Winter can be so magical, but it also comes with safety hazards for kids when the weather gets cold and snowy. Now we look at some of the greatest winter safety tips you need to know for your kids.
Winter safety tips for kids
1. Dress in Layers
Base Layer: This is the level of clothing closest to skin. The garment should be made from wool, silk, or semi-transparent-to-the-skin fabrics. This helps keep skin dry and warm. Avoid cotton as it retains moisture.
Insulation Layer: Middle layer that keeps warm air close to the body. This layer can be fleece, down, or wool. Then, find something warmer, a down-stuffed jacket or sweater if it is freezing.
Outer Layer: This layer should prevent the wind and rain from coming inside. This helps keep the child safe from the cold and snow. Materials like nylon or Gore-Tex are excellent choices. The jacket and pants should fit comfortably. They should be big enough to move easily. But, they should not be too loose. The clothes need to stop wind and snow from getting inside.
2. Wear Proper Footwear
Waterproof Boots: In the winter, snow and slush can enter your kids’ shoes and cause their feet to freeze and get wet. You can only stay warm if you are dry. So cracking pair of waterproof boots is a must. They help stop snow from getting inside. Boots with tall sides are best. You can go for thicker soles with deep treads that add no slippery on ice or snow.
Wool Socks: Merino wool is number one, because it will insulate and wick sweat away from the feet. Cotton holds moisture. This can make your kids’ feet colder. Cold feet can get frostbite.
3. Keep a Lid on Heads, Hands, and Ears
Hat: Good winter hat should have the ability to cover ears and fit perfectly on forehead. Hats made with wool or fleece are the best. They keep your kids’ head warm. They also help keep the heat in.
Gloves vs. Mittens: Mittens are usually warmer than gloves. This is because fingers stay close together in mittens. When fingers are together, they stay warmer. But if your kids’ need to use their hands a lot, like to use a phone or hold something, gloves might be better. Opt for mittens or gloves with a waterproof capability for your kids additionally.
Scarves: Scarves are great for keeping the neck and chest warm, as well as preventing cold wind from entering. But not too much length that it can get stuck in something at play time.
4. Keep Them Hydrated
Make sure kids drink enough water in winter. The cold air makes them lose water when they breathe. Give them water often. Aside from that, you can give them warm drinks (tea or coffee) and soup in order to keep them hydrated.
Buy an insulated cup from Amazon for hot drinks that will keep tea or coffee hot for 12 hours.
Also buy an Electric Mixer from Amazon to make the warm drinks enjoyable for kids.
5. Use Sunscreen
UV Exposure: The sun may be very strong in the winter as well. Snow, particularly new snow, reflects as much as 80% of ultraviolet radiation and increases the exposure. Make sure your kids wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF on their hands, face, and any other area if it is exposed. Even on an overcast day this step is critical since children have more sensitive skin.
6. Be careful with Frozen Water
Hidden Danger — Thin Ice: While ice on lakes, ponds, or rivers may look like it could hold anyone up, thin ice can be very dangerous. Ice can be thick or thin. This depends on the weather, water, and other things. Kids should only skate or play on ice in places that are marked safe.
Ice Thickness: To walk on, the ice should be 4 inches minimum according to the professionals. Ice needs to be 5-7 inches thick for ice skating. If in any doubt, do not let children near frozen water.
7. Supervise Outdoor Play
Stay Warm and Safe: Children can play outside in the snow for a long time and not notice when they get too cold. Parents should make sure kids take breaks to warm up inside. Tell kids to come inside when they start feeling cold. Also, remind them to drink water, because they can get thirsty even in the cold.
Active Supervision: Make sure kids are dressed warmly. Watch them closely when they play on snow hills or near roads. If they are doing anything that would be questionable to do alone, you should monitor them.
8. Frostbite & Hypothermia
Hypothermia: This is where the body temperature falls at a rate faster than that the body warming mechanism can compensate. This makes your body temperature go lower than normal. When this happens, your kid will get very cold, even sick. Shivering, confusion, slurred speech and pale skin are common symptoms. If you spot these warning signs get the child indoors without delay and warm them up safely. The only disallowed methods are cold exposure, hot water, or heating pads because of the risk for burn injury.
Frostbite: Frostbite happens when skin and underlying tissues freeze during freezing temperatures. It primarily occurs in the extremities, including various regions but mainly in fingers, toes, nose, and ears. Pale, numb and rigid skin are among the signs, consult medical assistance as soon as possible if developing frostbite is suspected.
9. Teach Ice Safety
Use Proper Protective Gear: If children are ice skating, sledding, or practicing any winter sports, they should wear helmets. Helmets help protect their heads if they fall. Falling on ice can hurt their head. Knee pads and elbow pads are good for safety too.
Not Got Something Fun Time to Sled: Sledding is actually an extremely fun task in addition to winter season, however one administrator should stand out for risks. 
Pick sledding hills with a smooth, unobstructed runout and steer clear of hills adjacent to roadways. Sledders should always wear a helmet, never allow kids on sleds without a helmet, ensure area is free of obstructions or things to crash into.
10. Car Safety
Safe Travel in Cold Weather: Winter driving can be hard. You need to be careful. Make sure your car has winter tires. Top off the windshield washer fluids. Have an emergency kit in the vehicle. The kit should contain things like blankets, spare clothing, and food and drink supplies.
Something about car seat safety: kids always end up wearing those super bulky coats in the winter before getting into their car seats. But thick jackets can make the car seat straps too loose. This can be unsafe. A thinner jacket is preferable, and then cover the kids with a blanket once they are buckled in. That, however, can get in the way of the harness doing its job. Instead, strap the child in first and cover them with a blanket.
11. Watch for Winter Driving Hazards
Winter Driving: Prepare your car for the winter if you are driving with the kid. Watch for the state of the tires. Make sure the brakes work well. Check that the battery is strong.
Clear Ice and Snow: Ensure you remove all the ice and snow from your windscreen, mirrors, and roof before driving.
Winters may seem fun and exciting, but these tips for winter safety will help to keep the kids safe this season. They will stay warm and healthy. They can have fun while staying safe.
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