Handling the Florida Heat So the Magic Doesn't Stop
Florida is magical — theme parks, pools, water parks, all of it. It is also really hot the majority of the year, which means heat is something worth actually planning around, not just acknowledging on your way out the door.
Poppins is your pediatric care team this week. Text us from your phone with any medical question, big or small, and we'll get you what you need so you can get back to the part that matters.
Why kids and heat are a trickier combination than you'd think
Children heat up faster, sweat less efficiently, and — here's the part that gets most parents — they often won't tell you something's wrong until it already is. Thirst is a lagging indicator. By the time your child asks for water, they're already playing catch-up. For kids with chronic conditions, certain medications, or sensory differences, that window is even narrower.
Stay ahead of dehydration
Fluids at breakfast, small sips every 20 to 30 minutes throughout the day, and cool breaks built into the plan — not treated as interruptions to it. On higher-activity days, alternating water with an oral electrolyte solution helps maintain the balance that water alone doesn't fully cover.
Watch for these before your child mentions anything:
- Dry lips or mouth
- Headache or unusual irritability
- Fewer bathroom trips than normal
- Dark yellow urine
For kids with complex medical needs, the signs can be easy to miss. A little more tired than expected, quieter than usual, less interested in their water bottle. As Alyson Insull, our Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, puts it: "You know your child best — even small changes from their usual baseline are worth noticing. Reaching out early helps us keep small concerns from becoming bigger interruptions." Trust that instinct. You're not overreacting by checking in early.
For a deeper look at what to watch for and when to seek care: The Ultimate Parent's Guide to Dehydration in Kids
A little sun protection goes a long way
Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, applied 15 to 30 minutes before heading out and reapplied every two hours after swimming or sweating — you’re in Florida, so assume both. A wide-brim hat and UV-protective shirt add meaningful protection beyond what sunscreen does alone. If you can shift heavier outdoor time to morning or late afternoon and lean into indoor options during peak UV hours (10 am to 4 pm), even better.
Here are a couple of great sunscreen options for your trip.
For infants under 6 months, shade and clothing come first. Sunscreen can be applied sparingly to small exposed areas if needed. And if a burn happens despite your best efforts: Sunburn SOS — what to do and when to call a clinician
Text us or get care right away if your child has a persistent headache or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, no urination for 8 or more hours, skin that's hot and flushed, or any confusion or behavior that seems off. Heat and dehydration escalate faster than they look like they will.
Your weekly Poppins Pass gives you access to our pediatric team anytime this week — questions, concerns, or that feeling that something's a little off but you're not sure it warrants a call. You don't need to be certain something is wrong to reach out. That uncertainty is exactly what we're here for. This week is meant to be magical. Let's keep it that way.
