Preparing Kids for Hot Weather Games and Activities
There’s nothing like sunshine and blue skies to get kids excited and raring to get outdoors for fun and games. But happy laughter can quickly turn to tears and tantrums when heat, sunburn or dehydration set in.
So here are some top tips for preparing ahead of time, so your kids can focus on fun while still staying safe in the heat.
Think “Light” When Dressing Kids for Hot Weather
In the summer heat, it’s best to dress in thin, loose fabrics. For extra protection from the sun, you may even want to dress your kids in cool long sleeves rather than tanks or t-shirts. The main thing is to find a balance, so they feel comfortable and unrestricted when jumping into the activities but are also as well protected from the heat and sun as possible.
Comfy sandals that have hook and loop strips or strap on are a good choice for many summer activities—just don’t forget sunscreen for those toes! But if there will be lots of running or physical activity, sneakers are a better option. Protecting heads with a sunhat, or baseball cap for more rambunctious activities, is a good idea if your child will keep one on.
If your kids are playing team games or activities, they may have an assigned color for their clothing. Otherwise, opt for pale shades, as these reflect light while darker colors absorb it and can make kids hotter quicker.
Protect Kids’ Skin from the Sun
Before your kids head out for their fun in the sun, make sure you’ve liberally applied sunscreen anywhere their skin is exposed to light.
Most sunscreens need regular reapplication, especially if any of the activities will be taking place in water, so be sure to pack some too. If you can’t be there, send sunscreen along with instructions to make sure it gets used.
Picking the right sunscreen
For kids, it’s best to always pick the highest SPF (sun protection factor) possible to give them the highest level of protection. You should also look for broad-spectrum coverage, which means the sunscreen protects against both types of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB.
You may also want to check for hypoallergenic ingredients and pick a long-lasting and/or waterproof formulation—especially if your kid will be sweating, in water or is hard to pin down for reapplications!
Sunscreens specially designed for kids can be helpful, as these are designed for sensitive young skin and some come in fun colors designed to make using it more appealing. However, you may save money by using the same bottle for the whole family, so long as it offers enough protection and suits your child’s skin.
Prioritize Hydration in the Heat
When kids are having fun, it can be tricky to slow them down for a break, but making sure they stay hydrated and refreshed is key to a successful day in the sunshine.
A great tip to start you off is to make sure they drink plenty of water before they head out for the day. You can also then pack and water bottle to keep them going strong.
What’s the best way to stay hydrated in the heat?
Water is essential for hydration, but when you boost it with electrolytes—natural minerals that our bodies need to function—its hydrating power is increased. Ensuring electrolytes are replenished to stay well balanced is important in hot weather, as we lose vital minerals when we sweat.
In the summer heat, your kids will benefit if you swap or supplement their water with an electrolyte drink, but be aware some have drawbacks that can outweigh their benefits.
Many sports and electrolyte drinks are packed with “junk” ingredients, such as artificial flavors and colors plus a heap of . It’s also important to watch out for energy drinks in innocuous packaging. These may appear to be flavored water or sport drinks, but they often contain caffeine, some in very high amounts.,
Ultima Replenisher drinks are a tasty and kid-friendly way to stay hydrated. Sweetened with organic stevia, they offer delicious sweetness and hydration without the artificial sweeteners. There’s no artificial colors or flavors either in Ultima drinks, just the bright colors and satisfying taste of natural fruit and plant extracts, making them irresistible to kids and worry-free for you.
How much water should a kid drink in summer?
Most doctors recommend children aged 4-8 years old drink around five cups of liquid per day, rising to 7-8 cups for older children. In the summer heat, it’s extra important to make sure your kids are getting enough fluids and best to aim towards the higher end of the recommendations.
With some simple preparation, your kids can enjoy the great outdoors while you enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’re protected from everything the hot weather throws at them.
