Safety Tips for a Snowy President's Day

This morning is President's Day and many of us awake to a white, snow-filled morning.  The Weather Channel talks of different systems that dropped snow overnight from the mid-Atlantic, over the central plains, and the west coast.  Many areas are expecting even more snow as the holiday progresses.

Because of the holiday, children are at home and many are being cared for by their au pair.  They are all waiting to run outside and play in the snow.  As the little ones are bundled for play, it is important to think of everyone's safety.  Cold weather, snow, and children create magical times, especially if everyone is kept warm and safe as they play outside.

Here are some safety tips for au pairs, host children, and parents from Kids Health:

• Lovely Layers:  Wearing several thinner layers instead of a few heavier ones helps regulate body temperatures.  When you initially go outside, you and the children need every layer to keep warm, but if body temperatures start to heat up from the exertion of playing in the snow, a layer or two can be peeled off.
• Hat Head is Hot (as in cool):  As everyone goes outside, make sure they all grab a hat.  A lot of body heat is lost through the head and a key to staying warm is keeping the head covered.
• Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize:  Besides a hat, other key accessories for cold weather play are scarves, earmuffs, facemasks, and mittens.  Covering everyone's face will protect the vulnerable areas such as noses, cheeks, and ears from frostbite.  Waterproof mittens or gloves are best or playing in the snow so your fingers do not become wet.
• Simple signs:  Watch for the simple sign that one of you has had enough time in the cold.  As you get absorbed in play, pay attention to signs that someone needs to take a break to get warm.  Teeth chattering and shivering are the most obvious signs, but feeling dizzy and weak are also signs that a body needs to warm up inside.
• Fight the Bite:  By wearing layers and covering exposed skin, frostbite should be prevented, but even with the skin covered, it could happen.  Signs of frostbite include numbness in fingers, toes, cheeks, ears, or nose.  Never put cold fingers or toes in hot water.  Always use room temperature water to bring them back to a comfortable temperature.

After play outside, don't forget one of the best parts of playing in the snow...a warm cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream!