Keep Your Kids Healthy in Hot Weather

By Caroline Jacobson on July 11, 2017 in Kid's Health

With all of the sunshine this summer, your kids can’t seem to get enough of their slip-and-slides, baseball games, and pool time. But besides fun, hot temps can mean heat hazards.

Here’s how to keep little ones healthy during the dog days of summer:

How hot is too hot?
According to the National Weather Service, you should keep kids indoors when the heat index is at or above 90°F. When venturing outside in the hotter weather, seek shade in the form of umbrellas and hats. Clothing is key for kids—dress them in light colors and lightweight fabrics.

There’s more to sunscreen than just applying it.
In order to be effective, a sunscreen must contain an SPF of 15 or higher. SPF blocks only one type of cancer-causing ray, ultraviolet B (UVB). Look for a multi-spectrum sunscreen to keep kids safe from both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to apply more every 3-4 hours and/or after water play. Don’t forget the chap stick too to protect lips from the summer sun.

Kids aren’t drinking enough water.
The majority of American kids are dehydrated. Children ages 4 to 8 should drink 8 cups of water a day. And as kids get bigger, so should their water intake! Extra ounces should also be added for extreme heat, humidity, and activity. PRO TIP: Water-based foods like watermelon count towards kids’ daily intake. However, water is best.

Fun is important, but safety should always come first!