Feelin’ hot hot hot? Well you’re not the only one, darlin’…especially if you have a little one at home.

As the CDC puts it, infants and children up to 4-years old (as well as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses) are at the greatest risk of heat-related illnesses.

According to a great article from 2010 in the Huffington Post, which should just be re-published every year in my not-so-humble opinion, “Babies’ temperature-regulating systems aren’t fully developed; they have fewer sweat glands than adults, so they sweat less. As a result, they’re not as efficient as adults in keeping cool and are very susceptible to hyperthermia — an abnormally high body temperature — which can be life-threatening.” That can lead to heat exhaustion which can lead to heat stroke – yet another life-threatening situation.

Since your babies and toddlers can’t talk to tell you what’s wrong, and a cry can mean one of any handful of things (tired? hungry? bored) and possibly be misconstrued, here are some things to look out for in determining if your little one might be dehydrated:

• Dry mouth or tongue

• Few tears when crying

• Few wet diapers (less than six a day)

• Dark yellow or smelly urine

• Sunken “soft spots,” eyes or cheeks

• Mottled, grayish, skin that’s cool to the touch.

• High fever

• Listlessness

If you believe your child may be dehydrated, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you try to get them to drink water or an electrolyte-replacement drink (think: Pediasure), and call your doctor.

But let’s not let it get to that point, shall we? Here are some ways that I’ve learned to keep your little peanut safe during these tough summer heat waves:

• Stay hydrated. Water water water! Or, if your child is still an infant, extra nursing may be in order as that’s HOW they get their water. That means moms if you’re breastfeeding, you should kick your uptake of fluids up a notch too.

• Stay cool. (duh!) No, really, like stay in an air conditioned room if you can. Infants especially don’t perspire as efficiently as adults do, and their bodies can heat up multiple times faster. Fans can help, though they just move hot air around… If you don’t have an air conditioner available, during the hottest afternoon periods, take your child and spend time in a place that does – shopping mall, grocery store, library, or public heat shelter.

• Stay appropriately clothed. If you do decide to travel to one of the places I suggested above during the intense heat of the afternoon, dress your baby in loose, light clothing. Age-appropriate hats, sunglasses, and even sunscreens are available. For example, even though Dante doesn’t fit into his Baby Banz sunglasses yet, Grammie did get him a nice camo sun hat that has an SPF to it too. Be sure to pay close attention to the recommended age groups though, as in general sunscreens shouldn’t be used on sensitive baby skin.

• Stay away from leaving kiddo in the car. This may be common sense that’s applied to dogs all the time, but let me reiterate – never ever EVER under ANY circumstances leave a small child locked unattended in a parked car, even with windows cracked, even (and especially not) with a car running and the A/C on. Beware, as well, that metal seatbelt buckles can become scotching hot and burn your child.

• and Stay comfortable. Any way you can alleviate your child’s level of comfort… change them out of any sweat-soaked clothes… a cool washcloth across the skin every once in a while. Whatever works for you to keep them happy and cooled off.

I’m thankful that I didn’t have to endure a pregnancy during this “Roadtrip-through-hell-in-a-car-with-no-air-conditioning” Summer of 2013. I can’t imagine having to suffer through and get comfortable being 30 pounds heavier with a beach ball in my abdomen… but I also can’t imagine what my little 3-month-old baby boy is going through, not being able to so best to take extra precautions.  Be safe out there!