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Safe andComfortableTemperaturesand Clothingfor InfantsHypothermiaWhat is hypothermia?Hypothermia occurs when the body gets cold and loses heat faster than the body can make it.

Slide 2What can happen from hypothermia?Emergency condition.Can quickly lead to unconsciousness and deathif heat loss continues.

Slide 3HypothermiaWhat are some symptoms of hypothermia?Adults:Shivering violently.Stumbling, confusion.If treatment is not provided, shivering stopsand the body begins to shut down.Weak pulse, shallow breathing.Infants:Bright red, cold skin.Listlessness.

Slide 4HypothermiaWhy are infants at greater risk?They have a larger body surface area to massratio than adults, allowing greater heat loss.They cannot produce as much heat as adultsthrough muscle activity. They cant make enough body heat by shivering.

Slide 5HypothermiaPrecautions:Keep rooms at a comfortably warmtemperature 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 6HypothermiaWhat is hyperthermia?Hyperthermia occurs when a personsbody temperature produces or absorbsmore heat than it can dissipate. Bodytemperature rises and remains abovethe normal 98.6F. Slide 7HyperthermiaWhat can happen from hyperthermia?Emergency condition.Heat-regulating mechanisms of the bodyeventually become overwhelmed and unableto 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 infantis exposed to high temperatures and becomesoverheated, he/she may develop hyperthermia.

Slide 8HyperthermiaWhat are some symptoms ofinfant hyperthermia?Dry mouth or tongueFew tears when cryingFew wet diapers (less than 6 a day)Dark yellow or smelly urineSunken soft spots, eyes, or cheeksMottled, grayish, skin thats cool to the touchHigh feverListlessnessSlide 9HyperthermiaWhy are infants at greater risk?They are unable to tell someone theyrehot/thirsty.Their temperature-regulating systemsarent fully developed.They have fewer sweat glands than adults, sonot as efficient as adults in keeping cool.Slide 10HyperthermiaPrecautions:Keep rooms at a comfortably cooltemperature during the summer.Dress infants in cool clothing in hotsummer months. Use wide-brimmed hatsin 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 11HyperthermiaDanger in theUnattended VehiclePrior to 1990-1992: 11 known deathsof children from hyperthermia (extremeheat) in a vehicle. 1998-2011 close to 500 children died from being inside hot cars. 75% of them were less than 2 years old.Slide 12HyperthermiaStats by Year

Slide 13HyperthermiaStats by State

Slide 14Why the Increase?Airbags became standard in mostcars by 1998, requiring infants andchildren to now sit in back seat.More than half of the deaths thatoccurred were due to the fact that thecaregiver forgot the infant/child was back there.NOTE: This does not imply that we should nothave airbags or that children should sit in the front seat.

Slide 15HyperthermiaCircumstancesAn examination of media reports about the494 child vehicular hyperthermia deaths for athirteen year period (1998 through 2010) showsthe 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 16LegalImplicationsAlthough all states have laws againstendangering the welfare of a child, only15 states presently have laws prohibitingleaving a child unattended in a car.Considered abuse/neglect and couldresult in criminal charges.

Slide 17VehicleHeating Dynamics

Slide 18 Used with permission from : Department of Geosciences, San Francisco State University PreventionNEVER leave an infant/child in acar even for a minute!Place your purse/ briefcase/jacket inthe backseat with the infant.Place a teddy bear in the front seat in avisible location to remind you that theinfant is in the back seat. Slide 19GoodEnvironmentalTemperaturesHome 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 20ClothingFactors to ConsiderSecurity and protection infantsneed 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 21Other ClothingFactors to ConsiderCheck for ease of changing and safety.Check care labels = hot water/dryereliminates bacteria.Check labels for flame resistant.Consider clothing colors: Dark = absorb heat and keep infant warmerLight = reflect heat to keep infant coolerSlide 22Safetyand ClothingToo many clothes/overbundling:Potential over heatingPotential heat rashLoose clothing: Potential suffocation from infant getting wrapped up in itPotential for catching on fireSnug fit not tight.No drawstrings.Lightweight clothing and full coverage when outdoors for sun protection. Sunscreen for exposed skin.

Slide 23ClothingSelectionHand me downs are fine.Fewer clothes needed when smalldue to fast growth.Simple and functional design.Slide 24Dressing anInfant and PIESPhysical DevelopmentAppropriate clothing = health, safety, comfort, securityExercise and later cooperating with changingPhysical stimulationPrevent diaper rashIntellectual DevelopmentTalking = language developmentRoutines important: Sleeper daytime clothing and backPositive parenting and bonding = brain developmentWhen a child is comfortable and secure withappropriate clothing, physical, intellectual,emotional and social development is stimulated.Slide 25Dressing anInfant and PIES continued EmotionalCalming aspect to feeling clean Bonding = positive emotional developmentSocialTalking /singing during the process = enhanced brain development and bonding Regular routine for social interaction Positive physical and verbal = good parent/child socializationCooperation through parenting modelingSlide 26Review 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.

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