Keeping Cool

Kids don’t sweat the way adults do. This makes it easier for them to overheat. They also can’t tell that their body feeling kinda sick means “over heating” or “dehydrating”. Boo will sometimes tell us she’s not feeling good, but more often will not mention it if there’s anything more interesting going on. Pay close attention.

Boo drinks more with a water bladder. It’s right there, she doesn’t need to ask for help or stop. When it’s hot, she’ll complain that her water is too warm, and stop drinking. It’s also difficult for her to know when her water is gone. 

If we’re using bottles, we need to remember to offer her water more often than we drink. Oddly enough, a 4-year-old can’t drink and still walk. 

When she gets hot, I’ll soak her (light colored) hiking hankie in water and tie it to her head. Then I tell her she looks like a pirate. If I’ve missed a critical point in the cooling schedule (if she’s really whiny), I’ll take her backpack for a while. She’s almost always sweaty on her back. 

The heat will suck her energy out a lot faster than it will yours. Stop more often, slow down (even more), plan your hikes in the shade or earlier in the day. Water them down. A little splashy water fight can do wonders.

How do you keep your kid (and yourself) cool in the heat?