Playing outside in the winter – especially after snowfall – can be a fun rite of passage for many children.
But caregivers should ensure that children are taking adequate safety precautions to prevent them from catching illnesses that result from too much exposure to the cold.
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Healthy Children has put together a guide full of tips on how to keep children warm and safe while playing outside during the winter. It includes suggestions on how to prevent children from getting frostbite or hypothermia, which can be life threatening, and what to do if children get either of these conditions.
Children are more at risk from the cold than adults because their bodies are smaller and, therefore, lose heat more quickly. And if they’re having a good time outdoors, they may be less likely to come inside when they’re getting cold.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when the skin and, occasionally, the tissue below it freezes. Fingers, toes, ears, and noses are most likely to get frostbite, which may cause skin to hurt or feel like it’s burning before going numb. The skin may turn white or pale gray and form blisters.
If a caregiver suspects frostbite, they should bring a child indoors to gently warm up. They should not rub the affected area or pop blisters. Avoid placing anything hot directly on the skin. Instead, soak frostbitten areas in warm – not hot – water for 20 to 30 minutes. Warm washcloths can be applied to noses, ears, and lips.
Call a pediatrician if the numbness or pain continues for more than a few minutes.
Hypothermia
When the body’s temperature drops below normal due to the cold, hypothermia can set in. A child might start shivering, a sign that the body is trying to warm itself, but instead become sluggish, clumsy, or cause the child to slur words.
Hypothermia is considered a medical emergency, so you should call 911 immediately. While you wait for help to arrive, bring the child indoors, remove any wet clothing, wrap the child in blankets or warm clothes, and give them something warm to drink. Be sure to cover the chest and abdomen.
If a child stops breathing or loses a pulse, give them mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or CPR.
How to Prevent Emergencies
To prevent children from being exposed to these conditions, avoid letting them play outside in temperatures below -15 degrees, during which skin begins to freeze within minutes.
Make sure that children wear several thin layers of clothing when outside to keep them warm and dry as well as insulated boots, mittens or gloves, and a hat. And be sure to make them change out of any wet clothes right away when they come inside.
Set limits for the amount of time that children play outside and make sure they have a place to go for regular indoor breaks to warm up.
Outdoor Activities
When children are ice skating, be sure to only allow them to skate on approved surfaces. Make sure that they skate in the same direction as the crowd, never skate alone or eat while skating, and consider making them wear a helmet and knee and elbow pads.
For sledding, make sure children are taking part in this activity far away from motor vehicles. Young children should be supervised and kept away from older children. Tell children to sled feet first or sit up, rather than lying down head-first. Try to use steerable sleds instead of snow disks or inner tubes. Additionally, make sure that sleds are free of sharp edges or splinters and that slopes are free of obstructions, such as trees or fences.
Children should be taught to ski or snowboard by a qualified instructor in a program designed for children and should never take part in either activity alone. All skiers and snowboarders should wear helmets and only go on slopes that fit their ability and experience. Children should also avoid skiing in areas with trees or other obstacles.
The AAP recommends that children under age 16 should not operate a snowmobile, while children under age 6 should never ride on one. Those who use one should wear goggles and a safety helmet, and should never use the snowmobile to pull a sled or skiers.
For more tips on how to keep children safe while playing outside in the cold winter months, read Healthy Children’s article.
