Winter is in full force, with many parts of the UK currently experiencing subzero temperatures and others even embracing the snow. Of course, despite the winter chill, it’s still important for your children to spend time outside to get some fresh air in their lungs and soak up some vitamin D.
As important as this is, it’s just as imperative that you ensure they stay safe during this time. Read on below as we offer five top tips on keeping children safe from the cold in winter.
1. Layer Up
Unlike adults, children’s bodies have more trouble regulating their temperature. They also don’t tend to feel the cold the same way we do. However, just because your child may complain about wearing their woolly hat and zipping up their coat, it’s important that you still put them in enough layers – especially to avoid the risk of frostbite when temperatures are below zero outside.
It’s known that children are more prone to frostbite, since they lose heat from their skin faster than adults do.
Remember to cover their head, neck and hands. A good rule of thumb to follow is to dress babies and children in one more layer than adults would wear.
2. Practise Safe Play
Kids will be kids, which means they’ll happily run around and play outside without consideration or awareness of certain risks associated with winter weather. Cold conditions can make the ground icy and slippery, increasing the chances of falls.
Remember to keep an eye on your child(ren) and tell them to take it steady. Ideally, grit the ground they’ll be playing on if it hasn’t been already or tell them to stay on grass. At nursery, the playground should be gritted so you can rest assured that your child is still getting to enjoy playtime during the day.
Similarly, if there is snow outside, remember to only allow them to play or sled on the path or at the park – even if roads are closed, it’s still unsafe to play on these due to limited visibility of banks and ice.
Don’t forget the suncream, either! Sun reflects off the snow, so ensure your child is wearing suncream on their face and any other exposed areas when out playing in the snow to stop them from getting burnt.
3. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Due to the drier air outside in the winter, children will lose more water through their breath – especially after they’ve been running around and playing. Offer them plenty of water and encourage them to drink this, or offer them a warming alternative such as warm milk.
Avoid offering them sugary drinks such as squash or juice, or at least limit your child to one cup of pure juice or low-sugar, diluted squash per day – ideally with a meal.
Children’s Day Nursery
If you work from home but still want your child to benefit from playing outside during the day in the winter, then enrolling them at a nursery is the perfect solution.
Here at Little Acorns Day Nursery, we offer hourly, half day and full day sessions, so your child can socialise and play with others all whilst fostering their learning development, leaving you with the time to focus on additional priorities according to a schedule that suits you.
Get in touch with us today to enquire about our services.