Toddler Summer Safety: Spotting Ear Infections, Preventing Dehydration, and Knowing When to Go to the ER

Hot weather, outdoor play, and swimming can bring big smiles, especially for toddlers who love to explore. But with all that fun comes a few risks parents should keep in mind. From ear infections caused by frequent swimming to dehydration after hours in the sun, summer can take a toll on little ones if you’re not prepared.

That’s why summer safety is so important. Knowing how to protect your child and recognizing the signs that something’s not right can help you act quickly and avoid bigger problems. Learn what to watch for and when it might be time to visit the ER, so you can keep your toddler safe and happy all summer long.

Ear Infections: Why They Spike in Summer

• Toddlers are particularly prone to ear infections  – about 5 in 6 have at least one before age three.
• Two main types appear in summer:
  • Middle ear infections often follow colds or allergies. Look out for ear pulling, fussiness, sleep troubles, or fever over 102°F.
  • Swimmer’s ear (outer ear infection) is common in the pool and lake season, since water trapped in the ear canals breeds bacteria. Signs include red, tender ears, muffled hearing, and discharge.

Prevention Tips

• Dry your child’s ears gently after swimming
• Use swimmer’s ear drops if recommended by your pediatrician
• Make sure your toddler is up to date on vaccinations like the flu and pneumococcal

Dehydration Happens Faster in Young Children

Toddlers are more likely to get dehydrated than older kids or adults. Their bodies heat up faster, and they may not always ask for water when they need it.

Key Signs to Watch

• Dry mouth or lips
• Crying with no tears
• Fewer wet diapers (fewer than 3 in 24 hours)

Why It Matters

Children aged 1 to 3 need about 4 cups of fluid daily. During hot weather or illness, they may need more.

Mild dehydration can lead to fatigue and irritability. Severe cases cause confusion, fast breathing, pale or blotchy skin, and require medical help.

Prevention Tips

• Offer water frequently – small sips during play, fun popsicles made with low-sugar juice, or milk. Avoid sugary drinks
• Serve fruit with high water content, like watermelon and oranges
• At the first signs of illness, use oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte) to replenish electrolytes safely

When to Go to the ER

Some symptoms need emergency care. Don’t wait if your toddler shows any of these:

ER-Worthy Ear Infection Signs

• Fever over 102°F that lasts more than 2–3 days
• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with medicine

ER-Worthy Dehydration Signs

• No wet diaper for 6 hours or more

Physicians Premier is open 24/7 with no long wait times and no appointments needed. All our locations are fully equipped to care for toddlers and children in a clean, quiet, and family-friendly setting. See where your nearest location is here.

How We Help

• Fast, accurate diagnosis with onsite labs and imaging
• Child-friendly treatment rooms, pain relief, and rehydration therapy
• Family-focused guidance before discharge

Peace of Mind for Parents, 24/7

Summer should be fun, not stressful. Practicing good summer safety can help protect your toddler from common seasonal issues like ear infections and dehydration. Simple habits like staying hydrated, drying ears after swimming, and taking breaks from the heat can make a big difference. And when something feels off, it’s always better to check.

Physicians Premier is here for your family 24/7 with board-certified ER doctors, kid-friendly care, and fast service, so you can enjoy the season with greater peace of mind.

Sources

“Ear Infections in Children,” National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ear-infections-children
“Ear Infections in Children: Causes & Treatment,” Polysporin,
https://www.polysporin.ca/articles/ear-infections-children
“Preventing and Treating Ear Infections,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
https://www.cdc.gov/ear-infection/media/pdfs/Ear-Infection-508.pdf“Dehydration,” Mayo Clinic,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086
“Choose Water for Healthy Hydration,” Healthy Children,
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Choose-Water-for-Healthy-Hydration.aspx
“Signs of Dehydration in Young and Older Children,” VeryWellHealth,
https://www.verywellhealth.com/signs-of-dehydration-in-kids-8693234
“Recognizing Dehydration Symptoms: Key Signs to Watch Out For,” VeryWellHealth, https://www.verywellhealth.com/dehydration-symptoms-8662174
“Dehydration,” Nemours KidsHealth,
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dehydration.html
“Dehydration,” Cleveland Clinic,
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9013-dehydration