We all love the sun! We love the pool, we love the playgrounds and riding our bike, but with the sun comes high temperatures and it is natural for a parent to worry about whether it is too hot for their child to safely enjoy the outdoors. The good news is, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there is no specific temperature that’s too hot for a baby or child to go outdoors. What is important is to be safe by limiting the amount of time your kids spend outside during the hottest hours and have the right protection to safely enjoy the summer.
LIMIT DAYTIME SUN
The AAP recommends limiting sun exposure between the hours of 10am and 4pm, when the sun is the strongest. This is especially important for infants, who are less able to sweat, your body’s way of keeping its internal temperature down. Since that’s a considerable part of the day, try to stay in the shade whether under an umbrella, tent or trees. Things to consider:
- Find playgrounds that have lots of trees that create shade and know what times of day the shade is cast over the playset.
- Have a tent or umbrella for beach trips.
- Find a table with an umbrella at the pool.
- If you have a covered deck or porch, make use of it! There are also covers you can buy that will provide shade on your deck or patio.
If your baby isn’t used to hot weather, introducing him to the outdoors slowly. It can take up to 14 days for little ones to acclimate to hotter temperatures. Start by gradually increasing outdoor time over a 10- to 14-day period, taking breaks every 15 to 30 minutes during extreme weather. Experts recommend using caution in temperatures above 90 F (or 84 F with 70 percent humidity). Be extra careful about bringing baby outside in temperatures above 100 F, which can be potentially hazardous to little bodies. Avoid draping a blanket over your stroller or car seat for sun protection, even breathable fabrics. They can pose suffocation risks, increase the chance of baby overheating from poor air circulation, and prevent you from seeing your baby if she’s in distress.
Mom knows best. If you’re unsure about your baby’s safety in the heat, use “mom intuition.” If you are too hot, sweaty or uncomfortable, chances are your baby is and it is time for some air conditioning. For older children, keep in mind that they may be more active than an infant or even yourself so make sure you are taking steps to keep them hydrated and taking rest breaks.
DRESSING FOR OUTSIDE
On very hot days, avoid overdressing your baby and leave that extra layer or light blanket in the car. A light-colored short-sleeved onesie for young babies may be the best outfit, as long as you can keep your baby out of the direct sun. Hats are great for infants and older children to help protect their face and skin around their neck. It does not take away the need for sunscreen but is helpful. It is especially important for infants with little or no hair.
If you can’t avoid direct sun exposure and your child is younger than 6 months, dress her in lightweight long pants and a light long-sleeved shirt. For children older than 6 months, lightweight shorts and a shirt in a breathable fabric like cotton are best. Look for clothing with a tight weave (not see-through) for maximum UV protection.
You can read our article about how to choose and apply sunscreen here.
OVERHEATING
Your baby cannot tell you if she is feeling uncomfortable or overheated except for crying, which could indicate a dirty diaper, hunger or other things. It’s important to be looking for cues of heat exhaustion or other heat-related conditions. Warning signs include being very warm to the touch (more than how your baby’s typically-warm belly feels), extreme thirst, sweating profusely, acting very tired or weak and showing a general lack of energy. Since your baby may just be tired because it’s nearing naptime or he had an exciting morning, your instinct will tell you if your baby seems more off than usual.
If your baby is suffering from heat exhaustion, immediately take her to a cool place and undress her to help her body more easily give off excess heat. Sponge her body down with cool water (but not cold enough to cause shivering). Continue to give your older baby small sips of water or your under six-month-old infant breast milk or formula. Call the pediatrician right away if symptoms worsen or seem severe.
DEHYDRATION
You and your child(ren) should have water and fluids readily available outside. Infants under 6 months who aren’t drinking water should regularly drink breast milk or formula. If you live in a particularly hot climate and think your infant might need more liquids, talk to your doctor about whether you should offer her an oral rehydration solution (like Pedialyte) to replenish lost vitamins.
The easiest way to tell if your baby is becoming dehydrated is to monitor wet diapers she’s making (just like you did when she was a newborn). Other signs to be on the lookout for include:
- Dry and tacky mouth
- Crying without tears or many tears
- Less energy than usual
It’s a good idea to call your doctor if your child is displaying signs of dehydration so he can do a thorough checkup and offer the most appropriate method of rehydration. If your baby is displaying severe symptoms of dehydration, see the doctor immediately.
FAQs
Experts recommend using caution in temperatures above 90 F (or 84 F with 70 percent humidity). Be extra careful about bringing baby outside in temperatures above 100 F, which can be potentially hazardous to little bodies.
What temperature is too hot for kids to play outside? ›
Playing outdoors can boost a child's physical and mental health in many ways. But a heat index at or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as identified by the National Weather Service, poses a significant health risk. High temperatures and extreme heat can cause children to become sick very quickly in several ways.
How hot is too hot for outside activities? ›
The heat index is a measure indicating the level of discomfort the average person is thought to experience as a result of the combined effects of the temperature and humidity of the air. Generally, when the heat index is over 90°F, you should use extreme caution when heading outdoors for activity or intense exercise.
What temperature should you not take kids out? ›
It is important to keep babies and toddlers warm and protected from the cold, so it's best to avoid taking them outside if the temperature drops below freezing (32°F or 0°C) or if the wind chill is particularly low.
How hot is too hot to take a baby outside? ›
What outside temperature is too hot for a baby? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests parents avoid taking babies outside for long periods of time if the heat index is greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged outdoor exposure on extremely hot days can cause babies to overheat quickly.
Can kids play outside in 90 degrees? ›
Usually, playing and exercising outside boosts a child's physical and mental health in many ways. However, a heat index at or above 90°F, as identified by the National Weather Service, poses a significant health risk. High temperatures and extreme heat can cause children to become sick very quickly in several ways.
Is 90 degrees too hot for a toddler? ›
A: When weather conditions do not pose a health risk, children can and should spend time outside. Playing outdoors can boost a child's physical and mental health in many ways. But a heat index at or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as identified by the National Weather Service, poses a significant health risk.
What is too hot to sit outside? ›
How hot does it have to be before it's safer to be inside? Oller points to the heat index for this one: Temps between 90 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit are considered “extreme caution,” and anything above falls under the “danger” and “extreme danger” categories.
At what temperature should you not go outside too hot? ›
In the range of 90˚ and 105˚F (32˚ and 40˚C), you can experience heat cramps and exhaustion. Between 105˚ and 130˚F (40˚ and 54˚C), heat exhaustion is more likely. You should limit your activities at this range. An environmental temperature over 130˚F (54˚C) often leads to heatstroke.
How hot is too hot to play? ›
Watch the weather
It's also important to note that the temperature doesn't have to be extreme for it to be dangerous. According to The National Weather Service, a temperature of just 86 degrees paired with 90% humidity puts us in a dangerous heat index zone.
In general, call the doctor if your child is: younger than 3 months old with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. 3 months or older with a temperature higher than 102.2°F (39°C)
When should you not take children outside to play? ›
When temperatures are at or below 20º F, including wind chill factor, infants should not go outside. When temperatures are between 21-32º F, outdoor time should be limited to 20-30 minutes. Reassure parents about the benefits of fresh air.
What is the temperature danger zone for a child? ›
If his or her temperature is above 100.4 degrees, it is time to call us. For children ages three months to three years, call us if there is a fever of 102 degrees or higher. For all kids three years and older, a fever of 103 degrees or higher means it is time to call Pediatrics East.
What is the safe temperature for kids to play outside? ›
The safest temperature to go outside to play is 30 degrees or higher. Yellow zone. Playing in temperatures between 20 to 30 degrees should be carefully watched by parents as the weather will affect body temperatures to cool quickly.
What are the outdoor play temperature guidelines for American Academy of Pediatrics? ›
The good news is, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there is no specific temperature that's too hot for a baby or child to go outdoors. What is important is to be safe by limiting the amount of time your kids spend outside during the hottest hours and have the right protection to safely enjoy the summer.
Can heat cause fever in a child? ›
There are 3 main reactions to hot temperatures and heat waves. Heatstroke or Sunstroke (Serious). Symptoms include hot, flushed skin with high fever over 105° F (40.5° C). More than 50% of children with heatstroke do not sweat.
What temperature should kids not play sports? ›
99.5° is the number used when taking temperatures orally (and the number we'll use for the sake of this article) 101° or higher: don't even think about playing – you're just asking for trouble.
How hot is too hot for youth sports? ›
Heat index of 80°F-90°F: Prolonged exposure or physical activity could lead to fatigue and “caution” is advised. Heat index of 90°F-103°F: A person can experience heat stroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion and “extreme caution” is recommended.
At what temperature is it too hot to run outside? ›
Understand heat index danagers: Avoid running outside if the heat is above 98.6 degrees and the humidity is above 70-80%. If the humidity in the air is so high that it prevents the process of evaporation of sweat from the skin, you can quickly overheat and literally cook your insides from an elevated body temperature.
At what temperature is it unsafe to be outside? ›
High environmental temperatures can be dangerous to your body. In the range of 90˚ and 105˚F (32˚ and 40˚C), you can experience heat cramps and exhaustion. Between 105˚ and 130˚F (40˚ and 54˚C), heat exhaustion is more likely. You should limit your activities at this range.
