Winter can be a magical time of year, especially for young kids who get to experience snow for the first time! While building snowmen, making snow angels and jumping into snow piles is fun and a great way to get some physical activity in on winter days, it’s also important to make sure young kids are kept warm and safe enough to avoid serious injury.
TOP TIPS FOR ENJOTING SNOWY OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Dress kids in layers.
The key to staying warm in cold snowy weather is several thin layers of clothing under warm, waterproof coats and snow pants. Babies and young children should generally dress in one more layer of clothing than an adult stays warm in. Frostbite, which is the freezing of skin, and hypothermia, a dangerously low body temperature, are especially dangerous for young children. Wearing a waterproof coat for an outer layer is best for keeping moisture away from the inner layers of clothing and away from skin.
Appropriate inner clothing layers include a snug material that pulls moisture (wick) away from the skin. Cotton is not ideal since it tends to retain moisture. Look for thin long/thermal underwear-type clothing made of polyester or other quick-dry materials.
A second layer is insulating, meaning it helps keep warmth inside. Thick wool and fleece work great. You can also layer in vests and thin puffy costs.
The outer layer is meant to keep wind and moisture out. Insulated gloves, hats and waterproof boots are essential for protecting little fingers, ears and toes from frostbite. Scarves are important also for protecting the tips of noses, which are also at higher risk for frostbite. Top it all off with waterproof coats and snow pants.
Layering doesn’t need to cost a lot of money! Consider checking with friends or family to see if multiple families would be interested in a winter clothing swap. Families with kids who have outgrown various sizes can trade winter clothes among each other! Thrift stores also are a great resource for inexpensive layering options.
Young children always need to be supervised while outdoors.
Regardless of the weather, young children need supervision while playing outdoors. In snowy and cold weather especially, it’s important for an adult to be watching to ensure children are playing safely in the snow and aren’t getting too cold.
Limit outdoor time based on the temperature.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting how much time is spent outdoors at one time when temperatures are especially cold. If wind chills are dangerous, indoor activities may need to be planned instead of going outside. If you do go outside with your young children, make sure they are dressed appropriately (see #1) and consider bringing them inside to warm up occasionally.
Sled safely.
Sledding is a favorite winter activity for kids, and we are all for it when it’s done carefully! Children should always be supervised when sledding, and it’s important to choose a location away from streets and traffic. Talk to your kids about how to avoid collisions with other sledders or snowboarders and how to sled responsibly. Helmets are an excellent idea for reducing serious head injuries from collisions with other people or trees.
Only ice skate in designated areas.
Children always need to ice skate with someone else, never alone. It’s also important that they know not to walk on the ice of ponds, lakes or other natural water sources without the permission of an adult who can make sure the ice is thick and will support their body weight. Always choose designated skating areas, and wear the appropriate skating gear, such as helmets, to avoid injuries from falling.
Snowmobiles are not safe for kids under 6 years old.
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that children under the age of 6 do not ride on snowmobiles. Snowmobiles accidents have injured and killed young children, and snowmobiles should only be operated by qualified individuals.
Getting enough physical activity is important for kids, rain or shine, warm or cold, but it’s also important that their safety is always top-of-mind. With the right planning and preparedness, your young kids can love all the fun memories that a snowy winter day can offer!
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