A landscape covered with snow can be a magical sight. Your kids will almost certainly want to play in this winter wonderland, so winter safety tips are important to follow. Here are 5 tips to follow to ensure that your kids stay safe while playing outside in the cold.
1. Warm Clothes
Make sure that your children wear multiple layers. Hats are especially important because a lot of heat loss is released through the head. Ensure that children’s hands, heads, and necks are covered. Waterproof shoes are important to prevent frostbite. Very young children or babies should have an extra layer of clothing. They have a lower cold tolerance and they won’t be able to tell you when they begin to get cold. Check on them frequently to make sure they are warm enough.
2. Street Safety
Keep children away from streets as much as possible. Icy roads can limit visibility, as well as make it more difficult to stop quickly. Stress caution around streets to your children, so they know to be extra careful when crossing a road or walking on a sidewalk. Make sure that your children wear bright-colored, visible clothing when they are outside in the winter.
3. Prevent Spreading Sickness
Contrary to popular belief, the cold doesn’t actually cause illness. However, the increased exposure from staying inside increases the prevalence of spreading viruses. Make sure that your kids wash their hands with soap and water frequently. Teach your children to cover their mouths when coughing and sneezing and keep their immunizations up to date.
4. Use Helmets
Always make sure your children wear approved helmets whenever they are skiing, sledding, or snowboarding.
5. Proper Hydration
Your children aren’t as likely to want to drink water when it’s cold outside. Dry winter air can still cause dehydration, so it is important to make sure that your children are still drinking the water they need. Ensure that your children wear sunscreen when they go outside. Even though it’s cold, snow can be a reflective surface, which can cause extreme sunburns.
The winter fun doesn’t have to end! Check on your kids frequently when they are playing outside and follow the proper safety precautions and your kids will have a happy, safe winter.
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