Heat stroke in infants

Babies cannot reliably move away from heat, ask for a drink or remove layers. A hot room, direct sun, overdressing, fever or a parked vehicle can therefore become dangerous quickly. An infant may show irritability, unusual drowsiness, flushed or hot skin, weak feeding, fewer wet nappies, vomiting or reduced responsiveness.

Heat exhaustion can worsen into heat stroke. A temperature alone cannot explain the cause, so consider the surroundings and the baby's behaviour together. Infants with vomiting or poor feeding can lose fluid quickly and need medical advice sooner.

Keep the baby in shade or air conditioning, offer breastfeeds or formula as advised, and dress them in a single light layer. Check the room and the baby's skin regularly, especially during sleep and travel. Never leave an infant in a vehicle, even briefly, and do not cover a pram with a blanket because this can trap heat.

If the baby feels very hot or seems unwell, move them to a cool place, remove extra layers, wet the skin with cool water and fan gently. Do not force fluids, give medicines for temperature, or use ice directly on the skin without medical advice.

Call emergency services immediately if an infant is difficult to wake, confused, floppy, breathing abnormally, having a seizure, fainting or not responding normally after heat exposure. Start cooling while help is coming. Repeated vomiting, refusal to feed or markedly fewer wet nappies also needs urgent assessment.

Ask how to keep the baby's room and clothing suitable, which fluids are appropriate for the baby's age, and how to distinguish heat illness from infection. Ask what feeding, urine or behaviour changes should trigger same-day advice.