Winter can be an exciting time for your kids, especially if it’s their first time to see snow.
But according to the Caring for Kids website, young children generate less body heat, and get cold more quickly than adults. This is why appropriate clothing is important, especially when they are playing outside. Let them enjoy wintertime activities with the following tips:
Dressing up based on the temp
Not below -27°C – Manitoba winters can be brutal with temperatures of -30°C (-22°F) or lower. Always check the weather before letting them go outdoors. As long as the temperature or the windchill is not below -27°C, then it is ok for them to play outside.
Layering – An important approach to winter dressing is layering. It can keep your kids warmer and drier compared to one heavy outfit. But don’t use too many layers. They can get overheated and sweat. This could make them feel colder when they stop playing. Toddlers and children need one more layer of clothing than you do.
For 0 to 10°C – When the temperature is 0 to 10°C, it will be better to dress your child in pants, shirt, socks, coat, boots, and mittens. Mittens are better to use than gloves because it allows fingers to bunch together for warmth. Make sure you cover as much skin as possible.
Below 0°C – For temperatures below 0°C, dress your child in thermal underwear. On top, they should wear a shirt, sweater, and pants. They should also have a winter coat and ski pants or snowsuit on, as well as boots, socks, mittens, neck warmer, and hat. Make sure that their boots are waterproof. It should be roomy enough for an extra pair of socks and to wiggle toes.
Safe clothes – Check clothing for strings, or scarves that could become choking hazards, especially for babies. Use mitten clips instead of strings to keep your kids from losing them.
Bright colors – Dress you child in bright colors so that motorists can see them clearly in case they need to walk to school.
This affects cheeks, fingers, toes, ears, and noses when they are not properly covered. The skin freezes and you will see it red and swollen. Kids will feel a stinging and burning sensation.
Frostbite can be caused by cold wind, rain, or snow. If it is not addressed immediately, the skin can turn, grey, pale and blistered.
If your child complains of numbness or pain in their hands, feet or elsewhere, begin to warm that area with your hands. Be careful not to rub the skin if it is frostbitten. Get the child indoors.
Use warm (not hot) washcloths or water to slowly warm the skin. Dry the areas where you applied the washcloths and give your child a warm drink.
Call your doctor for treatment if the numbness lasts for more than a few minutes.
Hypothermia
This can happen if your child is outside for a long time and gets wet. A child can get hypothermia even in warmer weather, like 10°C, especially if it is rainy and windy.
Hypothermia can set in when your child’s body temperature drops below the normal 37°C (98.6°F). The child can shiver badly, slur their speech or become clumsy.
When this happens, call 911. You should get your child indoors and remove any wet clothing.
Wrap the child in warm blankets.
Kids should not play outside unsupervised. Children eight years and below should be monitored closely. Always check if they are warm and dry. Set breaks and ask them to come inside for a warm drink. This will break up continuous exposure to the cold.
Don’t forget protective gear if they are tobogganing, sledding, skating or playing hockey. This means helmets, shin pads, and the right sports equipment. Read Sports gear safety tips from Healthy Canadians. Always make sure that they are accompanied by a friend or adult who knows the sport, as well as the proper conditions for playing. You or your child may not be familiar with usual risks in snowy or icy conditions.
