Preventing Heat Stroke/Sunstroke

Summer has finally come to my city and it's quite hot out.  I have a very fair skinned/fair haired 17 month old and want to make sure I am taking the appropriate steps to prevent heat stroke, sun stroke, etc.  I know the obvious ones...sun screen, I always put a hat on him (which, to be honest, he promptly takes off..lol), always always have lots of water and continuously offer it and keep him in the shade as much as possible.  He loves to be outdoors and we spend as much time as possible doing outdoor activities and playing outside.  I do try to keep us in shady areas, but he is little and loves to run so he definately winds up in the sun a fair amount.  I am wondering if anyone has any other tips for avoiding these issues.  Also...I know the basic symptoms to watch for, but am wondering if they can pop up several hours after exposure.  For example, today we spend a good chunk of the day at a big family event we had at work.  He had so much fun, but it was very hot and we were out longer then I might normally keep him outdoors at one stretch.  He is fine..eating and drinking normally, full of his usual high energy antics..lol, no vomiting or lethargy or anything, but could these symptoms come up later? Is there anything else I should be watching for?  Thanks so much.  I am a worry wart but I figure prevention is far better then dealing with a life threatening issue like heat stroke.  Any tips are very much appreciated.

[margypops]

It sounds as if you have it all covered, sunbloc.. shade ,hats, plenty to drink, not too over tired ..If he were to get anything now it would be from dehydration ,as long as he is wetting and his diaper is as wet as usual .,hes probably doing okay ..sounds like a happy little chappie ...I always feel outside is so good for children it keeps them busy , and happy I used to walk around the parks telling mine what the trees were called , the plants and flowers ..even before they could talk ,its a good thing ...

[adgal]

We both love being outside and he is definately happier out there.  I don't want him to be a couch potato so I encourage it for sure.  He just goes wild when we see a bird..lol.  Chased a poor duck the other day when we were down by the river..he wanted to pet it..haha.  It's so nice to have the weather now to be outside every day, it was such a cold winter this year.  He did get over tired today as he was late in his nap, but after a good sleep he was running around as usual.  No signs at all of dehydration and I made sure he was drinking lots.  I always seem to find something new to worry about..sigh.  I guess it's part of the package.  Thanks for commenting.