As we get closer to those summer months, we all must be prepared to handle the scorching heat. It is especially important to keep our kiddos cool since their body surface area makes up a greater proportion of their overall weight. This makes them sweat more, ultimately making them lose more electrolytes. Kids can become dehydrated rather quickly and they are less aware of the signs of dehydration. In order to keep children cool and comfortable during these hot months, please take into consideration these tips:
- Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! For older kids that are exercising or spending a great deal of time outside, they should be drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day and you may want to add in a drink with electrolytes (i.e. sports drink or coconut water).
- Limit Outdoor Time. During the peak sun hours of 11AM-3PM, children should spend a limited time outside. I know this can be easier said then done since kids love to run around outside, plus with summer camps just around the corner kids usually spend a lot of time outside. I am not saying they cannot go outside at all, I am just saying that they shouldn’t be outside the whole day. When it’s a scorcher outside, your children will need to have frequent water breaks and rests in the shade. If they are enrolled at a Kids ‘R’ Kids Summer Camp, you can ensure that your children are cared for and that hydration is a main concern of ours.
- Dress Appropriately. When it’s hot outside, make sure your children are dressed in single layer, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing. When your child is playing outside or spending time in school or at camp, I would still suggest comfortable closed-toe shoes for safety reasons — save the sandals and flip-flops for those lounging days or trips to the pool.
- Dry, cracked lips
- Dizziness
- Low energy levels
- Irritability
- Excessive sweating
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