The dog days of summer can make staying cool feel almost impossible, especially when children want to run, play and spend time outside. But when temperatures climb, kids can overheat faster than many adults realize. According to the National Weather Service, a heat index between 90°F and 103°F can make heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke possible with prolonged exposure or physical activity. The heat index can feel even hotter in direct sunlight. In some cases, sun exposure can increase the heat index by up to 15°F.
Children, especially infants and young children, are at higher risk for heat-related illness because they depend on adults to keep them cool and hydrated. High temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening.
Knowing the warning signs and taking simple precautions can help keep your child safe during hot weather.
Why Heat Can Be Dangerous for Children
Children do not always recognize when they are getting too hot. They may keep playing even when their bodies need a break. Younger children may not be able to tell an adult that they feel dizzy, weak or overheated.
Their bodies can also heat up quickly, especially when it is hot and humid. Humidity makes it harder for sweat to evaporate from the skin, which makes it harder for the body to cool itself.
That is why adults should watch closely on hot days, schedule breaks often and never ignore early signs of heat-related illness.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Children
Heat exhaustion can come on slowly. It often happens after spending too much time in the heat, not drinking enough fluids or being active outside during hot weather.
Signs of heat exhaustion may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale or clammy skin
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Weakness or tiredness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Fainting
- Fast or weak pulse
If your child shows signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler place right away. Have them sit or lie down, remove extra clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or mist their skin with cool water. Offer small sips of water if they are awake, alert and able to drink.
Do not ignore these symptoms. Heat exhaustion can get worse and may lead to heat stroke if the body cannot cool down.
Heat Stroke Is a Medical Emergency
Heat stroke happens when the body can no longer control its temperature. The body temperature can rise quickly, and the child may not be able to cool down without emergency care.
Call 911 right away if your child has signs of heat stroke, including:
- Hot, red skin
- Confusion or unusual behavior
- Extreme sleepiness
- Trouble waking up
- Seizures
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- A high body temperature
- Rapid breathing or a strong, fast pulse
A child with heat stroke may or may not sweat. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve.
While waiting for emergency help, move the child to a cooler area. Remove extra clothing and begin cooling them with cool water, wet towels or a cool bath if possible. Do not give anything to drink if the child is confused, very sleepy, vomiting or not fully alert.
How to Help Kids Stay Safe in the Heat
If your summer plans include outdoor fun, there are several ways to help prevent heat-related illness.
Keep Kids Hydrated
Schedule frequent water breaks, even if your child says they are not thirsty. Children should drink fluids before outdoor play and continue drinking during activity.
For infants, continue breast milk or formula feedings. Babies may need more frequent feedings during hot weather. Infants younger than 6 months should not be given water unless directed by a healthcare provider.
Avoid drinks with a lot of sugar, which may not hydrate as well.
Dress Children in Lightweight Clothing
Choose light-colored, loose-fitting and lightweight clothing. A single layer of breathable fabric can help sweat evaporate and help the body cool down.
Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses can also help protect children from direct sun exposure.
Plan Outdoor Time Carefully
Try to schedule outdoor activities in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Avoid heavy activity during the hottest parts of the day.
On very hot or humid days, shorten outdoor playtime and bring children inside often to cool off. If the heat index is high, consider indoor activities instead.
Build in Rest Breaks
Heat can make children tired, cranky or weak. Plan extra rest time throughout the day. Encourage children to come inside, sit in the shade, drink water and cool off before going back outside.
Use Water to Cool Down
A cool bath, sprinkler, water mist or swim time can help children cool off. Always supervise children around water, even when the goal is simply to cool down.
Never Leave a Child in a Car
Never leave a child alone in a parked car, even for a minute. The temperature inside a car can rise quickly, even if the windows are cracked.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that a car’s inside temperature can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes. A child’s body temperature can rise three to five times faster than an adult’s. Heat stroke can begin when the body reaches about 104°F, and it can be deadly at 107°F or higher.
Get in the habit of checking the back seat before locking your car. Place something you need, such as your phone, purse, badge or shoe, in the back seat as a reminder. Keep vehicles locked when not in use so children cannot climb inside.
When to Keep Kids Indoors
When it is extremely hot or humid, children should not play outside for long periods. Babies under 12 months should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
Bring children indoors right away if they say they feel too hot, dizzy, weak, nauseated or unusually tired. You know your child best. If something feels wrong, take it seriously.
When to Call a Doctor
Contact your child’s healthcare provider if you are concerned about dehydration, heat exhaustion symptoms or how your child is recovering after being overheated.
Seek emergency care right away if your child has confusion, trouble waking up, seizures, fainting, hot red skin or any symptoms of heat stroke.
West Tennessee Medical Group Pediatrics Can Help
Summer should be full of fun, not preventable emergencies. With hydration, shade, breaks and close attention, you can help your child stay safer during hot weather. If you suspect your child may have heat-related issues, West Tennessee Medical Group Pediatrics can help. Find a pediatrician near you.
Updated: June 24, 2026
