Temperatures are changing with parents' approaches to letting kids outside in freezing colds. This year, you have registered the hottest weather conditions across Europe, with above-average temperatures showing on thermometers across France, Germany, the UK, and more. The same is expected to happen in the winter, too, so you don't have to worry about clothes that aren't warm enough for your kid if you want to dress them up in the same jacket or boots used last year. Similarly, the Balkans, Turkey, and Spain are also forecasted to go through milder winter temperatures than usual.
As today's inoffensive winters give families all the fantastic opportunities to enjoy some fun and bonding time outside with their kids, they still set the stage for a myriad of worries and stresses about the child's safety! Just stroll through Oxford Street, Stansted parking, the local park, or any other outdoor place when temperatures drop. You'll see parents' constant state of restlessness as to how well-protected their kids are against the cold. While you already have in mind the enjoyable and beneficial activities you can have outside with your toddler and have likely prepared the warmest and cosiest of clothes, you probably have a thought going through your mind that is frustrating you. How long should your kids stay in the chilly temperatures that might shake your bones? Should they interact with the outside, and what are the probabilities of having them catch a cold, virus, or other relatable diseases?
Let's dive deep into the pros and cons of having your kids explore the outdoors when the temperatures are low, as well as the best two protective measures to take.
Photo source: https://unsplash.com/photos/boy-in-blue-and-red-long-sleeve-shirt-and-pink-pants-holding-orange-round-plastic-_hdO_l751fE
Why children should go out in winter
Physical activity unfolded outside is linked to all sorts of benefits for children, such as better bone density, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, to name a few. Furthermore, your children take in the needed vitamin D more efficiently when they play.
Outdoor play poses unparalleled health benefits for the brain and neuronal system, improving mental health and cognition, reducing stress levels, and decreasing ADHD symptoms.
Indoors are often associated with germ hubs where bacteria can thrive unimpededly, so having the toddler breathe clean and fresh air will remove potential harm when sitting for long hours in the house.
On the other hand, chilly weather conditions help children boost their immune systems and fight the potential winter blues. This also allows them to clear out nasty toxins by getting their lymphatic system working, which will further improve their well-being and overall health.
As you can see, when approached correctly and cautiously, children can leverage numerous health benefits from spending time outdoors during winter.
When winter temperatures can pose a threat to the little ones
Spending too much time in arctic chill air can lead to several consequences in the little ones, such as hypothermia and frostbite. The body exposed to such temperatures produces heat at a slower rate than it loses it; consequently, too little heat is left. Exposure to extreme cold can lead to respiratory diseases, digestive problems, poor judgment from an impacted brain, and other problems that would otherwise not exist for your child.
Shivering too much can be a sign of starting hypothermia, so don't get to that point by paying constant attention to how they feel and having them warmly dressed. Watch out for any sign that your child might not be comfortable with the environment's temperature, and use the best solutions at hand to prevent such risks. And wherever you go, take into account the amount of time they'll spend in the harsh weather conditions. To avoid unpleasant situations by standing too long in the wind, rain, snow, and other uncomfortable environments, parking Manchester airport experts recommend checking the hours when buses arrive and leave and other factors associated with transportation outside the personal car.
Have them take frequent breaks to warm up
While playing outside in the cold brings many health benefits for young children, assuming they don't struggle with illness, sensibility, or poor immune system, it's natural to wonder when it's time to put an end or pause the fun. Children shouldn't be exposed to temperatures as low as or lower than -27°C and should never be left unmonitored in the cold, as skin exposed to such harsh weather conditions can dry and freeze.
Kids warm up faster than adults and maintain their heat differently than by definition, especially since they're more active and their blood circulates more quickly. However, this doesn't mean their heat is unlimited or foolproof to the freezing cold temperatures. They need to take regular breaks to enter the indoors and warm up a little, serve a warm drink, get dry if wet, rehydrate, and have their body temperature regulated.
When their hands and feet are warm, you can rest assured knowing their clothing and shoes are safe for wearing. However, overdressing them can be detrimental, as they might sweat and get colder when they pause their activity.
Determine the level of warmth
Inspiring frigid cold air might strain the lungs of anyone a little, which is all the more dangerous for kids. However, having them wear extremely long and tight scarves could be even harsher, despite a common belief that the more material there's around their neck, the better protected they are against the cold.
Three zones must be known to help you decide how protective, thick, or insulating the clothes they wear need to be. When you can tell whether you're in the green, red, or yellow zones, picking the suitable outfit or costume will become more straightforward.
Ending thoughts
Asking other parents or experienced caregivers' opinions can confuse you more, as views differ considerably from individual to individual. Therefore, among the safest things you can do to protect your child while also ensuring you're creating the perfect environment and conditions for them to enjoy the winter time at maximum is to document yourself, learn as you go, and help them boost their immunity systems.
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