Newsletter

As summer gets into full swing, kids are spending more time outdoors at camps, pools, playgrounds, and family trips. With all that extra activity comes a new set of seasonal concerns, from sunburns and dehydration to insect bites and water safety.

To help families enjoy the season while keeping kids safe, we put together a summer safety Q&A with Dr. Ruchi Rawal from our Englewood office. From recognizing the early signs of heat exhaustion, to choosing the right sunscreen and knowing when a summer injury needs medical attention, Dr. Rawal shares practical tips to help parents feel prepared all summer long.

What are the most common summer-related issues you see in the office?
Sunburn, heat rash, dehydration, and minor injuries from increased outdoor activity are the ones we see most, across every age group. Insect bites from the backyard or beach and swimmer’s ear also come up a lot, especially once kids start spending full days at camp or in the water. For babies, heat rash and dehydration tend to show up faster since they can’t regulate body temperature as well and can’t tell you they’re overheated. For older kids, we see more scrapes, sprains, and sunburn from longer stretches of unsupervised outdoor time. Most of these are easy to prevent and even easier to treat early, no matter the age.

How can parents tell the difference between normal summer crankiness and early heat exhaustion?
Normal tiredness gets better with some shade, water, and rest. Heat exhaustion looks different: heavy sweating, weakness, headache, nausea, or a fast pulse. In babies and toddlers, watch for fewer wet diapers, unusual fussiness that doesn’t settle, or a flushed appearance that doesn’t fade after moving to shade. In older kids, they may complain of feeling dizzy or “not right,” or seem uncharacteristically sluggish. If a child of any age seems off and isn’t bouncing back after a break in the shade with water, that’s the signal to cool them down right away and call your pediatrician if symptoms don’t improve.

What’s your advice on sunscreen for kids?
Use SPF 30 or higher and apply it generously about 15 to 20 minutes before heading outside. Best to use 100% mineral sunscreen, and look for ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. For those with sensitive skin or eczema, look for added aloe vera or oat to soothe the skin. Reapply every two hours, and sooner if your child has been in direct sun, at the beach, or swimming. For babies under 6 months, we recommend keeping them out of direct sun altogether and dressing them in lightweight, protective clothing and a hat, rather than relying on sunscreen. If shade isn’t available, a small amount of mineral-based sunscreen on exposed areas like the face and hands is okay in a pinch. For toddlers and older kids, don’t forget commonly missed spots like ears, the back of the neck, and tops of feet.

What should parents know about pool and water safety?
Constant supervision is the biggest factor at every age. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, even in shallow water or a backyard kiddie pool. Anyone with a backyard pool should have the pool appropriately gated or fenced to avoid unintentional drowning. We recommend designating one adult as the “water watcher” whose only job is watching the kids, no phone, no side conversations, switching off in shifts if there’s a group. For babies and young toddlers, that means being within arm’s reach at all times, even in an inch or two of water. Babies below 6 months should avoid going in a swimming pool. Older kids who know how to swim still need active supervision, since fatigue and overconfidence are common causes of trouble in the water. The AAP recommends formal swim lessons for kids close to 1 year of age. Supervision remains key when it comes to children in water.

When should a parent worry about a bug bite versus treat it at home?
Most bites can be managed at home with a cold compress, aloe vera gel, or an age-appropriate antihistamine if there’s itching. Call your pediatrician if you notice spreading redness, swelling that gets worse instead of better, fever, or if a tick has been attached for more than 24 hours. For more info on ticks, check out our recent newsletter on ticks and Lyme disease.
Babies and younger kids are more likely to scratch a bite open, which can lead to a skin infection, so keeping nails trimmed and the area covered can help. For any age, a bite with rapidly spreading redness or a full-body rash needs a same-day call.

What heat index or temperature should keep kids indoors?
Once the heat index (temperature and relative humidity level) reaches the low 90s, plan for shorter outdoor stretches with regular shade and water breaks. Above that, it’s best to keep outdoor activity brief (15-30 min) or move things indoors, especially during the hottest part of the day between noon and 4 p.m. Babies and infants should have even more conservative limits, since they overheat faster and can’t move away from the heat on their own. Older kids doing sports or camp activities in high heat should have water breaks built into the schedule regardless of how they say they feel, since kids often don’t recognize their own overheating until it’s more advanced.

Any tips for keeping kids hydrated when they don’t want to stop playing?
Offer water before they ask for it rather than waiting for them to say they’re thirsty. Building in a water break every time they switch activities works well for older kids. Water-rich snacks like watermelon or cucumber, and popsicles, are an easy way to add more fluids without a fight. Coconut water is a great addition for hot days, or for kids who are in sports since it has natural electrolytes. For babies under 6 months, breast milk or formula is still all they need, even in hot weather; extra water isn’t recommended unless your pediatrician says otherwise. For babies over 6 months, small sips of water alongside regular feeds are fine.

What’s one summer safety habit you recommend that people don’t think about often?
Checking how hot playground equipment, car seats, and seatbelt buckles have become in direct sun before your child touches them or sits down. Metal and dark surfaces can get hot enough to burn skin within minutes, and this applies just as much to a baby being buckled into a car seat as it does to a kid climbing onto a slide. It’s a quick check that takes a few seconds and can prevent a painful burn.