Keeping Kids Safe in the Summer Sun and Heat

Recognizing the Signs of Heat Illness in Children

Heat illness moves along a spectrum, and catching it early makes a real difference in how quickly your child recovers.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms in the legs, arms or abdomen and are usually an early warning sign. If your child experiences any of these, move them to a cool, shaded spot, have them rest and give them water or a sports drink to rehydrate. In most cases, that is enough to turn things around.

Heat Exhaustion in Children

Heat exhaustion in children is more serious. It happens when the body loses fluid faster than it can be replaced and it struggles to stay cool. Watch for heavy sweating, cool or clammy skin, a fast or weak pulse, nausea, headache and dizziness.

“One thing that parents can monitor for is how their child is acting, not just how they look,” said Dr. Bangug. “Be wary if they suddenly get quiet, stop playing, or seem confused when they were fine just a few minutes before.”

Move your child to a cool area, apply cool wet cloths to their skin and have them sip water. If they do not feel better within an hour, call their physician.

Heat Stroke in Kids

Heat stroke in kids is a medical emergency. It happens when the body can no longer regulate its own temperature and the internal temperature climbs to a dangerous level of 103°F or higher.

Signs of a heat stroke include:

• A rapid, strong pulse
• Confusion or loss of consciousness
• Hot skin that may be dry or barely damp

Call 911 for These Signs of Heat Stroke:

Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 911 right away if your child:

• Has a body temperature at or above 103°F
• Has hot, red skin that is dry or barely damp
• Has a rapid, strong pulse
• Is confused, acting strangely or loses consciousness

While you wait for help, move your child to a cooler area and apply cool, wet cloths to their skin. Do not give fluids to an unconscious child.

Keeping Kids Cool in Summer

Make Hydration a Habit

When kids play, they rarely stop to drink water on their own. That is why it is important to offer water every 20 minutes during outdoor activity. Make sure they drink water throughout the day, not just when they ask. Sugary drinks and sodas are not a substitute and can actually make dehydration worse.

Time Outdoor Play Wisely

The hottest part of the day is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whenever you can, plan outdoor time around those hours. Early mornings and evenings are much cooler and safer. When you cannot avoid midday play, build in regular breaks in a shaded or air-conditioned space.

Sun Safety for Kids

Sun safety for kids is more than avoiding a painful sunburn. Sunburned skin loses its ability to sweat and regulate temperature, which increases the risk of heat illness. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen before your child goes outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming. A wide-brimmed hat adds good protection for the face, ears and neck. For infants under six months, keep them in the shade and ask their physician before using sunscreen.

Dress Them Right

Loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing allows air to move around the skin and reflects rather than absorbs heat. Dark, heavy fabrics work against the body’s natural cooling process on hot days.

Never Leave a Child in a Parked Car

Car interiors can reach dangerous temperatures within minutes. It can rise nearly 20 degrees in the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked. Children left in parked cars face a serious risk of heat stroke. Make it a habit to check the back seat every time you get out of the car.

Know Your Child’s Added Risk Factors

Some children need extra attention in the heat. Kids who take certain medications, including antihistamines, diuretics and some ADHD medications, may have a harder time tolerating heat. 

Children who are just starting a summer sport or activity also need about one to two weeks to gradually adjust to exercising in warm weather. This is called acclimating. Talk with your child’s physician if you have questions about their specific situation.

If you have questions about your child’s health going into summer or want to talk through risk factors specific to your child, our physicians are here to help. We can also work with you on a plan if your child has asthma, a heart condition or another condition that may need extra attention in the heat.