Signs of Heat Stroke in Infants

Infants can heat up quickly because they cannot move away from heat or communicate thirst reliably. Early clues may be fewer wet nappies, dry lips or mouth, tiredness, fussiness, flushed skin, or feeding less than usual. Worsening heat illness may cause repeated vomiting, rapid breathing, a weak response to touch, unusual limpness, confusion, a seizure, or unconsciousness. A hot infant may also have an infection, so a temperature reading and the surrounding circumstances both matter; neither should delay urgent help when the baby looks seriously unwell.

Move the infant to a cool indoor place, remove extra layers, and gently cool the skin with lukewarm-to-cool wet cloths and airflow. Keep the baby beside you and watch breathing and responsiveness. If fully alert and feeding normally, offer breast milk or the usual formula; do not force fluids. Never give drinks to an infant who is drowsy, vomiting repeatedly, having a seizure, or unable to swallow. Do not use ice directly on the skin.

Call emergency services immediately if an infant is difficult to wake, unusually limp, confused, breathing abnormally, having a seizure, or unconscious. Seek urgent assessment for a very hot body with poor feeding, repeated vomiting, markedly fewer wet nappies, or symptoms that do not improve promptly in a cool place. Do not wait for a home temperature reading before seeking help if the baby appears seriously ill.

Ask how to monitor wet nappies and feeding after heat exposure, which cooling methods are safe for your infant, and whether a fever or another illness also needs assessment. Ask how to prevent overheating during travel and sleep.