Children are more at risk of heat exhaustion than the average adult, because children have larger body surface areas in relation to the amount of water in their systems, says Dr. Tom Abramo, an emergency medicine physician on the medical staff at Children’s Medical Center Dallas.

“Children need liquid every 15 to 30 minutes when participating in outdoor activities,” he says. So parents should be sure to take along plenty of liquids for children who are participating in outdoor activities.

But what to drink? Avoid giving your children sodas and other drinks with caffeine. These drinks act as diuretics and lead to more dehydration. Dr. Abramo says water is the best source for replacing fluids.

Each child may experience the symptoms of heat-related illness differently. Consult your child’s physician regarding treatment. The following guidelines, however, can help avoid heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke in children and adolescents:

• Make sure your child dresses in light-colored, light-weight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing on hot days.
• Schedule vigorous activities and sports for cooler times of the day. Take rest periods in shady or cool areas.
• Make sure your child is protected from the sun and wears a hat and sunglasses, and uses a beach umbrella. Use a sunscreen that is at least SPF 15.
• Gradually increase time spent outdoors to get your child’s body used to the heat.
• Teach children to take frequent drink breaks and “wet down” or mist themselves with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated.
• Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot and humid days.
• Teach your child to warm up and cool down before and after exercising.
• If your child has a medical condition or is taking medication, consult your child’s physician for further advice for preventing heat-related illnesses.