Signs Your Baby Is Overheating

Babies are sensitive physically and mentally. As a parent, nanny, or babysitter, you need to be careful about the baby’s health. Babies easily become overheated because they are not able to regulate their temperature, so you have to monitor your baby’s temperature. Overheating can cause heatstroke or heat exhaustion. Make sure your baby is in a normal environment.

What is overheating?
Overheating is becoming much hotter than the normal temperature. When the baby’s temperature rises too high because of an external cause, it is also called heatstroke or heat exhaustion. The baby’s temperature increases and can lead to heatstroke or heat exhaustion. It happens due to a hot environment, wearing excessive clothes, or being covered with heavy blankets.

Why does the baby overheat?
Babies easily overheat because they are not able to regulate their body temperature. Babies quickly absorb warmth from their surroundings. Their inability and undeveloped thermoregulation cause overheating.

Causes of overheating

• Hot weather causes overheating.
• If the baby gets direct sunlight, it can cause overheating.
• If you overdress your baby, it can cause overheating.
• If a baby has a fever, it causes overheating.
• Physical activity.
• If you keep a heating device too close to the baby, it can cause overheating.
• Swaddling your baby too tightly causes overheating.

Signs of overheating

• Sweating
• Warm body temperature
• Dry mouth
• Increased heart rate
• Baby becomes fussy or irritated
• Dark yellow urine
• Baby breathes faster than normal
• Skin may turn red
• Decreased urination
• Dizziness
• Vomiting

How to cool your baby during overheating

• Place your baby in a cool place.
• Remove excessive clothes from your baby.
• Gently wipe your baby’s body with a washcloth.
• If the baby is awake, offer breast milk or water to keep your baby hydrated.
• If you notice any signs of heatstroke or heat exhaustion, seek medical help without delay.

How to find out if the baby is overheating during sleep
There are some signs that can indicate the baby is overheating during sleep:

• If the baby’s head, neck, and hairline are sweating, it means the baby is too hot.
• You may notice redness in the baby’s skin due to overheating.
• If you feel warmth in the baby’s neck, head, and chest, it means the baby is overheating.
• Due to overheating, the baby may be breathing faster than normal.
• If the baby’s mouth looks dry, it may be a sign of overheating dehydration.
• If the baby becomes irritated or fussy while sleeping, it is a sign of overheating. Conversely, if the baby sleeps longer due to overheating and doesn’t respond, that is a matter of concern.

How to know that the baby is overheating
Here are some symptoms that indicate the baby is overheating:

• Hot to touch
• Unresponsive
• Red skin
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Vomiting
• Sweating on the neck, chest, head, or hair
• Fussy or restless

How to prevent overheating
To prevent overheating, you can follow these tips:

• Dress your baby lightly. Put your baby in a light, loose outfit that allows for airflow and doesn’t cause suffocation.
• Keep your baby in a cool place. Make your home’s environment cool by using a fan, air conditioner, or cooler.
• Ensure your baby stays hydrated to prevent overheating. Provide proper breast milk, formula milk, and water.
• Always monitor your baby’s temperature. Feel the baby’s body temperature; if you feel it is hot, cool down to prevent overheating.

When should you consult with your doctor?
When you notice signs of heatstroke or heat exhaustion, seek medical help immediately. If you observe excessive sweating, lethargy, or rapid breathing, talk to your doctor.

As a mom or dad, you are always worried about your baby. You try your best for the baby, and as a parent, I understand that. So make the best environment for the baby’s well-being.