Baby it’s Cold Outside. Keep Your Kids Safe.

We may have had a few days with temperatures in the 50s but over the next week Old Man Winter is making his presence known and is here to stay for awhile.  Even with the cold and soon snow many schools will still send kids out to play on the playgrounds so it’s important for parents to be prepared.

Winter doesn’t mean we have to keep kids locked inside. It just means we need to be extra careful since they are more vulnerable to cold weather than adults. Most kids won’t notice changes in their bodies related to cold exposure. As a parent it’s our job to be prepared and equipped to help kids have safe winter fun.

Here are some tips to keep kids safe while playing outside in the cold.

·         Dress your child in layers. If one layer gets wet the child can remove it to keep moisture away from the skin.

·         Avoid cotton clothes as they will not insulate if wet. Fleece and wool are better options.

·         Wear a hat. Children can lose 60 percent of their body heat if their heads are not covered.

·         Remember ears, nose, hands and feet. These areas are most vulnerable to frostbite so keep them covered up.

·         Make sure kids come inside often to limit exposure to the elements.

·         Change children out of wet clothing as soon as possible. And, fire up the hot chocolate for some winter warmth.

Two of the most dangerous winter conditions for children are hypothermia and frostbite. These occur more frequently in children because their bodies are different. They have larger heads and large body surface area compared to their body mass, which leads to rapid heat loss. Compared to adults they just don’t have as much energy reserves to burn when it comes to being cold. This is particularly true for babies who are unable to shiver to generate heat.

Winter can be a great time to get outside and have fun. Just remember, kids are not small adults. They respond differently to the elements than we do. The video has more information on kids and cold from my colleague Tony Pangan, MD, who also sees patients at the Loyola Center for Health at Burr Ridge.