Boy, what a difference a couple days make! This past weekend, I was so excited that temperatures were warm enough to run errands on my bicycle. Not so this morning. This morning, we were greeted with a wind chill of -14 degrees.
For those of you who are not sure what a “wind chill” means, that is the number assigned to what the temperature feels like if you factor in the wind. For those of us here in the Midwest, it just means brutal cold! And while yes, we should expect January to be a cold month, we should never underestimate the consequences of over-exposure at this time of year.
Here are some things you can do to make sure that you (and your kiddos) are safe this winter:
Have a hearty breakfast.
A hearty, nutritious breakfast is a good idea for every person, every day. But it’s especially true if you have to brave the cold at the school bus stop. This very important meal is called breakfast because it does just that: breaks the fast that took place during sleep. It also starts the body’s metabolism process which will help to warm the body. Our favorite breakfast foods on cold mornings include a warm bowl of oatmeal or some French toast with a slice of turkey bacon, along with organic fruit or juice and some skim milk. A cup of warm cocoa would be a welcome treat on an especially cold morning.
Layers, layers, layers.
While your son might feel comfortable in just a pair of jeans and a hoodie or your daughter may insist on that cute skirt she got for Christmas, the wind will cut right through single layers to the skin. A pair of snug fitting long underwear or a pair of tights under that outer layer are a good idea for kids. Boots with an inner layer should be worn even in the absence of snow to keep toes warm (while shoes are transported in the backpack). A sweater or sweatshirt over a long sleeved shirt should be worn underneath a warm winter coat.
Cover exposed skin.
When the winter air becomes dangerously frigid, it is vitally important to cover as much exposed skin as possible. A wind chill of -14 degrees means that exposed skin can suffer frostbite in as little as 10 minutes. A warm hat (not a baseball cap) is essential to hold heat in. Children lose body heat through their heads much more quickly than adults do. Ears should be completely covered because they are especially sensitive. If your little one prefers ear muffs, a hat or hood should still be used to hold that heat in!
A warm winter coat, preferably with an inner lining, is a given and should be zipped and buttoned up. Mittens are a better bet than gloves for little ones because mittens allow children’s fingers to benefit from the friction involved. Finally, a scarf around the face is extremely important. It should cover both the mouth and the nose to keep them safe from exposure.
Final Thoughts
Even if your child does not have to walk to school or wait at a school bus stop, layering and covering exposed areas is always a good idea during a cold snap. Even teenagers need to use common sense at this time of year. While my teen is not fond of being bundled head to toe, I try to remind him of the worst case scenarios (car could break down, school could be evacuated, etc.) so that he’ll understand the benefit of good preparation.
Finally, please remember your animals! Frostbite and hypothermia do not just affect humans. If we are suffering the effects of brutally cold temperatures, your animals are too. Please bring them inside and keep them comfortable. They need to have adequate food and water for their bodies to work properly and they need to be sheltered from the cold and wind. Sadly, there are people who will go to great lengths to keep their children warm, but don’t give a second thought to the “outdoor” dogs and cats.
Winter is a fun time of year and yes, most of us here in the Midwest are used to the cold. However, some easy steps and common sense will go a long way in keeping you safe so that you are able to enjoy all that Winter has to offer. Have fun and stay safe!
To your health and happiness,
Green Mom
I know many will scoff at this, but this is helpful stuff even to a non-Midwesterner. I live in sunny San Diego, CA but it has been unseasonably cold for us as well. No where near -14 but in the low 30′s in the mornings and only hitting low 50′s during the day. Cold for beach kids (and moms!)
We also have the problem of freezing mornings but warmer afternoons. We want to bundle them up when they walk out the door only to find they’ve forgotten every jacket, one glove and a beenie by the time I pick than up because they’ve shed the layers by lunch! So frustrating! But a healthy hearty breakfast helps us get out the door for sure!
Also remembering to put lotion on my kids each night is key! Between the dry weather and running the heater (SoCal houses ate not well-insulated for cold, trust me) their little skin gets so dry and irritated!
Thanks for your awesome ideas and reminding us to keep warm on the inside too!
Vicky
http://www.thepursuitofnormal.blogspot.com
I had to laugh about the layers. I used to teach in a first grade classroom and when the kids came in, the hats and mittens went flying everywhere!!
Moisturizing is definitely a good idea no matter what part of the country you live in. I would think your locale requires a good bit of sunscreen too. Aahhh….what I wouldn’t give for the smell of a salty breeze. But I digress!
Thanks so much for the comment. I’m imagining kids heading to lunch right now in the Midwest (it’s about 11:20 AM here) and hoping they have something nice and hot in a thermos! The sun is shining brightly but brrrrr……it’s cold!!
Enjoy your day!!
It is cold! Good tips! I hope your family is staying warm. We are using our fireplace like it is going out of style!
Yes, thank you. Hope the same for you! What part of the country are you from?
Very helpful tips! Thank you for sharing. My favorites were eating breakfast to get the body’s metabolism going and the part about frostbite and hypothermia affecting pets as well. Kids and the elderly are more susceptible to hypothermia as well. Great post!
Thank you, I appreciate your comment. Although we are typically “prepared” for winter as Chicagoans, it’s important especially that can’t always help themselves…children, the elderly and pets. Thanks again!