Cold weather, Safe babies: What Every Parent Should Know About Overheating by Dominique Johnson

With cold weather temperatures affecting the Chicagoland community, we want to ensure that infants are warm and safe during this season. During extreme weather temperatures, parents often choose to increase clothing layers, place hats on an infant’s head, use blankets, sleep sacks, and increase indoor temperatures to combat the cold. Although parents are concerned about keeping their infant warm, extreme exposure to heat can have detrimental consequences for an infant.

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is a term used to describe any sudden and unexpected death, whether explained or unexplained, occurring during infancy. SUID can occur at any time during the first year of life. Infants are most vulnerable in the first 6 months. This is also the time when an infant’s temperature regulation mechanisms are still developing. When there is an increase in external stress such as, an elevated temperature, there is an increased risk for a sudden and unexpected death for an infant.

When infants are too warm or cold they are unable to tell us if they need increase fluids, a decrease/increase in clothing or if the temperature in the environment is too warm or cold. Parents tend to rely on their own personal needs to assess the health and safety of their infant. Parents may have challenges recognizing signs of overheating in their infant.

Here are common signs of overheating in an infant:

·         Flushed skin

·         Excessive sweating

·         Rapid breathing

·         Dehydration

When an infant is too warm, hyperthermia can occur.

Hyperthermia often occurs due to:

·         Heavy wrapping

·         Fever

·         High air temperatures

·         Head coverings

During this winter season, here are tips to help you keep your infant safe during this time:

• Always place infants to sleep in a basinet, crib, or portable crib (pack n ’play) during the nighttime and naps.

• Place infants to sleep on their back (supine position).

  o   Research as shown that placing an infant on their stomach (prone position) increases the infant's body temperature and increases risk for suffocation.

• The infant’s mattress should always be firm and clear of any toys, blankets, pillows and or bumpers.

• Remove hats when an infant is indoors.

• Contact your pediatrician if your infant shows signs of fever or elevated body temperature over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Place infant in no more than 1 additional layer of clothing for warmth.

  o   Sleep sack with sleeper or nightgown. 

  o   Sleeper with t-shirt

  

  
  

  There’s no perfect room temperature that can completely prevent SUID, but one of the best things you can do is just keep an eye on how warm your baby seems. If they look a little flushed or feel extra warm, making a quick adjustment can help keep them comfortable and safe. That awareness is a key part of keeping infants safe. Contact your pediatrician if you have more questions or concerns.