How to Keep Your Child Warm and Protected from Frostbite
As temperatures drop, keeping your child warm and safe during the winter months becomes a top priority. Whether you’re bundling up for outdoor play or navigating freezing temperatures, it’s essential to know how to dress your child properly and recognize the signs of frostbite. Dr. Stephanie Liu, Co-Medical Director at Athleticare, shares expert tips to help parents protect their little ones from winter’s harsh conditions.
With winter comes the cold! How to dress child for the winter?
- Dress in layers of clothing that can be put on and taken off easily.
- Wear a hat because a lot of body heat is lost through the head and make sure to keep your ears are covered to prevent frostbite
- Wear mittens instead of gloves so that fingers can be bunched together for warmth.
- Wear warm, waterproof boots that are roomy enough for an extra pair of socks and to wiggle toes.
When is it too cold to let your baby or child go outside?
Consider keeping them indoors whenever the temperature or the wind chill is reported to be -27°C or lower. At these temperatures, exposed skin will begin to freeze.
We’ve all heard of frostbite, what is it and what to do if it happens?
Frostbite occurs when skin freezes as a result of not being properly covered. Skin will first become red and swollen and will feel like it is stinging or burning. If the skin isn’t protected or warmed, the skin colour can start to change.
If you suspect your child may have frostbite start by:
- Gently remove any clothing covering the area and putting your child in dry, warm clothing
- Slowly warm up the area by gently covering it with your hand.
- Use warm (not hot) water to slowly warm affected body parts.
- If your child’s fingers are frostbitten, place them in their opposite armpit to warm.
- Do not massage or rub frostbitten skin.
- Seek medical advice immediately if your child’s skin is white, waxy or feels numb.
It’s important to remember that babies and toddlers are more at risk of frostbite since they don’t move as much and can’t tell us when they are cold.
