Summer is here, the kids are home from school, and it’s time for all of us to hang out our shorts. We all want to enjoy summer as long as possible, especially if we’ve survived a long, cold winter. Devices have become the entertainment choice for most children, so we love getting them away from screens and into nature.
But how hot does it have to be to play outside? It’s important to remember that our kids love to run around, but they can get very hot in a short amount of time because they don’t always realize they need to stop and hydrate.
Scary Mummy consulted Dr. James Lyons, clinical advisor and ER specialist at Epiphany Wellness, who explained, “Practically speaking, when the heat index is above 90°F (32°C), you should be careful, and when it is above 100°F (38°C), outdoor play should be severely limited or avoided, especially for younger children.”
reason? In fact, children are sensitive to heat. “They produce more metabolic heat during activity and are less efficient at sweating than adults,” Dr. Lyons says. On very hot days, avoid playing outside between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest.
If you’re still not sure if your child has a fever, there are signs to look out for, including excessive thirst, confusion, loss of coordination, and urinating for several hours. You may notice that your child is less energetic than usual and has less energy. You may experience a headache and your skin may feel hot to the touch. If you notice these signs in your children on warm days, move them to the shade or indoors out of the heat, make sure they drink plenty of water, and avoid sugary drinks.
Dr. Lyons adds, “More serious signs include confusion, lack of sweating despite the heat, or in extreme cases, fainting.”
Other things to consider before heading out for a day or several hours include environmental factors such as exposure to direct sunlight, humidity levels, lack of airflow, and physical activity levels.
As always, children should wear sunscreen and loose clothing to stay cool.
Playing outside promotes children’s mental and physical health, but heat-related illnesses can quickly develop. Be sure to consult your child’s pediatrician for further guidance.
katie She lives in Maine with her three children, two ducks, and a Goldendoodle. When I’m not writing, I’m reading, going to the gym, redecorating my house, or spending way too much money online.
