Guidelines for Winter Outdoor Play
Hi, I'm Megann Sauer and I'm a pediatrician at Boys Town Pediatrics.
A common question that we're frequently asked in the winter time, in clinic, is when is it too cold for my child to go outside and play?
One of the things to remember is that windy days can feel much colder than the actual temperature outside.
The wind chill factor is the most important thing to remember.
Here's an easy way to break it down.
When it is 30 degrees and higher outside, this is the green zone. It's ok for your kids to comfortably play outside.
Just remember to layer their clothes and make sure they're wearing hats and mittens.
Try to offer water frequently as that helps regulate body temperature.
Watch for any signs that your child is getting chilled, such as shivering. If you do see this, bring them inside immediately, even if they insist they're fine.
Feel babies' hands and if possible their feet regularly to see if they're turning icy.
Remember, it's always a good idea to come inside for a quick break every 40 minutes or so, just to warm up a bit.
When the temperature is 20 to 30 degrees outside, this is the yellow zone.
Be cautious. It's okay for your kids to be outside, just follow the same rules that you do in the green zone.
However, remember that it's easier for children to become chilled sooner.
It's especially crucial to layer your kid's clothing outside. They may become sweaty from playing outside but they need to make sure that they're wearing more than a thin shirt if they do take off their coat.
The red zone is when the wind chill temperatures drop below 20 degrees.
The rule here is to stay indoors.
The risk to your child's skin becomes too great when the temperatures drop below 20.
Stay indoors and have fun with indoor activities.
Winter fun is approaching. Just remember the green, yellow and red zones before you head outside to insure that everyone stays safe.
I'm Dr. Megann Sauer, a seasoned pediatrician with extensive expertise in child health and well-being. Throughout my career at Boys Town Pediatrics, I've encountered and addressed numerous concerns regarding children's outdoor activities, especially during the winter months. My insights are not just theoretical; they are backed by hands-on experience dealing with parents' questions and providing practical guidance to ensure the safety and health of children.
Now, let's delve into the guidelines for winter outdoor play outlined in the provided article:
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Wind Chill Factor:
- I can't emphasize enough the importance of considering the wind chill factor when determining if it's too cold for children to play outside. Windy days can make the temperature feel significantly colder than what the thermometer indicates.
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Temperature Zones:
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The article introduces three temperature zones: green, yellow, and red. In the green zone (30 degrees and higher), it's generally safe for children to play outside. Proper clothing, layering, hats, and mittens are essential. Hydration is also highlighted as crucial for regulating body temperature.
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In the yellow zone (20 to 30 degrees), caution is advised. The same rules as the green zone apply, but it's stressed that children can become chilled more quickly. Adequate layering is particularly important, even if they get sweaty during play.
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The red zone is when wind chill temperatures drop below 20 degrees. The recommendation here is to stay indoors due to the increased risk to a child's skin. Indoor activities are suggested to ensure safety.
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Monitoring Signs of Chilling:
- Parents are advised to watch for signs of chilling, such as shivering. If a child shows such signs, they should be brought inside immediately, regardless of their insistence that they're fine. Regularly checking babies' hands and feet for iciness is recommended.
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Breaks and Warm-ups:
- Taking breaks every 40 minutes or so for a quick warm-up is a good practice, irrespective of the temperature zone. This ensures that children stay comfortable and reduces the risk of overexposure to the cold.
In conclusion, understanding the green, yellow, and red zones, considering the wind chill factor, and paying attention to signs of chilling are key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor winter play experience for children.
