The winter weather has arrived! Whether you and your kids are cozying up at home, or braving the cold outdoors, don’t let the season snowball into a safety hazard.

10 tips to keep your kids protected:

1. Be mindful of the sun. Just because the temperature feels frigid doesn’t mean the suns rays aren’t still shining down. Snow reflects over 75% of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Be mindful to put some sunscreen on your kids’ faces when they’re playing outside in the snow.
2. Don’t be too snug. Make sure your kids’ winter-wear fits properly. It shouldn’t be so tight that it restricts movement. This is especially true for footwear; too tight of boots can restrict blood flow which makes the feet feel even more cold! When picking out shoes, allow extra room for thick socks as well.
3. Make smart clothing choices. Remember to dress your kids in layers that are wind and waterproof  or resistant before sending them off to school or out to play. Also, choose wool over cotton if possible. Wool is more durable and flexible and is a great insulator that will keep kids dryer and warmer than cotton.
4. Be ready for winter roads. Driving in winter weather can be dangerous, so make sure you’re prepared for any situation. Keep a first-aid kid, blankets, shovels, rock salt, an ice scraper, water, and nonperishable snacks in your truck in case of an emergency.
5. Practice safe sports. When it comes to winter sports, always supervise your children. Only allow for ice-skating on properly inspected ice. Avoid sledding paths that are too crowded or too close to roads. Try to use sleds that allow for steering. If your kids are trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time, it’s advised to get lessons from an instructor. And make sure they always wear a helmet while on the slopes!
6. Eat especially nutritious. The winter is flu season, so strengthening your kids’ immune systems with the right nutrients is key. Snack time is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients. Think dried and fresh fruits, sliced raw vegetables, yogurt, and whole-wheat crackers with cheese.
7. Don’t forget to hydrate. It may seem like your kids aren’t sweating as much as they do in the summer, but hydration is still extremely important in the winter. Good choices for hydration include water, herbal tea sweetened with honey, 100% juice and maybe even some occasional hot cocoa made with low-fat milk and melted chocolate.
8. Home should be a safe haven. Stock up on essentials for unpredictable weather, such as batteries for flashlights, bottled water, first aid kits and nonperishable foods.
9. Keep your kids prepared. Be sure to have some extra pairs of gloves and tissues packed in their bags. These items may help prevent the spread of germs, or save the day if a glove goes missing!
10. Safely keep your home heated. Before the temperature gets unbearable, make sure your home’s heating equipment and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly. Keep children away from space heaters, or better yet, don’t use one at all! Remember to discuss fire safety with your kids each winter as the likelihood of fires increases in the colder months.

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