Infants, toddlers, and young children require outdoor activity for development, but they also need extra precautions during hot weather. The increasing frequency of heat waves, exacerbated by human-caused climate change, makes these safety measures more critical, according to pediatricians.
Children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses than adults because they sweat less, have a higher metabolism that causes them to overheat faster, and possess a higher surface area-to-mass ratio that increases heat absorption in extreme temperatures. Additionally, children often spend more time outdoors.
Parents and caregivers should be attentive to signs of dehydration in infants, such as a lack of tears or fewer wet diapers. Frequent, smaller feedings can help ensure adequate fluid intake. Fatigue and flushed skin can indicate a child needs to cool down, while increased irritability may also signal they are too hot.
During hot weather, it is advised to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, dress children in loose, light-colored clothing, apply sunscreen, and ensure they are consuming enough fluids. Water-rich fruits like watermelon and strawberries can serve as beneficial snacks.
Coverings like blankets or even thin cloths used to shade strollers can trap heat and prevent air circulation. Instead, canopies should be used for shade. Caregivers should also check metal surfaces on strollers and car seats, as they can become hot enough to burn a child's skin.
Vehicles can heat up rapidly, even with windows partially open. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 31 children died from heatstroke in vehicles in 2025. To prevent accidental heatstroke, safety recommendations include placing a personal item, such as a purse or a stuffed animal, in the back seat as a reminder that a child is present.
To cool a hot car, experts suggest running the air conditioning with the windows open for 10 to 20 seconds. Using a sunshade can also help keep the car's interior cooler, and pre-cooling the car with air conditioning before a child enters can provide extra comfort.