What Parents Should Know About Summer Heat

Summer’s here, and that means sunshine, outdoor fun, and plenty of playtime for kids, whether it’s at home, at camp, or spending time with the grandparents. But as temperatures rise, it’s also a good time to think about how the heat can affect little bodies differently than adults. Kids love to play hard, and sometimes they don’t know when to stop, which can put them at higher risk of dehydration and heat-related illness.

Why kids are more at risk

Kids aren’t just small adults. Their bodies handle heat and dehydration in differently. For one, they get dehydrated much faster than we do. While adults can lose up to 9% of body weight through dehydration, that number jumps to 15% in kids. That can take a serious toll on their health, especially if your child has a chronic condition like asthma.

Signs your child may be overheating or dehydrated

Some symptoms are easy to miss at first — like crankiness or fatigue — but they can be early red flags. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

• More tantrums or irritability than usual
• Seeming extra sleepy or low energy
• Clumsiness, dizziness, or light-headedness
• Muscle cramps or headaches
• Nausea or even vomiting

In more serious cases, you might notice your child isn’t sweating anymore, their urine looks dark, or they’re running a fever that isn’t caused by an infection. These could be signs of heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

Keeping kids safe in the heat

So what can you do? A few small habits go a long way:

• Encourage frequent water breaks — even if they say they’re not thirsty
• Plan outdoor play for earlier or later in the day when it’s cooler
• Watch for signs of fatigue or overheating and bring them inside to cool down
• Make sure they’re wearing light, breathable clothing
• Take extra precautions if your child has asthma or another chronic condition

A little prevention can go a long way toward keeping kids safe and happy all summer long.

In the video below, Dr. Sam, Chief of Paediatrics, explains how summer heat impacts children and offers practical tips to prevent heat-related illness.