Late-summer sports can be great for kids—if we keep them safe in the heat. The American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC warn that children overheat faster than adults and may not notice early signs of heat illness. Simple steps like drinking on a schedule, planning shade breaks, and knowing when it’s too hot to practice can make a big difference. Today we walk through what parents can watch for on the sidelines and how to partner with coaches to keep every child safe.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026Safety
Hot Practices, Safe Kids: Heat and Hydration for School Sports
What families need to know before late-summer practices start
The Teddy Editorial Desk · Grounded in AAP & CDC guidance
In Brief
The Briefing
Explainer
Why Kids Overheat Faster Than Adults
Kids don’t sweat as much as adults, and their bodies heat up more quickly during play. The AAP notes this puts them at higher risk for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, especially during intense sports in hot, humid weather.
Guidance
Hydration: Don’t Wait for “I’m Thirsty”
By the time a child feels very thirsty, mild dehydration may already be starting. The AAP recommends regular drink breaks before, during, and after practice, and choosing water for most kids instead of sugary sports drinks.
Alert
Red-Flag Signs: When Practice Should Stop
Headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or skin that feels hot and dry are danger signs in the heat. CDC heat safety guidance says activity should stop right away and the child should be moved to shade and cooled, with emergency care if symptoms are severe.
Tips
Gear and Timing That Keep Kids Cooler
Lighter-colored clothing, breathable fabrics, and removing extra gear during breaks all help the body release heat. Scheduling the hardest drills for earlier or later in the day, when it’s cooler, also lowers heat stress risk.
Questions
What Parents Are Asking
For the Clinic
Clinic Takeaway
This week, add one quick heat-safety touchpoint for families with young athletes: a one-page handout or text-message link with AAP/CDC-based tips on hydration, signs of heat illness, and questions to ask coaches about heat policies. Front desk or nursing staff can flag fall sports participants and share the resource at check-in, while clinicians spend one minute during visits reviewing red-flag symptoms and encouraging parents to confirm their child’s team has a clear heat plan.
Source: AAP Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness; CDC Heat-Related Illness Prevention Guidance
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