Safe and Comfortable Temperatures and Clothing for Infants

Hypothermia What is hypothermia? Hypothermia occurs when the body gets cold and loses heat faster than the body can make it. Slide 2

What can happen from hypothermia? Emergency condition. Can quickly lead to unconsciousness and death if heat loss continues. Slide 3 Hypothermia

What are some symptoms of hypothermia? Adults: Shivering violently. Stumbling, confusion. If treatment is not provided, shivering stops and the body begins to shut down. Weak pulse, shallow breathing. Infants: Bright red, cold skin. Listlessness. Slide 4 Hypothermia

Why are infants at greater risk? They have a larger body surface area to mass ratio than adults, allowing greater heat loss. They cannot produce as much heat as adults through muscle activity. They cant make enough body heat by shivering. Slide 5 Hypothermia

Precautions: Keep rooms at a comfortably warm temperature in winter months. Keep infant in warm clothes during winter. Dress infant appropriately if you must go outside – avoid being outside in extreme cold or heat. Never leave an infant in an unattended vehicle. Slide 6 Hypothermia

What is hyperthermia? Hyperthermia occurs when a persons body temperature produces or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. Body temperature rises and remains above the normal 98.6°F. Slide 7 Hyperthermia

What can happen from hyperthermia? Emergency condition. Heat-regulating mechanisms of the body eventually become overwhelmed and unable to effectively deal with the heat, causing the body temperature to climb uncontrollably (heat stroke). Can lead to disability and death if heat continues. Can be confused with fever due to illness. If infant is exposed to high temperatures and becomes overheated, he/she may develop hyperthermia. Slide 8 Hyperthermia

What are some symptoms of infant hyperthermia? Dry mouth or tongue Few tears when crying Few wet diapers (less than 6 a day) Dark yellow or smelly urine Sunken soft spots, eyes, or cheeks Mottled, grayish, skin thats cool to the touch High fever Listlessness Slide 9 Hyperthermia

Why are infants at greater risk? They are unable to tell someone theyre hot/thirsty. Their temperature-regulating systems arent fully developed. They have fewer sweat glands than adults, so not as efficient as adults in keeping cool. Slide 10 Hyperthermia

Precautions: Keep rooms at a comfortably cool temperature during the summer. Dress infants in cool clothing in hot summer months. Use wide-brimmed hats in light colors if you take infant outside. Use sunscreen/sunblock on infant if outside. Avoid outdoors in extreme heat. Keep the infant hydrated during heat waves. Never leave infant in an unattended car. Slide 11 Hyperthermia

Danger in the Unattended Vehicle Prior to : 11 known deaths of children from hyperthermia (extreme heat) in a vehicle close to 500 children died from being inside hot cars. 75% of them were less than 2 years old. Slide 12

Hyperthermia Stats by Year Slide 13

Hyperthermia Stats by State Slide 14

Why the Increase? Airbags became standard in most cars by 1998, requiring infants and children to now sit in back seat. More than half of the deaths that occurred were due to the fact that the caregiver forgot the infant/child was back there. NOTE: This does not imply that we should not have airbags or that children should sit in the front seat. Slide 15

Hyperthermia Circumstances An examination of media reports about the 494 child vehicular hyperthermia deaths for a thirteen year period (1998 through 2010) shows the following circumstances: 51% - child "forgotten" by caregiver (253) 30% - child playing in unattended vehicle (150) 17% - child intentionally left in vehicle by adult (86) 1% - circumstances unknown (5) Slide 16

Legal Implications Although all states have laws against endangering the welfare of a child, only 15 states presently have laws prohibiting leaving a child unattended in a car. Considered abuse/neglect and could result in criminal charges. Slide 17

Vehicle Heating Dynamics Slide 18 Used with permission from : Department of Geosciences, San Francisco State University

Prevention NEVER leave an infant/child in a car – even for a minute! Place your purse/ briefcase/jacket in the backseat with the infant. Place a teddy bear in the front seat in a visible location to remind you that the infant is in the back seat. Slide 19

Good Environmental Temperatures Home temperature – winter: 68°-72° F. Home temperature – summer: 75°-78° F. Dont over bundle infant. Dress infant in one extra layer than yourself. Lightly clothed for sleep – so keep bedroom at comfortable temperature for light clothing. Slide 20

Clothing Factors to Consider Security and protection – infants need to be clothed. Comfort is most important. Use size-appropriate clothing. Soft, lightweight fabrics for moderate temperatures. Knit fabrics = easy care. All cotton and cotton blends = breathability. Slide 21

Other Clothing Factors to Consider Check for ease of changing and safety. Check care labels = hot water/dryer eliminates bacteria. Check labels for flame resistant. Consider clothing colors: – Dark = absorb heat and keep infant warmer – Light = reflect heat to keep infant cooler Slide 22

Safety and Clothing Too many clothes/overbundling: – Potential over heating – Potential heat rash Loose clothing: – Potential suffocation from infant getting wrapped up in it – Potential for catching on fire Snug fit – not tight. No drawstrings. Lightweight clothing and full coverage when outdoors for sun protection. Sunscreen for exposed skin. Slide 23

Clothing Selection Hand me downs are fine. Fewer clothes needed when small due to fast growth. Simple and functional design. Slide 24

Dressing an Infant and PIES P hysical Development – Appropriate clothing = health, safety, comfort, security – Exercise and later cooperating with changing – Physical stimulation – Prevent diaper rash I ntellectual Development – Talking = language development – Routines important: Sleeper daytime clothing and back – Positive parenting and bonding = brain development When a child is comfortable and secure with appropriate clothing, physical, intellectual, emotional and social development is stimulated. Slide 25

Dressing an Infant and PIES – continued E motional – Calming aspect to feeling clean – Bonding = positive emotional development S ocial – Talking /singing during the process = enhanced brain development and bonding – Regular routine for social interaction – Positive physical and verbal = good parent/child socialization – Cooperation through parenting modeling Slide 26

Review Scenario 1: 20 month old Luke has bright red skin, cold to the touch. He has been riding in an unheated car for 30 minutes. Outside temperature is 35°. Scenario 2: 4 year old Michelle has been playing in the family car in the driveway. Windows are rolled down. Outside temperature is 85°. Scenario 3: 3 month old Jose has been left in his infant seat in the back seat of the car. Windows are rolled up. Outside temperature is 75°. Slide 27