Winter Wonderland: Snowstorm Safety Strategies for Parents
Kids love to play around outdoors in the winter. But, it can be dangerous out there. Here are some safety tips for keeping the kids warm, safe, and dry in the snow.
Build A Base, And Layer
Before you send your kids out into the cold, bundle them up. Start with a base layer made of wool. Base layers are undergarments that you put on to protect their little bodies. Wool works best because it breathes well, won’t overheat your child and, if it does get wet, it will dry out fast.
Wool is also antimicrobial, making it a good choice for all day and multiday wear.
When you can’t do wool because of the expense or sizing, synthetics are a decent second-best option.
How To Protect Your Children’s Hands and Feet
Wool mittens are the first choice, of course. But, you can also pair insulating gloves with hand warmers (the kind that uses chemicals to produce heat). You might also consider layering gloves for added warmth and protection.
How Not To Lose Sight Of Your Kids
Dress them in brightly-colored clothes so that you can see them in the snow. Pinks work very well for girls, and bright yellows for boys. Of course, you could mix and match if your boy doesn’t mind wearing pink.
The point is to make it easier to spot your child amongst the many other people there at the mountain and against the snow itself. Stay away from whites, greens, and other colors that may blend in with the background (including trees).
Hats and Goggles
This is obvious, but something some parents forget – especially the goggles. You’ll want a warm hat, of course, but you’ll also want tinted goggles that are anti-fogging. They’re a bit more expensive, but they’re worth it.
Protect With Sunscreen
Just because it’s snowing outside doesn’t mean they can’t get sunburned. Many parents learn this the hard way. The sun’s rays can reflect off the snow and give your child an epic sunburn on their face. Use sunscreen on the nose, ears or any exposed body part.
Hydrate
Because it’s winter, many parents forget that they need to keep water on hand. Snowboarding and skiing are (and any outdoor sport, really) is dehydrating. So, keep water bottles on hand and be prepared to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
What To Do If Your Child Does Get Wet
Hey, it happens. You could bundle them up in waterproof clothing, and they may still get wet. Kids have a way of breaking the unbreakable. When it happens, it’s important to get them out of those clothes as quickly as possible.
The wool base layers should dry out fast, which will help keep the chill off your child. But, you’ll need somewhere dry and safe for them to warm up. This is where it helps to have shelter. Something like whistler blackcomb lodging will have fully-appointed rooms, heat, and amenities.
Dry out the clothes by hanging them up or throwing them in a dryer.
Getting wet is never fun, especially when it’s really cold out. But, it’s better than getting frostbite or a cold.
Amelia Davey is Mom to 2 young boys and, having worked for many years as a ski instructor, simply loves getting her family out in the snow. She blogs for parenting blogs and travel sites on a range of Winter topics for the family.