Don’t hibernate this winter! Get outside and enjoy Alaska’s winter playground.
We know what you’re thinking—it’s too cold!
But with a little planning your entire family can stay active and safely enjoy time together outside sledding, building a snowman, or going on a walk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some valuable tips on how to keep your children safe and warm:
Dress Appropriately!
Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Always remember warm 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.
When riding in the car, babies and children should wear thin, snug layers rather than thick, bulky coats or snowsuits.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia develops when a child’s temperature falls below normal due to exposure to colder temperatures.
It often happens when a child is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without wearing proper clothing or when clothes get wet. It can occur more
quickly in children than in adults.
As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy. Speech may become slurred and body temperature will decline in more severe
cases.
Spring is on its way! But until then, thread encourages your family to enjoy our Alaskan winters by planning safe and warm activities
for the entire family.
For more information on winter play, check out these tips from
AAP.