Ice, Ice Baby: Beat the Heat on Hot Days and Keep Baby Cool
Summer Time, Sunshine, Temperatures on the Rise
It’s summer! School’s out, pools are open, and babies are ready to splash and play. But as temperatures rise, so do the risks of heat-related illnesses—for everyone, especially the youngest among us. The good news? You can beat the heat and enjoy summer safely.
Warning, Warning, Danger: Keep in Mind
Before we dive into what to do, here’s why heat matters—especially for infants, toddlers, and young kids. Heat affects every system in the body, and babies are particularly vulnerable because of their size and decreased ability to release heat.
Dehydration: A major concern, especially for infants. It adds extra stress to vital organs and can lead to heat stroke.
Brain Function: the part of the brain that controls our body temperature is the hypothalamus - high heat disrupts this and can lead to worsening dehydration, slower processing, and issues with attention and focus
Muscle Function: When the body overheats, more blood flows to the skin to help cool the body down. This leaves less blood for the muscles and can cause muscle breakdown which eventually hurts the kidneys
Immune System Activity: overheating impairs the normal processing of the immune system, putting the body at increased risk for infections and can cause inflammation
What are the warning signs to watch for?
Dizziness, flushed face, lethargy or drowsiness, excessive sweating or clammy skin, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, confusion, high body temperature
*Remember babies and young kids often do a poor job telling or showing us how they feel until they’re really not feeling well. Be watchful and keep them drinking plenty of liquids, and when you can have them in the shade.
Cool Tips to Beat the Heat
Take Frequent Breaks
Head into the shade regularly.
Cool off indoors whenever possible.
A mini fan may help—but be cautious. Fans can raise body temp if they evaporate sweat too quickly.
Use Ice Packs
If signs of overheating appear, ice packs (under supervision) can quickly help lower body temperature. Would wrap in a towel so the ice pack is not directly touching a baby’s skin.
Always combine with moving to a cooler environment.
Dress Smart
Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics in light colors to reflect heat.
Hats can protect from the sun but may also trap heat—use as shade or a fan if needed.
Stay Hydrated
Drink lots of water.
For babies who aren’t on water yet, offer more frequent breast or bottle feeds.
Double Check the Car
Always confirm everyone is out of the vehicle.
Even with cracked windows, the temperature inside a car can rise 20°F in just 10 minutes.
Any change in routine increases the risk—make it a habit to double-check the backseat.
Pool and Water Park Safety
Water play is a great way to cool off, but constant supervision is essential.
Drowning is often silent. Always stay within arm’s reach of little ones.
TLDR: You CAN Beat the Heat
Stay alert for warning signs like lethargy, flushed skin, and dizziness—especially in babies and toddlers who may not be able to tell you how they feel. Keep them hydrated, dressed in light clothes, and cool with shade, water, and breaks indoors. Don’t forget car safety and always watch closely during water play. With a little preparation, you and your family can stay safe and have fun all summer long!
Resources Worth Exploring
UNICEF Children’s Climate Risk Index – A global look at how heat affects children.
WHO: Heatwaves and Health – Guidance for preventing heat-related illness.
National Center for Medical-Legal Partnerships – Legal resources for addressing utility access during heat waves.
NIEHS Climate Health Education – Lesson plans and research on heat and health.
Smart Surfaces Coalition – Urban solutions for cooling cities.
US Climate Resilience Toolkit – Local resources for reducing climate risk.
EPA: Extreme Heat – Practical guidance for heat safety.
References
Burghardt, L. C., Harnett, N., Kendall-Taylor, N., Lee, A. G., Nadeau, K., Payne-Sturges, D., & Slopen, N. (2024). Extreme Heat Affects Early Childhood Development and Health. Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/working-paper/heat-paper/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, June 25). About heat and your health. National Center for Environmental Health. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/about/index.htmlcdc.gov