Heat and Children: How to identify when it’s getting too hot

Summer is a time of adventure for children. They spend long days at playgrounds, by the pool, or on family trips, and many of them would happily stay outdoors from morning until evening. During hot weather, however, children's bodies respond differently than those of adults. Babies and young children overheat more quickly, have a less developed ability to regulate their body temperature, and often do not recognize when they are thirsty. That is why it is important for parents to pay close attention to their child's fluid intake and ensure they have regular opportunities to rest in the shade.

How to recognize the first signs of dehydration

Dehydration does not always begin with intense thirst. Some of the earliest warning signs include:

• dry mouth and cracked lips,
• dark-colored urine or urinating less often,
• tiredness, fatigue, or unusual sleepiness,
• headache,
• irritability or unusual restlessness.

In infants, additional warning signs may include fewer wet diapers, crying without tears, or a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on the head. If you notice any of these symptoms, move your child to a cool place and encourage them to drink fluids regularly. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, water is the best choice for most children, while breastfed infants should continue breastfeeding and formula-fed infants should continue their usual feeding routine.

When should you seek medical attention?

Sometimes drinking fluids alone is not enough. Medical evaluation is recommended if your child:

• refuses to drink,
• vomits repeatedly,
• seems confused or unusually sleepy,
• has not urinated for several hours,
• has a high fever together with signs of overheating.

These symptoms may indicate more serious dehydration or heatstroke, both of which require prompt medical care. Move your child to a cool environment as quickly as possible, begin cooling them gradually, and contact your doctor without delay.

The good news is that most heat-related problems can be prevented. During hot weather, encourage your child to drink fluids regularly, plan outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon, dress them in lightweight, breathable clothing, and make sure they spend plenty of time in the shade. These simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of overheating and dehydration, helping children enjoy summer safely.

Sources:

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS. Extreme Heat: Tips to Keep Kids Safe When Temperatures Soar [online]. Itasca (IL): American Academy of Pediatrics, 2025 [cit. 2026-07-16]. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Protecting-Children-from-Extreme-Heat-Information-for-Parents.aspx

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS. Choose Water for Healthy Hydration [online]. Itasca (IL): American Academy of Pediatrics, 2024 [cit. 2026-07-16]. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Choose-Water-for-Healthy-Hydration.aspx

NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke [online]. London: NHS [cit. 2026-07-16]. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/