Keep Your Preschooler or Kindergartener Warm This Winter With our 4 Cold-Weather Tips!
December 9, 2020
Winter can be a super fun time of year for preschoolers and kindergarteners, but it’s important to take the proper precautions.
Make sure playing in the snow is always a fun time, rather than a dangerous one, by doing these 4 things:
• Layers. Wearing several layers that aren’t too tight is always better than one ultra-heavy jacket or shirt. Every layer should be warm, waterproof and designed to keep wind from getting through. Your child’s head, neck and hands should be covered at all times because this is where a lot of heat escapes.
• Use sunscreen. Avoid putting that sunscreen away once beach season is over. Children can and do, in fact, get sunburned in the winter. The sun can reflect off the snow and cause sunburn to any exposed areas, most notably the face. So, make sure to apply good sunscreen to any area that will not be covered by layers before your little ones heads out to play.
• Check in on them regularly while they’re playing. Preschoolers and kindergarteners might get caught up in the fun and forget when it’s time to come in. When you’re getting your child ready to go outside, remind them to come inside and take a break if they’re cold or wet. Then, check in with them every few minutes to make sure they are continuing to stay warm and dry, and encourage them to take a breather, or change clothes, if the weather looks to be getting to them.
• Watch for signs of frostbite. Frostbite is a common risk of extended time in cold temperatures. Monitor your child regularly for signs of frostbite, including but not limited to: cold skin, prickling feet, skin that is painful to the touch, and skin that is red, white or grayish-yellow. If you suspect they may have frostbite, gently remove the clothing covering the infected area and soak the area in water that is approximately 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful that the water isn’t too hot, as a rapid temperature change can worsen the effects of frostbite.
Outdoor play is so important for a preschooler or kindergartener’s development, and we make sure to do it safely here at Les Enfants. Contact us today at 201-592-6695 or info@lesenfantschildcare.com for more information!
