How to Keep Kids Healthy in Winter
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How to Keep Kids Healthy in Winter
Introduction
Kids and wintertime go together like peanut butter and jelly. Most kids can't wait for the first snow to build a snow fort or sled down the neighbor's hill. But for parents, wintertime can bring on an extra helping of worry. Here are some tips to help keep kids healthy and safe in the winter.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Ward Off Illness
Steps
1
Step One
Have your child immunized each fall with the current influenza vaccine.
2
Step Two
Make sure your child washes his hands frequently to avoid getting sick. He should wash up before eating and after using the restroom, sharing toys, coughing and blowing his nose.
3
Step Three
Ensure your child gets enough sleep to help his body fight off infection.
4
Step Four
Serve your child nutritious foods to boost his immune system.
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Step Five
Use a cool-mist humidifier in your child's bedroom if he has a cold or tends to get nosebleeds.
Keep Children Safe Outdoors
Steps
1
Step One
Give your child a snack before heading outside. The calorie boost will help give his body energy in the cold weather.
2
Step Two
Pay attention to the temperature and wind chill. Keep your child inside if the temperature is less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
3
Step Three
Dress your child in layers, with one more layer than you would wear yourself. Start with long underwear, a turtleneck or shirt and a gaiter, a sweater and then a coat. A waterproof top layer is best.
4
Step Four
Don't forget a hat that covers your child's ears, but do forget about a scarf, which can be a strangulation hazard. A neck gaiter is better.
5
Step Five
Keep an extra dry pair of gloves on hand so your child can trade in his wet ones and stay outside a little longer.
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Step Six
Check on your children regularly when they are outside. Better yet, play outside with them. You'll have firsthand knowledge of the weather conditions and share in the fun.
Tips & Warnings
- Watch for signs of hypothermia: shivering, goosebumps, pale or bluish skin and irregular breathing. Signs may be different for infants; the baby may not shiver but have bright red skin, irritability and sleepiness. Bring the child indoors, change her into dry clothes, give her a warm drink and wrap her in a blanket. Do not warm the child in front of a fire or heater. Call 911 if the child's temperature drops below 95 degrees, if she does not seem to improve or seems clumsy or lethargic.
- Watch for signs of frostbite: white or grayish yellow skin that appears hard, waxy or blistered. Change your child into warm, dry clothing and go immediately to the emergency room. Don't warm the frostbitten area over a fire, and never rub frostbitten skin, which can be easily damage.
Keep Kids Safe at the Holidays
Steps
1
Step One
Place unbreakable items on the lower branches of Christmas trees.
2
Step Two
Keep lights and candles out of a child's reach.
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Step Three
Be extra careful with space heaters. Follow directions for use exactly, and do not allow your child to touch it or be left alone with it.
4
Step Four
Pay attention to holiday treats that may be a choking hazard for young children, such as nuts, hard candy, grapes, popcorn, apples or raw carrots.
5
Step Five
Recognize potential hazards at homes you may visit with your child. Your best friend may not know to cover up her electrical outlets or block off a dangerous stairway. It's up to you to protect your child, so you may need to bring along some safety items like a baby gate just in case.
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