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Cook Children’s Summer Safety Tips
The hottest time of the year in Texas is here, with temperatures regularly ranging from 80-100 degrees between June and August. Medical experts from Cook Children’s Health Care System advise caregivers and parents on what to know before attending outdoor activities or fan watch parties.
“Children can’t cool off the body as well as adults,” said Monica Herrera, M.D., a pediatrician at Cook Children’s Pediatrics Windhaven, “it’s important that we keep them hydrated.”
Dr. Herrera emphasizes that hydration is key during these months, as well as protecting children’s skin from the sun and mosquitoes.
Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses
Spending too much time in the heat without proper hydration can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Dr. Herrera said learning the signs for heat-related illness is important, so caregivers know when to seek medical attention.
Symptoms include:
- Feeling faint or confused: A child may begin acting disoriented.
- Walking unsteadily and losing coordination.
- Headache
- Abnormally warm skin: Feels hot to the touch.
- Lack of urination: No wet diapers or bathroom use in eight hours.
- Nauseous and vomiting
- Shallow breathes: The body uses shallow breathing to try to shed excess heat.
- Muscle cramps: A child may complain that their legs hurt.
- Numbness
If a child exhibits these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Preparedness is the number one way to avoid heat-related illness and Dr. Herrera says it starts with hydration.
Hydration Tips
Babies under 6 months old should generally be kept indoors. However, if an infant is outside, Dr. Herrera recommends they stay hydrated with formula or breastmilk. Babies under 6 months should not be given water.
“The breast milk has everything that the baby needs as does formula,” said Dr. Herrera. “If you’re outside for a prolonged period they really need to be drinking every 20 minutes.”
As children get older water becomes the priority for hydration, but there are other tricks if your little one isn’t fond of H20. While water is best, other caffeine-free fluids and water-rich foods can help count toward hydration.
“Fluids don’t always come in the form of liquid,” said Dr. Herrera.
Alternative hydration sources:
- Ice cream
- Popsicles
- Snow cones
- Crushed Ice
- Fruits (Watermelon, grapes and cantaloupe) are an excellent source of hydration
- Soft liquids (such as yogurt, applesauce)
How do you know if your child is hydrated?
Check their urine. Urine is the best indicator of hydration status for both children and adults. A well-hydrated child’s or adult’s urine should be clear to a light yellow, similar to a light lemonade color. If the urine is dark yellow or tea-colored, dark orange, more fluids are needed.
Sun protection
While hydration is critical, protecting a child’s skin is a close second. Dr. Herrera explained that children’s skin is sensitive and can burn when exposed to the sun for a prolonged period. While sunblock Sun Protection Factor (SPF) ratings range in coverage from SPF 10 to 80, Dr. Herrera recommends choosing products with two active ingredients: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and use a sunblock of SPF 30.
Babies under 6 months of age should not have sunblock applied. Instead, keep them in the shade and dress them in a wide-brimmed hat.
Sunblock recommendations for 6 months and older:
- Choose a mineral-based sunscreen.
- Use SPF 30
- Apply 15 to 30 minutes prior to going outside.
- Reapply every two hours.
- Avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone.
- Choose lotions over aerosol sprays to ensure total skin coverage.
Staying Cool in the Sun
- Dress children in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Choose breathable, absorbent materials.
- Avoid sitting directly in the sun. Seek shade when possible.
- Use cool mist sprays for quick relief.
Mosquitos
Summer heat in Texas also brings mosquitoes, which thrive around stagnant water and in hot, humid climates.
“Mosquitoes, as we know, can carry viruses which can cause severe infections and serious complications,” said Dr. Herrera. “We want to avoid mosquito bites if at all possible.”
The most effective line of defense is insect repellent.
Finding the best repellent:
- DEET is the most effective option.
- For infants up to 2 years of age, use a maximum of 10% DEET.
- For children older than 2, a maximum of 30% DEET.
- Apply repellent only to exposed skin or on top of clothing. Do not apply it underneath clothing.
- If concerned about applying directly on the skin, apply repellent on clothing instead.
This article, written by Lourdes Vazquez for the Cook Children’s Checkup Newsrooms, is shared by permission.
