When temperatures turn cold, your child enjoys playing in the snow or skating on the ice. These winter activities provide hours of enjoyment, and it's important to ensure your child is safe while she's involved in these activities. From bundling up to wearing the proper equipment when skiing or sledding, teaching your child proper safety techniques during the winter can make for an injury-free season.
Significance
More than 74,000 winter-sports-related injuries were reported in 2004, according to the University of Michigan Health System. These injuries involved activities such as sledding, snowboarding and tobogganing. Because life-threatening head injuries can occur while participating in these winter sports, practicing proper safety precautions is important. Along with avoiding injuries is protecting your child from cold temperatures. Hypothermia can set in even at damp or windy temperatures reaching 50 to 60 degrees, and infants are especially vulnerable to cold temperatures.
At Home
Before your children go to school or outside to play, ensure they are wearing warm clothing. Layer breathable clothing made of natural fibers on them--such as cotton or wool--to ensure your children can remove layers when indoors, but stay warm when outside. A hat and gloves also are needed to keep warm. You also should teach your child the importance of proper hand washing while at home. according to Kids Health. Because cold temperatures bring more people indoors, germs are more easily spread. Hand washing can help reduce exposure to these germs.
Prevention
Adults can help children take preventive measures when engaging in cold-weather activities. When sledding or skiing, children should wear helmets to prevent head injuries. Before allowing your child to sled on an area, ensure it is free of obstructions and observe your child at all times, according to the University of Michigan Health System. If your child is skating, ensure that laces are not broken and that the skates fit properly.
Effects
If your child has been exposed to cold weather, carefully observe him for signs of hypothermia or cold-related illness. These symptoms include slurred speech, clumsiness, shivering and lethargy, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. If you observe these signs, immediately take your child indoors, remove any wet clothing, then seek emergency care.
Misconceptions
While you may think cold temperatures and a lack of the sun's visible rays do not lead to sun damage, the opposite is true. The snow's surface reflects an estimated 85 percent of the sun's rays, according to Kids Health. This means sunburn is possible during winter months. Apply sunscreen to your child's face and any other areas of exposed skin to protect against sunburn.
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