Are your kids eager to play in the snow today? Make sure they're dressed properly for the cold temperature! Dr. Barry Gilmore, medical director of Emergency Services at Le Bonheur, shares some tips for the winter season.
- As a general rule of thumb, parents should dress young children and babies in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions. Kids playing outside should dress in several layers to stay warm and dry. "Don’t forget boots, gloves, hats and scarves," says Gilmore. "Extremities like fingers, toes, noses and chins are particularly susceptible to developing frostbite."
- Signs of frostbite include feelings of numbness, pain or change of skin color. If you suspect frostbite, bring your child indoors and place frostbitten part in warm (not hot water). Water temperature should be no higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not rub the affected area. If numbness continues, call your child’s doctor or seek medical attention.
- Bring children inside frequently to warm up during outdoor play. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures could cause hypothermia, which occurs more quickly in children than adults. Warning signs include confusion, shivering, slurred speech and sleepiness. If you suspect hypothermia, call 911 and immediately bring your child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap him or her in blankets.
- Parents should NOT wrap infants in blankets to sleep. Loose bedding could lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). A one-piece, zip-up "sleep sack" is the best way to keep babies warm while sleeping.
