk. They do not need to be offered water. For babies over 6 months old, small amounts of boiled and cooled water can be given in addition to milk feeds.

If the baby or child is lucid, ensure they continue to drink water to stay hydrated, but be careful they do not choke.

While waiting for emergency services, continuously pour cool water over the baby or child's sheet or clothing. Keep cooling them until their temperature returns to normal and they no longer feel hot to the touch. Then, replace the wet sheet with a dry one and help them to rest.

Sun exposure times

For Infants Under 6 Months Old:

• Keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Their skin is extremely sensitive and contains very little melanin, the pigment that provides some sun protection.
• Avoid using sunscreen on babies under 6 months. Instead, rely on physical barriers such as stroller shades, umbrellas, and lightweight sun-protective clothing that covers their arms and legs.
• Always protect their head, face, ears, and neck with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Use removable mesh window shields or UV window film in your car to block UV rays during car rides.
• Take walks early in the morning before 10 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the sun's peak intensity.

For Babies Over 6 Months Old:

• It is generally recommended to introduce sunscreen after 6 months of age. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply regularly, especially if your baby is swimming or sweating.
• Continue to prioritize physical barriers, such as sun hats, lightweight clothing that covers the body, and stroller shades.
• Keep babies out of the sun as much as possible, especially during the summer and between 11 AM and 3 PM, when the sun is strongest.

General Recommendations for All Ages:

• Avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during the hottest hours of the day (typically 11 AM to 5 PM).
• Ensure your baby stays hydrated by offering breast milk, formula, or water (if they have started solids).
• Be vigilant about sun protection, as even one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles the risk of developing melanoma later in life.

By following these sun exposure guidelines, you can help protect your baby from the harmful effects of the sun and reduce the risk of sun stroke.

Frequently asked questions