Infant (2–12 months) · Toddler (1–3 years) · Preschool (3–5 years) · School age (5–12 years) · Teen (12–18 years) · Young adult (18–21 years) · Safety, Seasonal
Sun, heat and hydration: keeping kids safe in the Georgia summer
In Georgia’s heat, children overheat faster than adults. Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sun, use SPF 30+ mineral sunscreen from 6 months, offer water every 20 minutes during play, and never leave a child in a car, even for a minute.
Key takeaways
- Under 6 months: shade, hats and clothing rather than sunscreen
- SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming
- Water breaks every 20 minutes in the heat; sports drinks only for long, intense exercise
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, cramps
- A car heats 20 degrees in 10 minutes; check the back seat every time
Sunscreen by age
- Under 6 months: avoid direct sun; lightweight long sleeves, a brimmed hat, shade. A little sunscreen on small exposed areas is acceptable if shade is impossible.
- 6 months and up: broad-spectrum SPF 30+; mineral (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) formulas are gentlest. Apply 15 minutes before going out and every 2 hours.
- Everyone: sunglasses with UV protection and a hat. Seek shade between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Heat illness
Heat exhaustion looks like heavy sweating, pale skin, cramps, headache, nausea and dizziness. Move to a cool place, remove extra clothing, sip water, cool the skin with wet cloths. Heat stroke, with confusion, a temperature over 104°F and hot skin that may be dry, is an emergency.
Hydration for young athletes
Drink before practice, every 20 minutes during, and after. Water is right for most activity under an hour; for longer intense practice a sports drink replaces salt. Pale yellow urine is the goal.
Cars
Never leave a child alone in a car. Put your bag in the back seat so you open the back door every time. If you see a child alone in a hot car, call 911.
When to call us
- A sunburn with blisters, or covering a large area
- Vomiting, headache or lethargy after a day in the heat that does not improve with cooling and fluids
- Fewer wet diapers or dark urine in a baby
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if…
- Confusion, fainting, seizure, or a body temperature over 104°F in the heat
- A child found in a hot car
Questions parents ask
Is spray sunscreen okay?
It is fine for the body if you rub it in after spraying; avoid the face to keep it out of the eyes and lungs. Sticks and lotions are easier to apply evenly on children.
Not sure? Ask us
Call or text the office during hours, or send a portal message. For emergencies call 911.
(770) 615-7000Trusted further reading
- HealthyChildren.org (opens in new tab)American Academy of Pediatrics
- Safe Kids Worldwide (opens in new tab)Safe Kids Worldwide