Loose bedding is not ideal for a baby's sleeping environment
Loose bedding may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Instead, dress the child in warm one-piece sleep wear (onesies) or wearable blankets
This rule goes for both children and adults—dress in several thin layers instead of one or two thick garments
Easier to shed a cold, wet layer and still stay dry and warm
Do not forget to pack/ wear boots, gloves, and hat/ earmuffs
"The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions."
When to Go Outside—Or Not To
Pay attention to the wind chill. Windy days are increasingly colder than the temperature detected
How long should the kids play outside?
30 o F and higher
Comfortable temperature to play outside
Layer clothing, encourage hats and gloves
Provide water—regulates body temp.
Regroup inside every forty minutes or so
Check babies' fingers and feet often
20o F – 30oF
Follow the same rules as above but more cautiously
Gather children inside every twenty minutes (perfect hot chocolate break!)
Below 20oF
Keep children indoors
Why Bundle Up
Frostbite—
When the skin and outer tissues become frozen
Common spots are fingers, toes, ears and nose
If child complains of numbness or such symptoms, apply warm washcloth or place frozen parts in warm water (bath water temperature 104o F)
If numbness continues more than a few minutes, contact a doctor.
Hypothermia—
When a child's temperature drops below normal
Occurs from excessive exposure to cold temperatures, most often playing outdoors
Be sure to remove all wet clothing as soon as possible when returning indoors
More common in children than adults
"As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy. Speech may become slurred and body temperature will decline in more severe cases."
Call 911 immediately if these symptoms are evident
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