How to Protect a Newborn from Summer Heat

During the summer months, the increase in environmental temperature, especially in the presence of high relative humidity, can impair a newborn’s ability to dissipate heat. Unlike adults, newborns do not have effective thermoregulatory mechanisms such as widespread sweating and shivering, and their relatively smaller body surface area compared to body mass further limits heat dissipation.

In conditions of hyperthermia, peripheral vasodilation is the main passive mechanism for heat loss. However, in newborns this response is often insufficient, exposing them to a high risk of heat stroke.

Associated Risks and Clinical Signs of Hyperthermia

Heat stroke is an acute pathological condition characterized by a significant increase in body temperature (>40°C) associated with alterations of the central nervous system. In infants and young children, this condition can develop rapidly following prolonged exposure to hot environments, especially if enclosed and poorly ventilated.

Conditions that can cause heat stroke include:

• High temperatures and direct sunlight
• High humidity levels
• Poor ventilation
• Dehydration
• Excessive swaddling
• Use of non-breathable materials (e.g., synthetic clothing, stroller linings, or non-compliant sunshades)

The most common clinical signs include:

• Hot, red, and dry skin (absence of sweating)
• Irritability, lethargy, or drowsiness
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• Dehydration
• Hypotonia, poor sucking
• Insomnia
• Crying

Preventive Recommendations During Summer Months

To prevent heat-related complications in newborns and young children during the summer, it is essential to adopt targeted preventive measures:

• Monitor body temperature by touching areas such as the neck or chest, avoiding reliance on hands and feet, which are naturally cooler due to peripheral vasoconstriction;
• Avoid overdressing, favoring lightweight clothing made of natural, breathable fibers;
• Keep indoor environments well-ventilated and at a controlled temperature, avoiding direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day;
• Ensure adequate hydration by promoting more frequent breastfeeding or formula feeding;
• Never leave a child in enclosed, unventilated environments, such as vehicles, even for short periods.