What the Experts Say about Heat Safety for Your Children
- Morgan Garrett
- Jul 11, 2024
- 2 min read
Even in the dog days of summer, temperatures in central Alabama can still hover over 90 degrees! These high heats are even more dangerous for infants and toddlers who are less able to regulate their body temperature compared to adults.
Whether you are a parent, babysitter, caregiver, or child care provider, knowing proper heat safety is crucial when keeping our children healthy and safe.
Let's hear from the experts on the best heat safety practices:
DHR Licensing & Performance Standards
Infants should be taken outside two to three times daily
Toddlers should be allowed 60 to 90 minutes of outdoor play activity
Preschoolers should be allowed 60 to 90 minutes of outdoor play activities
Drinking water with no added sweeteners or carbonation shall be readily available in indoor and outdoor areas to each child throughout the day
American Academy of Pediatrics
Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The sun's damaging UV rays can bounce back from sand, water, snow or concrete; so be particularly careful of these areas
Select clothes made of tightly woven fabrics such as Cotton clothing which is both cool and protective
Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight
For older children, the first, and best, line of defense against harmful ultraviolet radiation exposure is covering up
Reschedule outdoor play when temperatures reach 105 degrees
If applying sunscreen, follow regulations for Administering Medications
Do not apply to infants 6 months and younger
Apply a minimal amount of broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to their children’s skin
Sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are less likely to irritate a baby’s sensitive skin
Remember to reapply your child’s sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating, as there is no such thing as “waterproof” sunscreen
When in doubt, here is a helpful guide from the CDC on what to look for and how to treat heat-related illnesses!
Great reminder, Morgan — heat safety for kids often gets overlooked until it’s too late. I really appreciate how you included both DHR standards and AAP guidelines in one place — that’s exactly the kind of practical info parents and caregivers need during summer months.
It’s interesting how the same design mindset used in child safety — clear structure, quality materials, and prevention — applies to home environments too. For example, even solid wood double decker beds for adults are now being designed with the same focus on
Great reminders here — kids are especially vulnerable in the heat, and staying proactive makes a big difference. Along with sun protection and hydration, families who spend time near lakes or beaches should also think about open water safety tips. Having the right gear and safety habits in place ensures children can enjoy the water while staying protected.
The guidelines about shade and timing outdoor activities are especially important for toddlers who love to run around no matter the weather. The sunscreen advice is also a lifesaver. It reminds me of Escape Road—where the safest route is always about anticipating hazards ahead and making smart choices before they become problems.