Summer Tips from Our Doctors

Summer in Dubai presents unique challenges for families with children. With temperatures regularly exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and intense sun exposure, keeping children healthy, safe, and happy during the hot months requires careful planning and awareness. The expert team at myPediaClinic in Dubai has compiled this comprehensive guide to help parents navigate the summer season while ensuring their children thrive despite the challenging weather conditions.

The extreme heat of a Dubai summer affects children differently than adults. Children have a higher surface area to body weight ratio, which means they heat up faster in hot environments and also lose heat more quickly in cool environments. Their sweat glands are not fully developed, making them less efficient at cooling through perspiration. Additionally, children are often so absorbed in play that they ignore early signs of overheating or dehydration. These factors make it essential for parents to take a proactive approach to summer safety, implementing protective measures before problems arise rather than simply reacting to symptoms.

Sun Protection for Children

The sun in Dubai is particularly intense during summer months, with UV index regularly reaching extreme levels. Protecting your child’s skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation is one of the most important aspects of summer health. Sun damage in childhood significantly increases the risk of skin cancer later in life, and even a few severe sunburns during childhood can double a person’s lifetime risk of melanoma.

Choosing and Using Sunscreen Effectively

Sunscreen is a critical tool for sun protection, but it must be chosen carefully and applied correctly to be effective. For children six months and older, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Broad-spectrum protection means the sunscreen protects against both UVA rays (which cause premature aging and contribute to skin cancer) and UVB rays (which cause sunburn). Water-resistant formulations are particularly important for children who will be swimming or sweating.

When selecting sunscreen for children, consider formulations designed specifically for sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often better tolerated by children with sensitive skin and provide excellent protection. These ingredients sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays, rather than being absorbed into the skin like chemical sunscreen ingredients.

Application technique is crucial for effective protection. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin at least 15-30 minutes before going outside, allowing time for the product to bind to the skin. Most people apply far too little sunscreen; a full ounce (about a shot glass full) is needed to adequately cover an adult body, with proportionally less for children. Pay special attention to commonly missed areas like the ears, back of the neck, tops of feet, and the part line on the scalp.

Reapplication is equally important as initial application. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours during continuous sun exposure, and immediately after swimming, sweating heavily, or toweling off. Even water-resistant sunscreens lose effectiveness after 40-80 minutes in the water. At myPediaClinic, we recommend setting a timer on your phone to remind you to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.

Protective Clothing and Accessories

While sunscreen is essential, it should not be the only line of defense against the sun. Protective clothing provides a reliable barrier against UV radiation that does not need to be reapplied and is not affected by swimming or sweating. Whenever possible, dress your child in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs. Look for clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which indicates how much UV radiation can penetrate the fabric.

Wide-brimmed hats are excellent for protecting the face, ears, and back of the neck, areas that are particularly vulnerable to sun damage. A hat with a brim of at least three inches provides the best protection. Baseball caps, while popular, leave the ears and back of the neck exposed. For babies and young children, hats with chin straps help ensure the hat stays in place during play.

Sunglasses are often overlooked but are important for protecting children’s eyes. Children’s eyes are more susceptible to UV damage because their lenses are more transparent than adult lenses, allowing more UV radiation to reach the retina. Choose sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wrap-around styles offer additional protection by blocking light from entering from the sides.

Timing Outdoor Activities

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM, with peak intensity around midday. During Dubai summers, outdoor activities should ideally be scheduled for early morning or evening hours when the sun is less intense and temperatures are more moderate. If outdoor activities during peak hours are unavoidable, seek shade whenever possible and limit the duration of direct sun exposure.

Shade structures, umbrellas, and canopies can significantly reduce UV exposure, though some UV rays can still reach shaded areas through reflection and scattering. Shade should be used in combination with other protective measures rather than as the sole method of protection. Be aware that sand, water, and concrete can reflect UV rays, increasing exposure even in shaded areas.

Hydration: The Foundation of Summer Health

Proper hydration is perhaps the single most important factor in keeping children healthy during Dubai summers. The human body depends on water for virtually every function, from regulating temperature to transporting nutrients to removing waste products. When children become dehydrated, these essential functions are compromised, potentially leading to serious health consequences.

Understanding Children’s Hydration Needs

Children need more fluids relative to their body weight than adults, and their requirements increase substantially during hot weather and physical activity. General guidelines suggest that children aged 4-8 need about 5 cups (1.2 liters) of water daily under normal conditions, children aged 9-13 need 7-8 cups (1.7-1.9 liters), and adolescents need 8-11 cups (2-2.6 liters). However, during Dubai summers, these amounts should be increased by 50% or more to account for fluid losses from sweating.

It is important to understand that thirst is not a reliable indicator of hydration status, especially in children. By the time a child feels thirsty, they may already be mildly dehydrated. This is why proactive hydration, encouraging regular fluid intake throughout the day regardless of thirst, is essential during summer months.

Practical Hydration Strategies

Making water readily available is the first step in ensuring adequate hydration. Always carry water bottles when leaving the house, keep water bottles in your car (remembering to replace water that has become hot), and ensure water is available at every activity. Make it a habit to offer your child water at regular intervals rather than waiting for them to ask.

Some children resist drinking plain water. While water is the healthiest choice, some variety can help increase fluid intake. Diluted fruit juices (one part juice to three parts water), flavored water, coconut water, and herbal iced teas are acceptable alternatives. Fruits with high water content, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, and grapes, also contribute to hydration. Avoid sugary drinks and sodas, which can actually worsen dehydration due to their high sugar content.

Creating a hydration routine helps ensure consistent fluid intake. Encourage your child to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning, with each meal, before going outside, at regular intervals during outdoor play, and again before bed. Using fun water bottles with favorite characters, allowing children to choose their own bottles, or using bottles with built-in straws can make drinking water more appealing to reluctant drinkers.

Signs of Dehydration to Watch For

Despite best efforts, dehydration can still occur. Recognizing the early signs allows for prompt intervention before the condition becomes serious. Mild dehydration symptoms include thirst, dry lips and mouth, decreased energy, dark-colored urine, and reduced frequency of urination. More severe dehydration presents with irritability or lethargy, sunken eyes, absence of tears when crying, very dark urine or no urine output for several hours, dizziness, and rapid breathing or heart rate.

If you notice signs of mild dehydration, move your child to a cool environment and encourage fluid intake. Offer small, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solutions rather than large amounts at once, which may cause nausea. If signs of severe dehydration develop, or if your child cannot keep fluids down due to vomiting, seek immediate medical attention at myPediaClinic or the nearest medical facility.

Heat-Related Illnesses: Recognition and Prevention

Heat-related illnesses represent a spectrum of conditions caused by the body’s inability to cope with excessive heat. Understanding these conditions, their warning signs, and appropriate responses can literally save your child’s life during Dubai’s extreme summer temperatures.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that typically occur during or after intense exercise in hot environments. They are caused by dehydration and loss of electrolytes through sweating. The cramps usually affect the legs, arms, or abdomen and may be accompanied by heavy sweating. While uncomfortable, heat cramps are the mildest form of heat illness and respond well to rest, cooling, and fluid replacement with water or electrolyte-containing beverages.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is more serious and occurs when the body cannot cool itself adequately through sweating. Symptoms include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, and a fast but weak pulse. Body temperature may be elevated but typically remains below 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

If you suspect heat exhaustion, take immediate action. Move the child to a cool environment, preferably air-conditioned. Remove excess clothing and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin, particularly the neck, armpits, and groin where blood vessels are close to the surface. Encourage sipping cool water if the child is alert and not vomiting. Fan the child to promote evaporative cooling. If symptoms do not improve within 30 minutes, or if they worsen, seek medical attention promptly.

Heat Stroke: A Medical Emergency

Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a true medical emergency. It occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system fails completely, and the core body temperature rises to dangerous levels, typically above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Unlike heat exhaustion, a child with heat stroke may have hot, dry skin because sweating has stopped. Other symptoms include confusion, agitation, or altered consciousness, rapid and strong pulse, throbbing headache, and possible seizures or loss of consciousness.

Heat stroke can cause permanent organ damage and death if not treated immediately. If you suspect heat stroke, call emergency services immediately. While waiting for help, move the child to the coolest available environment and begin aggressive cooling. Immerse the child in cool water if possible, or apply ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin. Continue cooling efforts until emergency medical help arrives. Do not give fluids to a child who is unconscious or has altered consciousness.

Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses

Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to heat-related illnesses. Schedule outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day, ensure adequate hydration before, during, and after activities, and allow for gradual acclimatization to hot conditions if children have spent extended time in air-conditioned environments. Dress children in lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that allows sweat to evaporate. Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas during outdoor play, and never leave a child in a parked car, even for a few minutes, as temperatures inside a parked car can reach lethal levels within minutes.

Outdoor Safety During Summer

While it is important to protect children from heat and sun, they still need opportunities for outdoor play and physical activity. The key is to make outdoor time as safe as possible while minimizing heat-related risks.

Water Safety

Swimming and water play are popular summer activities that provide exercise and help children stay cool. However, water also presents drowning risks that require vigilant supervision. Drowning is a leading cause of death in children under five, and it can happen quickly and silently without the dramatic splashing often depicted in movies.

Active adult supervision is the most important water safety measure. This means a responsible adult is watching children in or near water at all times, without distractions from phones, books, or conversations. The supervising adult should be within arm’s reach of young or inexperienced swimmers. When multiple adults are present, designate a specific water watcher and rotate this responsibility regularly to prevent lapses in attention.

Swimming lessons are an essential safety investment. Research shows that formal swimming instruction can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% in children aged 1-4 years. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming lessons for children starting at age one, with lessons appropriate for the child’s developmental readiness. Even children who know how to swim should always be supervised and should never swim alone.

Pool and water safety extends beyond supervision. Install proper barriers around home pools, including four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates. Remove toys from the pool area when not in use, as they can attract children to the water. Ensure all family members know CPR. When visiting beaches or other natural water bodies, be aware of currents, sudden depth changes, and other hazards.

Playground Safety

Metal playground equipment in Dubai can reach extremely high temperatures during summer, hot enough to cause burns on contact. Before allowing children to play on playground equipment, test metal surfaces with your hand. If they are too hot for you to touch comfortably, they are too hot for your child. Consider visiting playgrounds in the early morning or evening when equipment has had time to cool down, or seek out shaded playgrounds where equipment is protected from direct sun.

Rubber and asphalt surfaces can also become extremely hot. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear on playgrounds, as bare feet or thin-soled sandals provide inadequate protection against hot surfaces. Falls are more common when children are overheated and fatigued, so take breaks and ensure proper hydration during playground visits.

Sports and Physical Activity

Regular physical activity remains important during summer, but modifications may be necessary to ensure safety in extreme heat. Schedule practices and games during cooler parts of the day whenever possible. Allow for adequate warm-up time, as muscles that are not properly warmed up are more prone to injury. Ensure frequent rest breaks in shaded areas, and have water available at all times.

Watch for signs of heat stress during activities and do not push children to continue if they show symptoms of overheating. Children should never be punished with exercise (such as extra running) during hot weather, as this can lead to heat illness. Coaches and parents should be educated about heat-related illness recognition and response.

Summer Nutrition for Children

Proper nutrition supports overall health and helps the body cope with the stresses of hot weather. Summer presents both challenges and opportunities when it comes to children’s nutrition.

Hydrating Foods

Many fruits and vegetables have high water content and can contribute significantly to hydration while providing essential nutrients. Watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, strawberries, cantaloupe, peaches, oranges, and zucchini are all excellent choices. These foods also provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support overall health. The natural sweetness of summer fruits can satisfy cravings for sweet treats while providing nutritional benefits that sugary snacks cannot match.

Popsicles made from pureed fruit and water or diluted juice are a fun way to increase fluid intake in children who resist drinking water. You can make these at home using molds, allowing children to participate in the preparation process, which often increases their interest in eating the finished product.

Light and Cooling Meals

Heavy, rich meals can increase body temperature through the metabolic processes of digestion. During summer, focus on lighter meals that are easier to digest. Salads, cold soups, sandwiches with lean proteins, and grilled or chilled lean meats are good options. Cold pasta salads, rice salads, and grain bowls can be prepared in advance and served throughout the week.

Cold dairy products like yogurt and milk provide protein, calcium, and hydration. Smoothies made with fruit, yogurt, and ice are nutritious and appealing to children during hot weather. Be cautious with ice cream and frozen desserts, which, while cooling, are often high in sugar and should be enjoyed in moderation.

Food Safety Considerations

Hot weather increases the risk of foodborne illness because bacteria multiply more rapidly at higher temperatures. Foods that require refrigeration should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature exceeds 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit). When packing lunches or picnics, use insulated coolers with ice packs to keep perishable foods at safe temperatures.

Wash all produce thoroughly before eating, as warmer temperatures can also increase contamination risks for fresh fruits and vegetables. Ensure all meats are cooked to proper internal temperatures, and avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods. When barbecuing, a common summer activity, use separate utensils for raw and cooked meats.

Maintaining Regular Eating Patterns

Summer schedules are often disrupted by travel, activities, and later bedtimes, which can lead to irregular eating patterns. While some flexibility is appropriate, try to maintain some structure around mealtimes. Children who skip meals may be more likely to fill up on unhealthy snacks. Regular meals also help ensure consistent energy levels and support proper growth and development.

Managing Indoor Time Healthfully

During the hottest parts of Dubai summers, spending time indoors during midday is often the safest choice. However, extended indoor time presents its own challenges, particularly around screen time and physical activity.

Limiting Screen Time

It is tempting to rely heavily on screens to keep children occupied during long indoor hours. While some screen time is acceptable, excessive use is associated with various health concerns including obesity, sleep problems, attention issues, and reduced physical activity. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one hour of screen time daily for children ages 2-5 and consistent limits for older children.

Establish clear rules about screen time and stick to them even during summer vacation. Designate screen-free times, such as during meals and before bed. Encourage active screen time, such as video games that require physical movement, over passive viewing when screens are being used.

Indoor Physical Activities

Children need regular physical activity for health and development, regardless of the weather outside. Create opportunities for movement indoors through dance parties, yoga videos designed for children, active video games, obstacle courses using furniture and cushions, indoor sports like table tennis or hallway bowling, and supervised play in air-conditioned indoor play facilities.

Mall walking is a popular Dubai tradition that allows families to get exercise in a cool, climate-controlled environment. Many malls open early specifically for walkers, and some have designated walking routes with distance markers. Swimming in indoor pools is another excellent option that provides cardiovascular exercise while keeping cool.

Creative and Educational Activities

Summer is an opportunity for children to explore interests and learn new skills outside the structure of the school year. Arts and crafts, cooking and baking projects, building with blocks or construction toys, puzzles, board games, and reading are all valuable activities that keep minds engaged without screen time. Many libraries and community centers offer summer programs and activities for children.

Educational activities do not have to feel like school. Science experiments, nature documentaries, educational apps and games, and virtual museum tours can all be enjoyable ways to continue learning during summer break. The key is to follow the child’s interests and make activities feel like play rather than work.

Sleep and Rest During Summer

Adequate sleep is essential for children’s health, growth, and well-being at all times of year. Summer schedules, longer daylight hours, and heat can all disrupt sleep patterns, making attention to sleep hygiene especially important.

Maintaining Sleep Schedules

While some relaxation of bedtimes during summer vacation is reasonable, dramatic shifts in sleep schedules can disrupt circadian rhythms and make the transition back to school difficult. Try to keep wake and sleep times within an hour or so of the school year schedule. If your child has stayed up late, avoid letting them sleep excessively late the next morning, as this perpetuates the cycle of late nights.

Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment

The bedroom environment significantly impacts sleep quality. Keep the bedroom cool, as heat interferes with the body’s natural temperature drop that facilitates sleep. Air conditioning is essential during Dubai summers, with most sleep experts recommending bedroom temperatures between 18-22 degrees Celsius (65-72 degrees Fahrenheit). Use blackout curtains or shades to block the extended daylight of summer evenings and the early morning sun.

Establish a consistent bedtime routine that signals to the body that sleep is approaching. This might include a bath, quiet activities, reading together, and dimming lights. Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed, as the blue light emitted by devices can interfere with melatonin production and delay sleep onset.

Daytime Rest

Younger children may still need daytime naps, and even older children may benefit from quiet rest time during the hottest part of the day. A midday rest period can help children recharge and reduces exposure to peak heat and sun. However, ensure daytime rest does not interfere with nighttime sleep by keeping naps early in the afternoon and limited in duration.

Special Considerations for Infants and Toddlers

Infants and young toddlers are particularly vulnerable during hot weather because their temperature regulation systems are immature and they cannot communicate their needs clearly.

Protecting Babies from Heat and Sun

Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Their skin is very thin and burns easily, and sunscreen is not recommended for this age group due to the risk of skin irritation and the possibility of babies putting sunscreen-covered hands in their mouths. Use stroller shades and canopies, seek shade, and dress babies in lightweight, protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats.

For babies six months and older, sunscreen can be used, but protective clothing and shade should still be the primary forms of protection. Choose sunscreens formulated for babies and sensitive skin, preferably mineral formulations with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Hydration for Infants

Breastfed babies under six months generally do not need additional water, even in hot weather, as breast milk provides adequate hydration. However, nursing mothers should increase their own fluid intake to ensure adequate milk production. For formula-fed babies, formula provides hydration, but consult your pediatrician at myPediaClinic about whether small amounts of water may be appropriate in extreme heat.

For babies over six months who have started solid foods, small amounts of water can be offered between feedings. Continue to breastfeed or formula-feed as usual, as breast milk and formula should remain the primary source of nutrition until age one.

Car Safety

Never leave a baby or child unattended in a parked car, even for a moment. Cars heat up extremely rapidly, and temperatures inside a parked car can reach lethal levels within minutes, even with windows cracked and even on days that do not feel extremely hot outside. Heatstroke is a leading cause of non-crash vehicle deaths in children. Develop habits to ensure you never accidentally leave a child in a car, such as always checking the back seat before locking the car and keeping a reminder item like a bag or phone in the back seat.

Summer Illness Prevention

Summer brings its own set of illness concerns beyond heat-related conditions. Awareness of these issues and preventive measures can help keep children healthy throughout the season.

Insect-Borne Illnesses

Mosquitoes are active during summer months and can transmit various diseases. Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when children will be in areas with mosquitoes. Apply repellent only to exposed skin, avoiding the hands, eyes, and mouth. Dress children in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed.

Skin Infections and Irritations

Hot, sweaty conditions can lead to various skin issues. Heat rash (prickly heat) occurs when sweat ducts become blocked and is characterized by small red bumps, usually in areas where skin rubs together or where clothing is tight. Keep affected areas cool and dry, dress in loose clothing, and avoid heavy creams that can block pores.

Fungal infections like athlete’s foot thrive in warm, moist conditions. Encourage children to dry feet thoroughly after swimming or bathing and to wear sandals in public shower areas. Bacterial skin infections can also increase in summer; keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered, and watch for signs of infection.

Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal that commonly occurs when water remains in the ear after swimming. Symptoms include ear pain that worsens when the ear is pulled, itching, drainage, and reduced hearing. Prevention includes drying ears thoroughly after swimming by tilting the head to each side and gently pulling the earlobe to help water drain. Over-the-counter ear drops that help dry the ear canal can be used after swimming in children without ear tubes or perforated eardrums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Summer in Dubai presents unique challenges, but with proper preparation and awareness, families can enjoy the season safely. Sun protection, adequate hydration, recognition of heat-related illness symptoms, and thoughtful planning of activities are the cornerstones of summer health for children. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, parents can help ensure their children stay healthy, safe, and happy throughout the hot months.

Remember that children rely on adults to protect them from environmental hazards they may not recognize or understand. Your vigilance in monitoring weather conditions, ensuring hydration, applying sun protection, and watching for signs of heat-related illness can prevent serious health problems. At the same time, summer should be a time of fun, exploration, and creating memories. With the right balance of caution and enjoyment, your family can make the most of summer in Dubai.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

The team at myPediaClinic in Dubai is here to support your family’s health throughout the summer and beyond. Whether you need advice on managing a heat-related concern, treatment for a summer illness or injury, or simply want to discuss how to keep your children healthy during the hot months, we are ready to help. Our experienced pediatricians and family medicine specialists understand the unique health challenges of living in Dubai and can provide personalized guidance for your family.

Contact myPediaClinic today to schedule an appointment or consultation. Let us partner with you to ensure your children enjoy a safe, healthy, and memorable summer. Your children’s health and wellbeing are our top priorities, and we look forward to serving your family.