Playing Outdoors in Winter: To beat cabin fever, go outside and enjoy some winter activities like sledding, snowball fights, or ice skating. It’s a fantastic way for youngsters to get their recommended 60 minutes of exercise each day. Just make sure your kid is properly attired and is aware of when it’s time to head inside to warm up.

Frostbite or even life-threatening hypothermia can occur in children who are exposed to intense cold for an extended period of time without wearing warm, dry, breathable clothes.

Fewer bodies, greater chill

Compared to adults, kids are more vulnerable to the cold. They lose heat more quickly because of their tiny bodies. They might be less hesitant to go inside when it gets too chilly, especially if they’re having fun.

Frostbite

When the tissue beneath the skin freezes, it can result in frostbite. The most vulnerable body parts to frostbite are the fingers, toes, ears, and noses. Frostbitten skin may initially pain or burn, then quickly go numb. It could develop blisters and turn white or light grey.

What to do: Bring your youngster inside to gently warm up if you fear frostbite. Avoid rubbing the affected region and refrain from popping blisters.

Avoid touching your skin directly with anything hot. Spend 20 to 30 minutes soaking frostbitten body parts in warm (not hot) water. Frostbite on the lips, ears, and nose can be treated with warm washcloths.

Dry your youngster off after a few minutes, then give him or her blankets. Offer them a hot beverage to enjoy.

Call your doctor if the discomfort or numbness lasts for more than a few minutes.

Hypothermia

Dangerous hypothermia sets in when the body’s temperature goes below normal as a result of the cold. A youngster may begin to shiver, a sign that the body is attempting to warm up, but later grow lethargic, uncoordinated, or speak with a slur.

Call 911 straight away because hypothermia is a medical emergency.

Until assistance arrives, take your child inside. Wet clothing should be removed since it absorbs heat from the body.

Cover your child in blankets or warm clothes, and offer her something warm to drink. Make sure to include key bodily parts, such as the chest and abdomen.

Give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or CPR if your child stops breathing or loses their pulse.

avoiding hypothermia and frostbite

Despite the fact that hypothermia and frostbite are two distinct illnesses, your kid can benefit from simple wintertime preparation and safety measures:

Verify the wind chill.

Playing outside in wind chills or temperatures below -15° Fahrenheit is generally not advised. Exposed skin starts to freeze in a matter of minutes at these temperatures.

How to dress

The use of several light layers will keep children dry and warm. A cap, mittens or gloves, and insulated boots are necessities. Children should immediately change out of any wet clothing.

Take pauses.

Limit the length of time children can spend playing outside in order to avoid hypothermia and frostbite. Make sure youngsters have a place to go for regular indoor breaks to warm up.

Safety advice for winter sports and activities

skating on ice

Only allow kids to skate on surfaces that have been approved. To learn which areas have been authorised, look for signs that the neighbourhood police or recreation departments have placed there or contact them directly.

Tell your child to skate in the same direction as the rest of the skaters.

• Do not scurry across the ice.
• Avoid skating alone.
• not consume candy or chew gum while skating
• To keep them safe, especially while they are learning to skate, think about having your child wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads.
• Sledding Be clear of cars and trucks when sledding.
• While sledding, kids need to be watched.
• Keep small children and older kids apart.
• Avoiding head injuries by lying down head first when sledding or by sitting up.
• While taking your kid sledding, think about having them wear a helmet.
• Instead of snow discs or inner tubes, use steerable sleds.

Sleds should have solid construction, be free of splinters and sharp edges, and have well-lubricated steering mechanisms.

Sled slopes should not have any barriers, such as trees or fences, be covered in ice but not snow, have less than 30 degrees in slope, and finish in a level runoff.

Steer clear of sledding in congested locations.

Snowboarding and skiing

A curriculum specifically made for kids should be used to teach kids how to ski or snowboard.

Never snowboard or ski alone.

Little children should always be under adult supervision. Whether older kids need adult supervision depends on how mature and capable they are. Older children should always be accompanied by an adult or, at the very least, a friend if they are not.

Helmets should be worn by all snowboarders and skiers. Ski resorts ought to mandate helmet wear, but if they don’t, parents ought to make sure their kids comply.

The child’s equipment should fit them. Skiers should use safety bindings that have at least annual adjustments. Snowboarders should wear wrist guard-equipped gloves. Goggles or eye protection should also be worn.

Slopes should be appropriate for the skier or snowboarder’s skill level and expertise. Do not go up crowded hills.

Skiing should be avoided in regions with impediments like trees.

Snowmobiling

The AAP advises against letting children under the age of 16 drive snowmobiles and against letting kids under the age of 6 ride them.

• Never use a snowmobile to pull skiers or a sled.
• Go at reasonable speeds, wear safety eyewear, and a helmet certified for use on motorised vehicles, such as motorbikes.
• Never go snowmobiling at night or alone.
• Remain on designated trails and away from railroads, roads, bodies of water, and humans.