Winter is the harshest season of the year. If you anticipate a bad winter in your neck of the woods and you have small children at home, you will of course want to do everything you can to protect your kids from harm. To that end, here are some tips to keep in mind to help ensure that your child makes it through to spring unscathed.
Add Extra Layers to Protect the Skin
A young child's skin can be more sensitive than an adult's and this means they can feel even more uncomfortable while out in the cold. A good rule to follow is to make your children wear one additional layer of clothing on a brutally cold day in comparison to what you have on. Wear two pairs of socks instead of one. Wear long underwear on top of their regular underwear. Add a scarf on top of their overcoat. The layers make it easy for your child to strip off when they get back inside so they can remain comfortable both indoors and out.
Treat Numbness Quickly
If your child's extremities or any other part of their body is exposed to the cold for too long, it's possible their fingers or toes could turn numb or develop the beginnings of frostbite. If you fear your child has frostbite, act quickly but don't panic. Take them inside and dip the affected area of the body in warm water. Make sure it's just warm and not boiling hot. Do not rub the frozen area, simply let it soak in the water. Pat the area dry (again, don't rub) and wrap in clothing. Take your child's body temperature as well with a thermometer and make sure they are not also experiencing the start of hypothermia. If the frostbite or other issues linger, get your child to a pediatrician services expert as soon as you can.
Don't Let the Winter Sniffles Linger
Children tend to get sick more often than adults. Some reasons are biological but it could also just be because they are exposed to other sick children more often. If your child gets a cold, watch closely. If the cold lingers for more than a couple of days, it's probably best to reach out to a pediatric professional for help. The quicker you can get your child to recover, the sooner they can return to school and get caught up with their class.
There's never a bad time of year for a health check up for your young one.
For more information, contact companies like Kitsap Children's Clinic LLP.