Most of us can appreciate the health benefits that come our way just by spending time outdoors, such as being exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which provide the body with the vitamin D it needs to function optimally. There is also the luxury of breathing in the clean, crisp, and fresh outdoor air, which does wonders for the respiratory system. But for young children, however, especially infants, things are somewhat different in that spending time outdoors can also increase their chances of falling victim to heat-related health problems.
The Stroller Danger Every Parent Should Know About Before Going Out for a Walk With Their Baby This Summer
Young children, especially infants, do not handle stifling hot temperatures nearly as well as the average adult, which explains why many pediatricians in the U.S. caution new moms about stroller dangers during hot summer days. And it’s not only pediatricians. Many neonatologists, including Dr. Sushmita Yallapragada, an alumna of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and a neonatal medicine specialist in Dallas, Texas, often do the same.
In a recent article published by the Children’s Hospital Association, a non-profit committed to advancing child health through innovation in the quality, cost, and delivery of care, Dr. Yallapragada acknowledges that all children, even newborns, can benefit from spending time outside. However, she also believes the onus is on the parents to protect their little ones from environmental hazards, one of which is scorching heat radiating from the bright, omnipresent sun that can find its way into their stroller. That said, it would probably be a good idea for parents to periodically check for signs of heat exhaustion whenever they take their little ones out for a stroll. Some of the most telling signs of heat exhaustion in infants include the following:
- High body temperature
- Clammy skin
- Chronic thirst
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Profuse sweating
- Weakness and extreme fatigue
It is worth noting that heat exhaustion is not the only danger parents should be concerned about when taking their little ones out for a stroll during hot summer days. According to an article published by KidsHealth, the most-trusted source for physician-reviewed information related to children’s health and parenting issues, heatstroke can also be an issue if children become overheated. And this, by the way, happens more than most people might think. Many moms and dads will drape their little ones in a light blanket and then push them along in their stroller during the dog days of summer. In many cases, the baby becomes overheated and eventually begins showing signs of heatstroke, which can include the following:
- Severe headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Fast breathing and heartbeat
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Anhidrosis
- Flushed, hot, or dry skin
How to Avoid Stroller Dangers During the Hot Dog Days of Summer
Even though heat-related health problems can arise from taking your baby out for a stroll during the summer, it doesn’t mean you have to forgo going outside altogether. As a rule of thumb, however, you should probably resist the urge to take your little one out on a stroll when the heat index is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 degrees Celsius. Studies show that heat-related illnesses are more likely to occur when temperatures get this high. Bearing that in mind, the best time for you and your youngster to go for a stroll would be either early morning or early evening. Aside from going for walks when temperatures are on the cooler side, a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the following can also help prevent heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion:
- Avoiding heavy meals before going for a walk
- Staying hydrated
- Wearing lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing
- Wearing sunscreen
All in all, spending time outdoors on a hot, sunny day has its benefits, but there are a few drawbacks. And many of them stem from underestimating the harmful effects of the sun’s heat and ultraviolet rays. For more information on how to keep your child safe this summer, consider speaking with a licensed pediatrician today.
