Keeping your kids looking cool and safe when the temperature dips

Dashing through the snow with your children is a guaranteed way to make some memories and raise your stature to Super Parent even if you don’t have a one-horse open sleigh at your disposal. Your toddlers and older children will warm to winter activities that get them outside and active like ice skating and good old fashioned sledding. However, as a parent that wants what’s best for them in all areas, be aware some winter activities present some unique safety concerns.

Remember Jack Frost doesn’t discriminate and you’ll need to know just what to do if you catch him nipping at the fingers, toes, ears and nose of your child. Like the name implies, frostbite is a nasty, albeit usually temporary, condition where the skin actually freezes. Your toddler may complain of numbness or burning in the extremities and the first step to putting everything right is getting your child inside and out of the elements.

Frostbitten Parts

Next, Mom or Dad will need to soak those frostbitten parts in warm water. That’s warm, not hot. Keep the temperature to around the same as you would with a bath which is 104 degrees. Apply warm washcloths to ears, noses and lips and don’t rub those frozen parts since it won’t do any good. If things don’t get any better within a few minutes, you might want to check in with your doctor. Of course the best way to prevent frostbite is to break up the amount of time your children spend outdoors with frequent visits inside.

Snow Angels

What they’re wearing as they make snow angels or snowballs is just as important as knowing what to do when the cold weather strikes exposed skin. Beyond the obvious warm boots, gloves and hat, dressing your toddlers in layers will keep them safe from most of the wind and cold outside. Parents shouldn’t be deceived by the low reading on the thermometer either.

The sun’s harmful rays aren’t just relegated to the hotter summer months and, in fact, they can cause even more damage as they reflect off the snow. That’s why you’ll need to apply sunscreen to your child’s exposed skin in the winter and it’s even a good idea to outfit them with sunglasses. Cool and safe is a great look when the snow flies.

Warm Haven

Everyone wants to be sure there’s a warm haven for their children when the temperature dips, but parents needs to be careful because winter is a time when the chances of starting a house fire increase for people using space heaters to keep the inside warm and inviting.

These handy heating devices should be kept at least three feet away from drapes, furniture and anything else that could accidently catch on fire. Although it might be tempting, you should never leave them on when you leave the room or plan on falling asleep. You should also buy, install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and practice fire drills with everyone in the family so you can enjoy the colder weather together with confidence.

Read more info like this at All My Children.
Author: Rob Starr