Children are ready to embrace outdoor fun when school is out and summer is here — the pool, the beach, playgrounds, bike rides, and more beckon them to spend time outside. However, with global warming and an El Niño this year, resulting in higher global temperatures, the National Weather Service outlook for summer 2024 predicts Florida temperatures will be warmer than usual, particularly in July and August.
How hot is too hot for children to be outside?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doesn’t specify temperatures that are too hot for babies and children, but experts recommend caution when temperatures rise above 90° (or 84°F with 70 percent humidity). Temperatures above 100°F can be dangerous for anyone.
The AAP recommends limiting sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest. It can take babies and children up to two weeks to acclimate to hotter temperatures, so plan to gradually increase outdoor time as they transition from air conditioning to outdoors.
Acclimating infants is especially important since they are less able to sweat to regulate their body temperature. Children’s bodies aren't very efficient at sweating for cooling, either. Children have more body surface area related to their weight, which means they absorb more heat than adults.
Tips for outdoor survival when it’s hot:
- Look for shade, whether at the park, pool, or beach.
- If shade isn’t available, use an umbrella or a tent.
- Avoid draping a blanket over the stroller or car seat due to the possibility of poor air circulation and suffocation risk.
- Wide-brimmed hats help protect young faces and necks. Sunglasses protect eyes from the sun and potential damage.
- Avoid overdressing. Choose lightweight and light-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts if children younger than six months can’t avoid the sun.
- For children older than six months, choose a lightweight, lightly colored, breathable fabric like cotton, with a tight weave for UV protection.
- Drink water and fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Plan for rest time. Heat can make people feel tired.
- Cool off with water. Swimming or a cool bath helps to keep cool.
- Apply sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
- Stay informed about the weather; conditions change quickly, and extreme heat can lead to thunderstorms.
Heat Exhaustion
Even with the best heat preparation, watching for overheating is essential. Humidity makes it harder for the cooling evaporation of sweat to be effective, so it feels hotter.
Signs of heat exhaustion or heat-related conditions (generally related to an excessive loss of water and salt) include:
- Skin that’s very warm to the touch
- Extreme thirst
- Excessive sweating
- Feeling tired, weak, or lack of energy
- Dizziness
High heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. For any heat distress, move to a cool place and put cool, wet clothes on the body or put in a cool bath.
Heat Stroke
Signs of heat stroke include high body temperature, hot-red or damp skin, fast pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and passing out. If you suspect heat stroke, call 911, take the steps above, and don’t give the person anything to drink.
Adele de Vera MD, MBE is a board-certified peditrician with Healthcare Network. She has been serving pediatric patients since 1994. For more information, visit HealthcareSWFL.org, or to schedule an appointment, call 239-658-3000.
Additional Resources
A Doctor's Skin Safety Guide for Florida Summers
Drowning is the Silent Killer: Keep Kids Safe in Water
How to fight off sickness and keep your family healthy with these superfoods