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Keeping kids safe in subzero temperatures
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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some vital information on how to keep your children safe and warm during frigid winter days. The best advice, of course, is to stay indoors. But if you have to go out with the little ones in tow, here are some tips on what children should wear:
- The AAP recommends several thin layers. This will keep children dry and warm. Clothing for children should consist of thermal long johns, turtlenecks, one or two shirts, pants, sweater, coat, warm socks, boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.
- The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.
It is also important for parents to be knowledgeable about hypothermia and frostbite. According to the AAP, hypothermia develops when a child's temperature falls below normal due to exposure to cold. As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy. Speech may become slurred and body temperature will decline. If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911 at once. Until help arrives, take the child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap the child in blankets or warm clothes.
Frostbite occurs when the skin and outer tissue become frozen. It often happens on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears and nose. Those body parts may become pale, gray and blistered. Children suffering from frostbite may complain of burning or numb skin. If your child does have frostbite, bring the child indoors and place the frostbitten parts of the body in warm (not hot) water. Do not rub the frozen areas. After a few minutes, dry the child off, get them dressed and cover them in blankets. If the numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor.
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