Appropriate age group:
Preschool and Younger

Description of tip or technique:
Most likely, we have all been victims of a bad sunburn at some time or other. For babies, the sun is even more dangerous since their skin is so delicate. Unfortunately, just because you can't see reddening of the skin doesn't mean that your baby is safe from burning since you can't see a sunburn until several hours after exposure. Of course, by then it's too late. The obvious signs of a sunburn are red, hot skin and localized pain. In severe cases, skin can blister and be accompanied by headache, nausea, and chills. If any of these signs are present, call your pediatrician immediately.

However, sunburn is not the only danger to be concerned with in warm weather. Babies can also be susceptible to heatstroke in high temperatures and it can come on suddenly. Signs to watch for include: hot skin (sometimes moist and clammy), a high temperature, lethargy, agitation, diarrhea, and in severe cases, convulsions and loss of consciousness. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these signs are present.

Other comments or suggestions:
To avoid heat stroke, be sure to give your child extra fluids in hot weather and limit their exposure outdoors in extremely hot and humid temperatures to no more than thirty minutes at a time.