Keeping your baby cool isn’t just about comfort for babies and toddlers, it’s also important for their overall health and well-being. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children are less able to regulate their body temperature compared with adults; and, in turn, they’re more likely to develop significant health effects when exposed to extreme temperatures. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke, the AAP warns.

Since babies and toddlers are unable to communicate when they might be feeling overheated, the AAP details signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke for parents and caregivers to watch out for:

• Heat exhaustion: Signs of heat exhaustion in baby include pale skin, profuse sweating and weakness. Heat exhaustion can progress into heat stroke, so it’s important to take steps, such as increasing fluids and contacting your pediatrician, promptly.
• Heat stroke: Symptoms of heat stroke include hot, flushed skin and a high fever (105° F or higher). The AAP stresses that heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency and needs to be addressed immediately.

To avoid the dangerous side effects of heat, the AAP recommends that caregivers keep childrenhydrated, dress them in light and breathable clothes and keep them cool—which is where stroller fans can come in handy.