We’re now officially past Memorial Day, the start of summer, and many of us want to be outside and enjoy the beautiful weather for as long as possible – especially if you’ve had a particularly cold, icy or rainy winter or spring. As tempting as it may be to head straight to the beach to cool off and relax when the temperatures start to soar, it’s important to remember that kids can get very hot in a short amount of time, especially when they’re running and playing. But how hot it is very warm for a day at the park, beach or out on the lawn?
To learn more, we talked to some pediatricians about when it’s too hot for our kids to be outside in the summer months, what we can do to protect them before they go outside in the hot weather, and signs to look for if we think it’s guys can overheat. So grab your moisturizing method of choice, your favorite SPF sunscreen, and your hat and read on to prepare for a safe summer day outside.
It varies depending on your child’s activity level
Activity level plays a huge factor in children’s body temperatures, Dr. Gina Posner, a pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, tells SheKnows. If it’s 100 degrees and your kids are swimming, playing with water toys, and in the shade, getting outside is perfect if you keep a close eye on them. However, if they’re running in direct sunlight, many kids will overheat — even if the temperature is only in the 80s and doesn’t feel that hot, Posner says.
A good rule of thumb is, “If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your kids,” says Dr. S. Daniel Ganjian, a pediatrician at John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, to SheKnows.
Pay attention to the heat index
Caitlin Hoff, health and safety researcher for ConsumerSafety.org, says you shouldn’t just pay attention to the temperature on the thermometer. Be sure to keep an eye on the humidity while also looking at the heat index factor when checking the local news or your favorite weather app.
“When the heat index is 100 degrees or more (above 90 degrees with 60 percent humidity), heat exhaustion is much more likely without taking safety measures,” Hoff tells SheKnows.
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Age does material
Younger children are more susceptible to heat exhaustion because they “produce less sweat” and “are less likely to sense and understand the dangers of overheating,” Hoff says. Babies’ and toddlers’ bodies don’t have as advanced heat regulation as adults’ bodies, according to Stony Brook University research. And from a developmental perspective, they are usually unable to recognize that they need to shed a layer of clothing or take another sip of water.
Never skimp on water, shade or sunscreen
One of the most important things to remember is to keep your children out of direct sunlight for long periods of time in the summer. They need shade, plenty of water and sunscreen whenever they’re outside, Ganjian says. She also recommends dressing your kids in light, long-sleeved clothing and always applying a child-safe sunscreen over 6 months (and then reapplying every two hours and after water play). For babies under 6 months, Ganjian says they should avoid sun exposure all together to be safe.
Warning signs to look for
Posner and Ganjian say to pay attention to warning signs of overheating in babies, which include a fever, decreased number of wet diapers, cranky behavior or excessive tiredness. More red flags in older talking children include dizziness, nausea, intense thirst, or muscle spasms, per American Academy of Pediatrics. If you notice these symptoms, they suggest a warm bath, plenty of fluids, and a call to your pediatrician.
There’s plenty of fun in the sun to enjoy during the summer months, but it’s best to take the necessary precautions to make sure you and your family stay safe.
A version of this story was published in July 2018.
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