Cold Weather Safety for Children

Winter brings snowmen, sledding, and cozy indoor days, but it also brings risks. Children are more susceptible to cold than adults and may not recognize when they're getting too cold. Understanding how to dress children properly, recognize danger signs, and prevent cold-related injuries keeps winter fun and safe.

Why Children Are Vulnerable AAP

Children lose heat faster than adults.

Physical factors:

• Larger surface area relative to body size
• Less body fat for insulation
• Smaller blood vessels near skin
• May not shiver as effectively

Behavioral factors:

• May not recognize they're cold
• Don't want to stop playing to warm up
• May resist wearing proper clothing
• Babies can't tell you they're cold
• Young children can't regulate clothing

Dressing for Cold AAP

Proper clothing is the foundation of cold weather safety.

The layering principle:

• Base layer: Moisture-wicking (keeps sweat away from skin)
• Middle layer: Insulating (traps warmth)
• Outer layer: Wind and waterproof (blocks elements)

Essential winter items:

• Warm hat (significant heat loss through head)
• Mittens (warmer than gloves for young children)
• Insulated, waterproof boots
• Warm socks (not cotton, which holds moisture)
• Scarf or neck warmer
• Warm, water-resistant coat

For infants:

• One more layer than adults would wear
• No loose blankets in car seats
• Keep face visible and clear
• Check for warmth regularly

For active children:

• Don't overdress (sweat leads to chill)
• Bring extra dry layers
• Check for wet clothes
• Adjust layers as activity level changes

Frostbite: Prevention and Recognition CDC

Frostbite occurs when skin and tissue freeze.

Areas most at risk:

• Fingers and toes
• Ears
• Nose
• Cheeks
• Chin

Warning signs (frostnip):

• Red or pale skin
• Tingling or numbness
• Cold, hard feeling to skin

Frostbite signs:

• White or grayish-yellow skin
• Skin feels waxy or unusually firm
• Numbness
• Blisters may develop after rewarming

Preventing frostbite:

• Cover exposed skin
• Keep clothing dry
• Limit time outdoors in extreme cold
• Check extremities regularly
• Bring children in when they're cold

If you suspect frostbite:

• Get indoors immediately
• Remove wet clothing
• Warm affected areas gradually (body heat, warm—not hot—water)
• Do NOT rub affected areas
• Do NOT use direct heat (heating pad, fire)
• Seek medical attention

Hypothermia: A Serious Risk CDC

Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops dangerously low.

Risk factors:

• Prolonged exposure to cold
• Wet clothing
• Wind chill
• Cold water immersion
• Not dressed properly

Warning signs:

• Shivering (stops in severe hypothermia)
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Clumsiness
• Slow breathing
• Cold, pale skin

In infants:

• Bright red, cold skin
• Very low energy
• Not shivering (may not shiver even when cold)

If you suspect hypothermia:

• Call 911 for severe symptoms
• Get to warm place
• Remove wet clothing
• Warm center of body first (chest, neck, head, groin)
• Use dry blankets, warm drinks (if conscious)
• Stay with person until help arrives

Safe Winter Activities Safe Kids

Winter play is wonderful with proper precautions.

Sledding safety:

• Sled on snow, not ice
• Choose hills away from roads and obstacles
• Go down feet first, sitting up
• No sledding into streets or parking areas
• Young children should sled with adults
• Helmets recommended

Ice skating safety:

• Skate only on approved, maintained ice
• Never assume ice is safe—check thickness
• Wear helmets, especially for beginners
• Stay with children
• Know how to get out if you fall through

Skiing and snowboarding:

• Lessons before hitting slopes
• Helmets required
• Proper equipment that fits
• Follow resort rules
• Stay on appropriate terrain for skill level

Building snowmen and forts:

• Don't let children dig tunnels that could collapse
• Watch for ice chunks
• Supervise young children

Winter Clothing and Car Seat Safety AAP

Puffy winter coats are dangerous in car seats.

The problem:

• Puffy coats compress in a crash
• Creates slack in harness straps
• Child can be ejected from seat

The solution:

• Buckle child without coat
• Put coat on backwards over harness
• Use thin fleece instead of puffy coat
• Use car seat covers that go over strapped-in child
• Pre-warm car when possible

Indoor Heating Safety

Cold weather brings indoor heating hazards.

Space heater safety:

• Keep 3 feet clear of anything flammable
• Never leave unattended
• Turn off when sleeping or leaving room
• Keep children away

Fireplace safety:

• Use screen or gate
• Never leave unattended with children
• Teach fire safety rules
• Check that fire is completely out before bed

Carbon monoxide:

• Install CO detectors
• Never use generators, grills, or camp stoves indoors
• Have heating system checked annually

When to Stay Indoors

Guidelines for outdoor play:

• Check wind chill, not just temperature
• Limit outdoor time in extreme cold
• Babies under 6 months should avoid extreme cold
• Take breaks to warm up

Signs to come inside:

• Shivering
• Complaints of cold
• Red or pale skin
• Numbness or tingling
• Wet clothing
• Time limits reached

Very cold conditions:

• Wind chill below 0°F: limit exposure significantly
• Wind chill below -15°F: frostbite can occur in minutes
• Consider canceling outdoor activities in extreme cold

Winter Health Tips

Preventing winter illness:

• Handwashing remains important
• Keep immunizations current
• Humidifier can help with dry air
• Moisturize dry skin

Dry skin and lips:

• Use gentle moisturizers
• Apply lip balm
• Avoid licking lips
• Humidify indoor air

The Bottom Line

Cold weather safety requires proper layering, limiting exposure in extreme cold, recognizing signs of frostbite and hypothermia, and remembering car seat safety with winter coats. Check children frequently during outdoor play, bring them in when needed, and know how to respond to cold emergencies. With proper precautions, winter can be full of safe fun.

Clara is here to help you keep your children safe in cold weather!