by Sara Jackson, CSW
Primary Children’s Center for Safe & Healthy Families
Winter is filled with fun and magic for children. Winter vacation, sledding, skiing, and making snowmen are some of the things that kids look forward to about the winter season.
As with any season, we want to encourage our children to have fun, but to also be safe while doing so. Here are some tips from the National Institutes of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics to keep you and your family safe (and warm) during this winter season:
- Dress children in several thin layers to keep them dry and warm. (they can take a layer off if they become too warm)
- For older babies and younger children, dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in these same conditions.
- When putting a baby to sleep, use a one-piece sleeper or wearable blanket (blankets, quilts, pillows etc. should be kept out of an infant’s sleeping environment to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. (SIDS)
- Make sure children under 8 years old are supervised while playing outside; older children can establish a buddy system with a friend to look out for one another.
- Have children take a break and come inside frequently for a warm drink or snack.
- Keep children indoors if the temperature falls below -13°F.
- Tell children to not put their tongues on cold metal. (yes, some kids still do it!)
- Advise children to stay away from snowplows and snow blowers.
- Advise children to play away from roads, fences and water.
- Apply sunscreen to exposed skin. (you can still get a sunburn in the winter!)
Also, although most other states don’t have to worry about this, be sure to check the air quality before sending your children outside to play. If the air quality is too poor, engaging in physical activity outside can be very dangerous. Visit the department of Environmental Quality’s website for the current air quality conditions: http://www.deq.utah.gov/
Following these tips can ensure that your family has a safe and enjoyable winter season.
