Heatstroke risk for newborns prompts guidance on summer dressing

Health experts warn that newborns cannot efficiently regulate their body temperature, making them prone to dehydration and heat stress in hot weather. The United Kingdom's NHS recommends a single light cotton layer, a thin bodysuit, or even just a diaper in very warm conditions, and stresses that the baby should feel cool to the touch, not sweaty or flushed.

Pediatric specialists at the Banja Luka Health Centre outline early symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke in infants under six months, including irritability, lethargy, rapid breathing, hot dry skin, and fewer wet diapers. They advise immediate action: move the baby to an air‑conditioned or cool room, remove excess clothing, cool the body with lukewarm water, and offer breast‑milk or formula. The use of cold water, alcohol, or medication without medical supervision is discouraged. Parents are urged to keep infants out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., dress them in lightweight natural fabrics, and ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated.