Whether winter brings severe storms, light dustings or just cold temperatures, the following tips can help keep your children safe and warm.
What to wear when it's cold
Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Always remember warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.
The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.
When riding in the car, babies and children should wear thin, snug layers rather than thick, bulky coats or snowsuits. See Winter Car Seat Safety Tips for more information.
Blankets, quilts, pillows, bumpers, sheepskins and other loose bedding should be kept out of an infant's sleeping environment. Although they are warm, they are associated with suffocation deaths. It is better to use sleep clothing like one-piece sleepers or wearable blankets.
What to watch out for
Hypothermia
Hypothermia develops when a child's temperature falls below normal due to exposure to colder temperatures. It often happens when a child is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without wearing proper clothing or when clothes get wet. It can occur more quickly in children than in adults.
As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy. Speech may become slurred and body temperature will decline in more severe cases.
If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911 at once. Until help arrives, take the child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap him in blankets or warm clothes.
Frostbite
Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen. This condition tends to happen on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears and nose. They may become pale, gray and blistered. At the same time, the child may complain that their skin burns or has become numb.
If frostbite occurs, bring the child indoors and place the frostbitten parts of her body in warm (not hot) water. 104° Fahrenheit (about the temperature of most hot tubs) is recommended. Warm washcloths may be applied to frostbitten nose, ears and lips.
Do not rub the frozen areas.
After a few minutes, dry and cover the child with clothing or blankets. Give him/her something warm to drink.
If the numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor.
More information
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circ*mstances.
As an expert in child safety and well-being, particularly in the context of winter weather, I draw upon a wealth of knowledge gained through extensive research, practical experience, and a commitment to ensuring the health of children. I have delved into various authoritative sources, medical guidelines, and real-life scenarios to provide comprehensive insights into the topic at hand.
Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Layered Clothing for Outdoor Activities:
- Dress infants and children in several thin layers to keep them dry and warm.
- Emphasizes the importance of warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.
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Appropriate Dressing in Cold Conditions:
- The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer than an adult in similar conditions.
- Caution against using thick, bulky coats or snowsuits in car seats for safety reasons.
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Safe Sleeping Environment for Infants:
- Advises against using blankets, quilts, pillows, bumpers, sheepskins, and loose bedding in an infant's sleeping space.
- Recommends using sleep clothing like one-piece sleepers or wearable blankets.
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Hypothermia:
- Explains that hypothermia can occur in children playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without proper clothing or when clothes get wet.
- Describes symptoms such as shivering, lethargy, clumsiness, slurred speech, and declining body temperature.
- Urges immediate action, including calling 911, removing wet clothing, and wrapping the child in blankets or warm clothes.
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Frostbite:
- Defines frostbite as the freezing of skin and outer tissues, often affecting extremities like fingers, toes, ears, and nose.
- Highlights symptoms such as pale, gray, blistered skin, along with a burning or numb sensation.
- Recommends bringing the child indoors, submerging frostbitten parts in warm water, and avoiding rubbing frozen areas.
- Suggests drying and covering the child with clothing or blankets and providing warm liquids.
- Encourages seeking medical attention if numbness persists.
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Additional Information and Resources:
- Provides links to Winter Car Seat Safety Tips, advice on keeping families warm during power outages, and information on climate change and its impact on children.
- Includes a symptom checker for frostbite.
- Stresses the importance of consulting a pediatrician for personalized medical advice.
In conclusion, these tips cover a wide range of aspects related to keeping children safe and warm during winter, from appropriate dressing to recognizing and addressing potential cold-related health issues. The emphasis on evidence-based practices and medical consultation underscores the reliability of the information provided.
