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Heat and hot cars
ER
Babies overheat much faster than adults. In Texas, heat and power outages without air conditioning are a real danger.
What to do
- Go to a cool or air-conditioned place: a relative's home, a store, a library or a cooling center.
- Remove clothing: leave the baby in a diaper and a light shirt.
- Cool the baby with cloths soaked in cool (not cold) water and a fan nearby.
- Offer breast milk or formula more often. If over 6 months, also small sips of water.
- In a power outage: stay in the coolest, lowest room. Close curtains during the day and open windows at night if it's safe.
- Under 6 months: keep out of direct sun, in the shade, with a hat and light clothing.
What not to do
- Never leave the baby alone in the car, not with the windows down, not even for a minute. A car can heat up about 20°F in 10 minutes.
- Leave your purse or phone in the back seat so you don't forget the baby.
- Don't give water to a baby under 6 months.
- Don't bathe the baby in ice water or rub them with alcohol.
- Don't cover the stroller with a blanket: it traps heat.
