Tips And Reminders For Winter Safety

Winter is a magical time for preschoolers as they witness the world transforming into a snowy wonderland. While the season brings joy and excitement, it also comes with its own set of challenges and safety concerns. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget some of these important winter safety concerns. This blog provides essential winter safety tips to help you navigate the frosty season with ease and keep your little ones safe and sound.

Dress in Layers

Winter means dropping temperatures and snow, so it’s time to dress warm! One of the keys to keeping your preschooler warm is dressing in layers. If your little one is getting ready for playing in the snow or a brisk day at the park, start with a moisture-wicking layer, followed by a layer of warm clothes, and a wind and waterproof layer on top. And don’t forget about extremities! Bundle your toddler up with a hat, gloves, and insulated shoes to keep warm!

Sunscreen Matters

It’s easy to forget that sunscreen is needed all year round. If your child is planning to spend the day outside it’s important to remember to apply sunscreen. Playing in snow or participating in snowy activities like tubing or snowboarding are the most important times to remember sunscreen in the winter. Beautiful white snow provides the perfect reflective surface for sunlight to shine back onto your little one’s face, so don’t skip the sunscreen this winter!

Stay Hydrated

Did you know that dehydration risks aren’t only for the summertime? Cold weather can be deceptively dehydrating. Monitor your preschooler and make sure they’re still drinking plenty of fluids. With the lack of heat as a motivator, their bodies might not remind them they’re thirsty as frequently. Try warmer beverages like hot chocolate or cider to help them stay hydrated in cold weather! 

Watch for Ice

Slips and falls are common during winter, especially on icy surfaces. Teach your preschooler to take small steps and walk carefully. Avoid areas with visible ice patches whenever possible and invest in slip-resistant boots or removable traction devices for shoes you already have.

Be Mindful of Indoor Heating

As temperatures drop, we often rely on indoor heating to stay warm. Be cautious with space heaters and radiators, ensuring they are out of reach and properly supervised. Additionally, use flameless candles on low surfaces to create a cozy atmosphere without the risk of burns.

Practice Proper Handwashing

It’s no secret that winter is peak cold and flu season, so it’s important to reinforce good hygiene habits. Teach your preschooler about the importance of handwashing and good handwashing habits. Come up with a song or small game that can help your child stay at the sink washing their hands for a full 20 seconds, with warm water and soap!

Create a Winter Emergency Kit

It’s important to always be prepared, so create a winter emergency kit this year. Include essentials such as blankets, snacks, a flashlight, water bottles, and any necessary medications. Keep this kit in your car or easily accessible near your front door. Now you’re better prepared to stay warm during a power outage or car breakdown.

Embrace Outdoor Play Safely

While it’s essential to protect against the cold, outdoor play is crucial for your child’s physical and mental development. Set time aside for fun in the snow or playtime at the park, but ensure they take breaks to warm up and stay dry.

Monitor Frostbite Warning Signs

Even if you don’t have plans to spend a lot of time outdoors this winter, it’s still important to know the signs of frostbite in the event of an emergency. Symptoms of frostbite can include numbness, tingling, pale, cold or hard skin, burning, aching, or blisters within the first 24 hours. If you suspect you or your child are suffering from frostbite, seek emergency care immediately. 

Swimming Safety Tips For Young Children

What Should I Do When My Kids Are In The Water?

  • Make sure inexperienced or weak swimmers stay within arm’s reach of an adult. Young but experienced swimmers should stay in pairs.
  • Designate an adult to watch the water for a set amount of time. Rotate however often feels comfortable ie. every 15 minutes so the designated adult is less likely to get distracted and gets to enjoy the day.
  • Avoid distractions such as books, phones, magazines, or loud music when you are the primary adult responsible for watching the swimmers.

What Are Some Pool Safety Tips For Kids?

  • Make sure there is a clear line of sight from your house to the pool. Preferably from a room you spend a lot of time in. 
  • Install a fence around the pool, preferably between four and five feet tall. Make sure that any gates do not have child friendly latches. 
  • Keep electrical appliances away from the pool area.
  • Store pool chemicals safely in an area that is inaccessible to children. Take the time to explain to your children that chemicals are not safe to be used by children rather than just telling them not to touch them. 
  • If you have a small kiddy pool, make sure you empty it and flip it upside down immediately after use. Store the pool outside of your children’s reach. 

What Are Some General Swimming Safety Tips To Remember?

  • Never leave children alone in or around the water.
  • Don’t let children swim during inclement weather.
  • Never replace a lifejacket with pool toys or water wings.
  • Don’t allow gum chewing or eating while swimming, diving, or playing in the water.
  • Keep a first aid kit on hand while swimming. 
  • If you’re swimming with someone else’s child, make sure to have emergency phone numbers beforehand. 
  • Learn CPR if possible. 
  • Don’t pressure children to swim when they aren’t ready. 
  • Remove toys and floats from the pool immediately after swimming. Children may be tempted to reach in to grab the toy while unattended.

Discuss the importance of swimming and pool safety with your children as well! To children, the pool and the beach are so exciting so wanting to run right in without looking back is only natural. Take the time before you have the pool or the ocean within view to talk to your child about the importance of safe swimming in a way that they will understand for their age. Waiting until you are at the pool or the beach will make it a lot more difficult for your child to really receive the information. Stay safe and have fun this summer!

 

Practicing Halloween Safety Tips

With Halloween only two days away it is important to review some safety tips for Halloween night with any of the trick or treaters leaving your house. These tips are helpful to remember when getting your little ones ready, as well as, before you set your older children off on their own. KidsHealth.org posted an extensive article with tips to remember about costumes, pumpkin carving, trick or treating, and candy eating. We’ve narrowed it down to the most important tips to remember this Halloween.

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Bike Safety

It’s summertime, which means your kids are going to be pulling their bikes out of the garage if they haven’t already. Before sending your kids out to ride their bikes alone, you should make sure they know some basic safety tips. We compiled a list of 5 basic safety tips to impart onto your children before sending them out to ride. Visit Safekids.org to view the full article.

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