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When temperatures drop, children need extra attention
to stay warm, safe and healthy. Young children are less likely to
recognize when they are cold and more likely to lose body heat quickly
due to their smaller size. Here are some tips to protect children when
the thermometer dips:
Think layers. Put several layers of clothing on your child and make sure
their head, neck and hands are covered. Dress babies and young children
in one more layer than an adult would wear.
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Beware clothing hazards. Scarves and hood strings can strangle smaller
children so use other clothing to keep them warm.
Check in on warmth. Tell children to come inside if they get wet or if
they’re cold. Then keep watching them and checking in. They may prefer
to continue playing outside even if they are wet or cold.
Use sunscreen. Children and adults can still get sunburn in the winter.
Sun can reflect off the snow, so apply sunscreen.
Install alarms. More household fires happen during the winter so make
sure you have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home.
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Get equipped. Children should always wear helmets when snowboarding,
skiing, sledding or playing ice hockey. Any sports equipment should be
professionally fitted.
Teach technique. It takes time to master fun winter activities like
sledding, so make sure children know how to do the activity safely.
Prevent nosebleeds. If your child suffers from minor winter nosebleeds,
use a cold air humidifier in their room. Saline nose drops can help keep
their nose moist.
Keep them hydrated. In drier winter air kids lose more water through
their breath. Keep them drinking and try giving them warm drinks and
soup for extra appeal.
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Watch for danger signs. Signs of frostbite are pale, grey or blistered
skin on the fingers, ears, nose, and toes. If you think your child has
frostbite bring the child indoors and put the affected area in warm (not
hot) water. Signs of hypothermia are shivering, slurred speech, and
unusual clumsiness.
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