12 Winter Safety Tips for Au Pairs

Winter in the U.S. can be magical, with sparkling snow, cozy nights, and festive holidays. But along with the beauty of the season come challenges like icy sidewalks, shorter daylight hours, and colder temperatures. As an au pair, it’s important to know how to stay safe and healthy while caring for your host children and making the most of your time in the United States.

Here are 12 winter safety tips to help you navigate the season with confidence.

1. Dress in Layers to Stay Warm

Winter weather can be unpredictable. Dressing in layers helps trap heat and keeps you comfortable as temperatures change throughout the day.

Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away.
Add an insulating layer like a sweater or fleece
Finish with a waterproof, windproof outer layer

Don’t forget a hat, scarf, gloves, and warm socks. Hypothermia and frostbite can develop quickly in cold weather, so staying warm is essential.
🔗 Learn more about Dressing in Cold Weather

2. Be Cautious on Icy Surfaces

Sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots can become dangerously slippery in winter. Always walk carefully and wear shoes or boots with good traction.

Take slow, small steps on ice
Keep your hands free to help balance yourself
Watch out for 'black ice," which can be nearly invisible

If you're walking with children, hold their hands and guide them safely.

3. Plan Ahead to Avoid Stress

Winter often brings unpredictable weather, changes to the school schedule, and holiday events. Planning ahead can help reduce stress for you and your host family.

Check the weekly forecast and plan activities accordingly.
Leave early for appointments to allow extra travel time.
Keep your schedule organized with reminders for pickups and activities

4. Stay Hydrated

Even in cold weather, your body needs plenty of water. Indoor heating can be dehydrating, and you may not feel as thirsty in winter, but hydration is still key.

Carry a reusable water bottle
Encourage kids to drink water regularly
Include foods with high water content, like fruits and soups

WebMD recommends how much H2O kids should drink every day:

Toddlers: 2 to 4 cups
4-8 years: 5 cups
9-13 years: 7-8 cups
14 and up: 8-11 cups

5. Check Weather Conditions Before Going Out

Winter storms can bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and strong winds. Before heading out by yourself or with your host children, always check the weather.

Avoid unnecessary travel in severe conditions.
Know your local emergency alerts for winter weather warnings.
Keep a small emergency kit in your car if you drive.

We recommend The Weather Channel or AccuWeather to check the most up-to-date weather.

6. Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Itis essential never to warm up or operate a vehicle in an enclosed space, such as a garage, even with the door open. Doing this could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. When warming up the car in the winter, be sure to pull it out of the garage. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Learn the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, like dizziness, headache, or nausea.

7. Never Drink and Drive

The holidays are a great time to celebrate with friends and family, and these celebrations often include festive drinks; however, safety always comes first. If you plan to drink, never get behind the wheel.

Utilize public transportation and ride share options like Uber or Lyft.
Arrange for a non-drinking, designated driver.
Encourage responsible choices when out with friends.
Never get in a car with someone who has been drinking.

8. Practice Food Safety

Winter brings holiday gatherings and big meals, but it's important to handle food safely to avoid illness.

Wash hands and surfaces before and after handling food.
Cook meat to proper temperatures using a food thermometer and this helpful guide.
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold- don't leave perishable items our for more than two hours.
Ask about ingredients if you or your host child has allergies or dietary restrictions.

9. Stay Visible Outdoors

With shorter daylight hours in winter, it's important to plan accordingly when walking or jogging outside.

Wear reflective clothing or accessories
Carry a flashlight if you're out in the early morning or evening.
Stick to well-lit areas and sidewalks whenever possible.
Inform your host family or fellow au pair where you are going and when you plan to return.

10. Stay Healthy

Winter is peak cold and flu season, so taking care of yourself helps keep your host kids healthy too.

Wash hands often to stop the spread of germs.
Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
Get plenty of rest and eat nutrient-rich foods to strengthen your immune system.

For more tips on staying well during cold and flu season, visit the CDC's Winter Health Guide.

11. Practice Fire Safety

Candles and fireplaces make winter feel cozy, but they can be dangerous if not used with care.

Always check with your host family about their guidelines for using candles or the fireplace.
Never leave candles or fireplaces unattended.
Keep children and pets away from open flames.
Know where fire extinguishers are located in your host family's home.

12. Be Smart When Online Shopping

Holiday deals and winter sales can be exciting and convenient, but online shopping also comes with risks like scams, fake websites, and identity theft.

Use reputable websites.
Avoid giving out personal information.
Watch out for scam emails and fake holiday deals.

Stay Safe, Stay Prepared, and Enjoy Winter

Winter in the U.S. is a beautiful season filled with new experiences, but it also requires extra care to keep yourself and your host children safe. Dressing warmly, planning ahead for weather changes, staying visible in the dark, and practicing food and fire safety are simple but important steps. By staying alert, prepared, and mindful of your surroundings, you can enjoy everything winter has to offer while keeping safety a top priority.