How to Keep Kids Safe amidst Cold Weather?

While Playing  outside, cold winds and low temperatures can expose children to hypothermia and frostbite if the right precautions are not taken beforehand.  New York based Pediatrician  Dr. Demetri Gabriel  elaborates on six tips that will ensure children will stay safe amidst the cold weather.

Dress in Layers. “Often times, at least one layer of clothing will get wet while the child is playing in the snow,” Gabriel explains. “If the child is wearing layers then they can be removed and moisture can be kept away from the skin.”

Avoid Cotton. “Unfortunately, clothes made of cotton do not have the ability to insulate the child if they do become wet,” he says. “Buy winter garments and clothing made of fleece and wool in order to keep your child warm.”

Utilize Headwear. “It has been proven that children can lose ‘up to sixty percent’ of their body heat if their heads are exposed,” urges Gabriel. “Wearing a hat, a headband or even earmuffs will close in that heat, keeping the children warm throughout the duration of their time outside.”

Don’t forget about ears, nose, hands and feet. “Although, it is very important to ensure the head is kept warm, the nose, hands and feet are also extremely vulnerable to frostbite so it is important to keep those covered as well,” he says.

Keep tabs on the overall time spent outside. “If the weather is especially cold out, keep tabs on how long children are spending outside,” Gabriel advises. “Limiting exposure to the bitter weather elements will ensure children will not be susceptible to hypothermia.”

Change wet clothing ASAP. “This is extremely important for keeping your children safe,” Gabriel states. “The wetness makes children that much more vulnerable to the dangers of hypothermia and frostbite. So do your best to keep them dry!”