Awareness and First Aid
Sunshine, fresh air, and outdoor adventures make summer a favourite season for many families – but for babies, it’s also the riskiest time of year.
As a mom of two energetic boys and an Emergency Care Practitioner at ER24 East Metro, Kirsten L Roelfse knows firsthand how fast a fun afternoon in the sun can turn serious. “However, with a few proactive habits, you can confidently keep your baby safe, comfortable, and happy all summer long,” she assures.
Common summer emergencies in babies
From picnics to splashing in the pool, summer with a baby brings lots of new experiences – but also potential hazards. Roelfse says the most common emergencies involve heat exhaustion, dehydration, sunburn, and accidental burns from hot surfaces, such as car seats, pram buckles, and pavements.
“Water-related emergencies can happen in seconds,” she cautions. “Even a small amount of water in a bucket or bathtub can be dangerous if a baby is left unattended.”
Recognising overheating and sunburn early
Babies can’t say, “Mom, I’m hot,” so it’s up to you as a parent to spot the clues. Red cheeks, rapid breathing, irritability, or hot skin are early signs of overheating. If your baby becomes drowsy, stops feeding, or stops sweating, the situation may already be severe.
Sunburn can appear as pink, warm, or tender skin and often makes babies fussy when touched. The best protection? Avoid direct sun between 10am and 4 pm, use lightweight clothing, a hat, and keep them in the shade under a canopy.
“Think shade, fluids, and airflow,” Roelfse advises. “Those three are your best friends in summer.”
Heatstroke can happen in minutes
Babies can develop heatstroke in under 10 minutes. A fever over 39°C, vomiting, confusion, or loss of consciousness are all red flags.
“If you suspect heatstroke, move your baby to a cool place immediately, remove extra clothing, sponge with lukewarm water, and call emergency services. Never wait it out – babies can go from flushed to unresponsive in minutes.”
Spotting and treating dehydration
Dehydration starts subtly: fewer wet nappies, dry lips, sunken eyes, or a soft spot on the head that looks indented. Babies might seem extra sleepy or fussy.
“Trust your instincts,” Roelfse insists. “If your baby seems off, get them checked out early.”
Never give plain water to infants under six months. It can dilute electrolytes and cause serious complications, she adds. Offer more frequent breastfeeds or formula. For older babies, use small sips of oral rehydration solution (ORS) as advised by a healthcare professional.
Never leave a baby in a parked car
Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a parked car can climb 10-15°C higher within minutes. Babies’ bodies heat up much faster than adults, making heatstroke potentially fatal in under 10 minutes. “Always check the back seat before you lock the car and never assume ‘just a minute’ is safe,” Roelfse says.
Hidden summer hazards
Before putting your baby down anywhere, test the surface with your hand. If it feels hot to you, it’s too hot for them. Seatbelt buckles, car seats, strollers, and playground equipment can all cause burns within seconds.
When to call for help
Call ER24 (084 124) if your baby has a high fever, vomiting, is unresponsive, breathing rapidly, or not sweating. Mild sunburn or low-grade fever can be treated by a GP or clinic if your baby is alert and feeding.
“When in doubt, call early,” says Roelfse. “Babies can deteriorate quickly in the heat.”
Quick first-aid actions
Move your baby to a cool, shaded place. Remove extra clothing, apply cool compresses, and offer frequent feeds if they’re alert. Monitor their breathing until help arrives.
And take a breath. Your calm presence helps your baby stay calm, too.
“But ultimately, prevention really is the best protection.”