Brrrrh… The cold and frost have truly made their entrance! And how is it again with children out in the cold? This is a question that many parents – especially new ones – often need answers to. Therefore, we have gathered a stack of good advice on what you should pay attention to when your little one is out in the cold.
The role of parents and thermometer
In Denmark, we are great supporters of letting the little ones stand and sleep outside all year round. This is partly because children sleep really well in the fresh air without any major problems – especially in the summer. They also sleep well in the winter, but it is important that you, as a parent, have made some considerations and are aware of the cold.
Infants and small children are particularly vulnerable to the cold, as their own temperature regulation does not function completely until they are 2-3 years old. This means that they cannot feel when they are cold or too warm. Therefore, it is your task as a parent to ensure that your child has the appropriate temperature, as he/she will not necessarily react with, for example, crying, as they would at many other times
The right temperature for the little ones
But what is the right temperature then? It can be difficult to say, as body temperature can vary from child to child. Some children can be bundled up in many layers and still have cold feet when picked up, while others can quickly feel warm. But the general rule is that your child must neither be too warm, where they are wet and damp from sweat, nor too cold, where the skin feels cold. If your child feels warm to the touch and not damp, the temperature is just right. You can feel by checking your child on the neck or chest after a nap in the stroller.
Additionally, you should remember that children should not sleep outside if it is more than minus 10 degrees.
Also remember that all children should be supervised when they sleep outside in the cold. The younger your child is and the colder the weather, the more often you should check on your child.
Insulation and placement of the stroller
If you let your little one sleep outside in very cold weather, it would be a good idea to ensure that the stroller is well insulated. You can do this by placing a layer of newspapers (a couple of centimeters) at the bottom of the stroller – it can work wonders. You can also choose to insulate with a layer of foam or a sleeping mat. At the same time, it is also a really good idea to insulate the sides, so that the cold does not creep in on your child. You can do this with, among other things, a good baby duvet, a baby nest , a blanket or many other lovely soft textiles.
The wind, however, has a significant impact on whether the little one risks getting cold. Therefore, you should place the stroller in a sheltered spot so that the wind does not enter the stroller. You might place it under a canopy or a covered terrace.
The child's clothing
Whether your child is going to sleep in the stroller or play in the snow, he/she should always be appropriately dressed according to the wind and weather. Clothing with good insulation, such as a soft snowsuit, will contribute well to an appropriate body temperature. Just like warm mittens and warm socks will. A hat is also a really good idea to dress the little one in, so they don't get drafts around their ears. Especially an elephant hat or a hat with ear flaps would be really good here.
Be aware that headwear for infants and small children is actually quite essential, as much of the child's excess heat is released from the bare crown.
Another way to ensure a good temperature for your child is a sleeping bag. For those of you who are not quite sure what it is, it can best be described as a small sleeping bag for the stroller. Or like a snowsuit without legs A sleeping bag is perfect for keeping warm when you are either on the go or taking a nap. At the same time, the soft and plush material of the sleeping bag makes it very comfortable for your child to be wrapped in.
Avoid frostbite cheeks
When children sleep or play outside, their faces (especially the cheeks) are often exposed to cold and frost. And since a suit or hat cannot always protect the face one hundred percent, the cheeks often become red and rough. Therefore, it would be a good idea to give your child extra skin care and possibly apply a good and thick cream to their cheeks. Do this about 20 minutes before he/she goes out into the cold, so the cream can absorb and protect the skin.
