Protecting Infants from Extreme Heat Risks

Amid record-breaking heat waves, medical professionals are raising concerns about the vulnerability of infants to extreme heat. Recently, a 4-month-old baby succumbed to a heat-related illness during a boating trip in Lake Havasu, Arizona, where temperatures reached around 120°F. With climate change causing more frequent and intense high-temperature days, the rate of infant deaths due to extreme heat in the U.S. has increased, with 69 infants dying between 2018 and 2023.
Pediatricians highlight that infants are particularly susceptible because they overheat faster than older children and adults, and their underdeveloped sweat glands make it harder to regulate body temperature. Signs of overheating in babies can be subtle, including flushed skin, fussiness, and abnormal urination or dehydration. Doctors recommend keeping infants cool through methods like fanning, misting with water, or using a cold towel, and suggest keeping babies in air-conditioned environments during peak heat hours.
Another significant risk is leaving infants in hot cars, which can quickly become deadly “solar ovens.” Around 60 infants have died in hot cars since 2018, emphasizing the need for vigilance. Parents are urged never to leave children alone in cars, even briefly, and to use reminders to check for children before exiting the vehicle. Additionally, precautions should be taken with strollers and car seats to ensure proper airflow.
Ultimately, experts advise dressing infants in light, loose-fitting clothes and being mindful that if an adult feels hot, a baby likely feels even hotter. The key message is heightened awareness and proactive steps to prevent heat-related tragedies.