During hot weather, your child is more susceptible to the heat than you. This is because of their smaller size and tendency to forget to consume enough fluids. Here are some of the ways that heat exhaustion can start to impact your child.

Dehydration Risks

The most common problem with heat exhaustion is the risk for dehydration. You may notice that your child isn’t using the bathroom as much or needs as many diaper changes. Darker urine is a sign of dehydration. Encourage your child to take frequent rest breaks to cool down and drink plenty of fluids. Increase the amount of fluids provided with each additional degree of temperature. Another thing to help with dehydration is to have your child eat fruits and vegetables that contain water.

Increased Irritability

Your child is unlikely to be able to communicate effectively during periods of heat exhaustion. This can cause them to become more irritable and have difficulty sleeping. You may notice that your baby will refuse to breastfeed because of the close contact to your skin. Heat exhaustion typically starts with profuse sweating and then no sweating. This is when your child may have crossed over into the territory of heat stroke.

Pale and Listless

Pale and clammy skin are common signs of heat exhaustion. A general unwell appearance in your child could be indicative of heat exhaustion. Try to get fluids into them right away. Remove them to a cool environment until they start to feel better. A cool bath may help to bring them temperature back into the normal range. Younger children may make this more difficult because they may not want to take a break from playing. Limit the amount of time that your child spends in the hot sun as the temperature increases.

Heat Stroke Can Be Fatal

As heat exhaustion progresses, it can become heat stroke. Some of the signs of heat stroke include your child being hot and dry to the touch. This is because their body doesn’t have enough fluid to produce sweat to aid with cooling. Vomiting, increased inability to breath, and becoming confused as also common symptoms. If left untreated, your child could lose consciousness and die. It’s important that you handle the early stages of heat exhaustion before it becomes more serious.

Look into air conditioning replacement so that you can limit the potential for your child developing heat exhaustion. Having a cool place to rest on those hot days will make everyone much happier.