Essential Tips for Keeping Young Children Healthy During Cold Weather

As we approach the cooler months, keeping children healthy can require so much more than making sure your kids wash their hands before a meal. Their developing immune systems make them vulnerable to more illness during colder temperatures. Here are a few simple ways adults can reduce the amount of times their kids get sick this winter!

Preparing for Cold Weather: What Parents Can Do Ahead of Time

Adults should check the weather forecast before heading outdoors to plan accordingly. Before the colder temperatures start, stock up on warm clothing, including hats, gloves, and scarves.

Speak with your child's pediatrician about the possible benefits of a flu shot to protect them from serious flu-related complications.

Teach children to wash their hands frequently, especially during flu season. Germs spread quickly on the skin and through their mouth, so be sure to have your kids wash their hands properly before they touch their face, eat a meal, or come back in after they play outside.

Is It Necessary to Keep Your Child Indoors to Stay Healthy?

Absolutely not! Kids don't catch a cold by being cold, although this is a popular old wives tale. By following some simple tips, you can make sure your children stay safe this winter even as they continue to enjoy playing outside!

Tips for healthy outdoor play:

• Encourage kids to wash their hands regularly, especially after going to the bathroom and before eating a meal.

• Teach good hygiene habits, such as covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Keep your child’s play and sleep environment clean and germ-free, if you are able to.

• Encourage your kids to get plenty of sleep at night to help their immune system function at its best.

• Dress appropriately for the weather, whether it be rain, snow, wind, or just cold temperatures.

Dressing for Cold Weather

What should your kids wear when it's cold outside? Dress your little ones in layers to keep them warm and dry. Layers can be added or removed to prevent overheating.

Choose warm, waterproof clothing, including a hat, gloves, and warm boots. Avoid keeping your child in wet clothing, as it draws heat away from the body. Make sure your little one’s clothing is breathable and moisture-wicking.

Whether your kids are outside throwing snowballs, walking to school, or playing winter sports, it is important for parents to dress them appropriately.

Staying Active and Healthy During Cold Weather

Encourage kids to engage in outdoor activities, such as winter sports, as a way to stay active and healthy. It is not necessary to simply stay indoors all winter long. Make sure your child wears warm and protective clothing, including a helmet, when engaging in winter sports.

Teach your kids to take lots of breaks and go inside to warm up when playing outside in cold weather becomes too much. Encourage kids to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Cold Weather Safety Precautions

Adults should be aware of the signs of frostbite and hypothermia, and take action quickly if they suspect something is wrong with their child. Teach children to stay away from frozen lakes and rivers.

Make sure your child knows how to prevent potential injury, such as wearing a helmet when sledding or skiing. Teach children to wear gloves and warm clothing to prevent frostbite.

Managing Winter Sickness

Here are some tips to keep kids from spreading germs to the entire family.

• Know the signs of common winter illnesses, such as the flu, Covid, and RSV.

• Teach children to cover their mouth and nose when they sneeze or cough.

• Encourage kids to stay home from school if they are feeling sick.

• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and stays hydrated when sick.

Nutrition and Hydration During Cold Weather

Kids should eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Teach children to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, smoothies, and warm soup.

Make sure your child gets plenty of vitamin C and vitamin D to help boost their immune system. Your pediatrician may suggest a multivitamin, depending on your child's body and needs.

Encourage kids to eat warm and nutritious meals that are high in protein and low in salt and sugar.

Creating a Safe and Healthy Environment

Make sure your child’s home environment is as clean and germ-free as possible. Teach your children to wash their hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.

Encourage kids to get plenty of sleep and rest to help their immune system function properly.

Make sure your child has a safe and warm place to play indoors, and dress properly when they go outside to play in rain or snow. Keeping their ears covered can be especially helpful for keeping warm!

Seeking Medical Care When Needed

Although it isn't common to need emergency medical help, parents should know when to seek medical care for their child, such as if they are experiencing severe symptoms or if their condition worsens.

Make sure your child has a pediatrician and schedule regular check-ups. Teach children to tell a trusted adult if they are feeling unwell or if they have any concerns. Make sure your child has access to medical care, such as a pediatrician or urgent care, in case of an emergency.

Things to watch for:

Hypothermia and frostbite

During extremely cold weather, parents should watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. In temperatures below zero, kids should ideally stay inside. If you need to be outside, wear plenty of layers and do checks of their skin, fingers, nose, ears, and toes.

Head injuries

Snow tubing, using snow disks, skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities can be fun but dangerous. Prevent head injuries by using proper equipment, only letting older children do certain activities, sitting properly, and checking the steering mechanism on sleds.

The colder months can be full of fun for families, as long as they know how to keep their kids healthy and safe.

Whether you're going out in the snow, dealing with rainy weather, or staying cozy inside, it's important for parents to take special care of their children during the colder winter months.