Hypothermia:
Hypothermia develops when a child's temperature falls below normal due to exposure to cold. It often happens when a youngster is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without wearing proper clothing.
As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy. His speech may become slurred and his body temperature will decline. If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911 at once. Until help arrives, take the child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap him in blankets and warm clothes.
Frostbite:
Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen. Set reasonable time limits on outdoor play. Have children come inside periodically to warm up. This condition tends to happen on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears and nose.
These areas may become pale, gray and blistered. At the same time, the child may complain that her skin burns or has become numb. If frostbite occurs, bring the child indoors and place the frostbitten parts of her body in warm (not hot) water. Warm washcloths may be applied to frostbitten nose, ears and lips. Do not rub the frozen areas. After a few minutes, dry and cover her with clothing or blankets. Give her something warm to drink. If the numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor.
Common winter Ailments:
Nosebleeds: If your child suffers from winter nosebleeds, try using a cold air humidifier in their room at night. Saline nose drops may help keep tissues moist. If bleeding is severe or recurrent, consult your pediatrician.
Dry skin: Many pediatricians feel that bathing two or three times a week is enough for the infant's first year. More frequent baths may dry out the skin, especially during the winter. Use of a moisturizer daily and after baths will help dry skin.
Colds: Cold weather does not cause colds or flu. But the viruses that cause colds and flu tend to be more common in the winter, when children are in school or daycare and are in closer contact with each other. Frequent hand washing and teaching your child to sneeze or cough into their elbows may help reduce the risk of colds and flu.