Keep Your Young Child Safe In Georgia’s Summer Heat

If Georgia’s high temperatures this summer seem worse than usual, it’s probably because they are. According to NPR, this past June may have been the hottest June on record and the week of July 4th had some of the hottest global temperatures ever recorded. These hot days may have you reluctant to do outdoor activities and wondering if it safe for your children to play outside.

According to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there is no specific temperature that’s too hot for a baby or child to go outdoors. However, it is important to understand that you must take precautions such as limiting time outdoors during the hottest hours of the day to keep you and your children safe. Also, be aware that infants and very young children sweat less and generate more heat which makes them more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Here are more tips to help you keep them safe and comfortable, and still enjoy these long days of summer:

1. Be cautious in the car: Never leave your baby alone in a parked car, even for a short period or with the windows cracked open. Cars can quickly become dangerously hot, putting your child at risk of heatstroke. Make it a habit to ALWAYS #LookAgain to ensure your child is not in the vehicle before you leave it.

2. Talk with your child’s caregiver: If your child attends a summer camp, child care program or school, ask about their guidelines for heat and outdoor play and their response to heat illnesses or injury. Be sure that their guidelines follow recommendations set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and someone on staff knows CPR.   

3. Choose appropriate clothing: Dress your baby in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton. Avoid overdressing them or using heavy blankets.

4. .Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Offer your baby plenty of fluids, preferably breast milk or formula for infants. If your baby has started eating solid foods, you can also give them small amounts of water. For infants and toddlers, water will hydrate your child best. It’s best to avoid sugary or artificially sweetened drinks.

5. Create a cool environment: Use fans or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. If you don't have air conditioning, consider using a portable fan to circulate air in the room. Keep the room well-ventilated and avoid direct sunlight.

6. Limit sun exposure: Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible. If you need to take them outside, use a stroller with a canopy, dress them in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs, and apply a baby-safe sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed areas.

7. Schedule outdoor activities wisely: Try to plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Avoid going outside during peak heat hours, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

8. Provide shade: When spending time outdoors, create shaded areas using umbrellas, canopies, or a baby tent. This will help protect your baby from direct sunlight and keep them cool.

9. Trust your instincts: Pay attention to your baby's cues. Look for signs of overheating such as infrequent urination (fewer wet diapers), flushed skin, rapid breathing and/or heartbeat, shallow breathing, sunken eyes, irritability, or lethargy. If you notice any concerning symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

 Remember, each baby and young child are different, and it's essential to consider their individual needs and comfort levels. If you have any concerns or questions, consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice on keeping your baby safe in summer temperatures. As a good rule of thumb, if it’s too hot for you, it’s most likely too hot for your child.

See additional resources to help you keep your child safe in the summer heat:

• American Academy of Pediatrics: Top Safety Tips for Preventing Heat, Sun-Related Illnesses in Children this Summer (American Academy of Pediatrics)

• Is It Too Hot For My Child To Play Outside? (Children’s Medical Center)

• From babies to teens, how to keep kids safe in record-breaking heat (Deseret News)

• How to Stay Safe in the Heat (New York Times)

• Extreme Heat: Tips to Keep Kids Safe When Temperatures Soar (HealthyChildren.org)