The UK is currently experiencing unusually cold temperatures, with freezing conditions impacting many parts of the country. While this may be a cause for concern for adults, it’s especially important to take extra precautions to keep young children warm and active during this period.
Why is it important to keep children warm?
- Reduced body temperature: Children, especially infants and toddlers, have a higher surface area to body mass ratio, making them more susceptible to heat loss.
- Weakened immune system: Cold temperatures can weaken the immune system, making children more prone to illnesses like colds and flu.
- Frostbite and hypothermia: In extreme cases, prolonged exposure to cold can lead to frostbite or hypothermia, which can be life-threatening.
Tips for keeping children warm:
- Dress them in layers: This allows for easy adjustment as temperatures fluctuate. Opt for thermal underwear, sweaters, and a warm coat.
- Choose appropriate outerwear: Ensure their coat is waterproof and windproof, with a hood to protect their head and ears.
- Wear hats, gloves, and scarves: These are essential for keeping extremities warm.
- Keep them covered: Tuck their pants into their socks to prevent cold air from entering.
Encouraging activity in cold weather:
- Bundle up and go outside: Fresh air and sunshine are beneficial, even in winter.
- Indoor activities: Engage in active play indoors, such as dancing, jumping, or playing tag.
- Warm drinks: Offer warm milk, hot chocolate or soup to warm them up from the inside.
Additional considerations:
- Monitor for signs of cold stress: Look for shivering, pale skin, confusion, or slurred speech.
- Heat the home/nursery adequately: Ensure your setting is adequately heated, especially bedrooms and sleeping areas.
- Check on vulnerable children: Pay extra attention to infants, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
Supporting Parents in Early Years Settings
Early years practitioners can play a crucial role in supporting parents during cold weather:
Share Information and Resources:
- Practical Tips: Distribute leaflets or create a display board with tips on dressing children for cold weather (layering, hats, gloves, etc.), keeping homes warm, and recognizing signs of cold stress.
- Local Resources: Provide information on local support services, such as:
- Fuel poverty charities: Can offer advice and support on energy bills and home insulation.
- Community centres: May offer warm spaces for families to gather.
- Health visitor services: Can provide guidance on child health and development in cold weather.
- Local Resources: Provide information on local support services, such as:
Open Communication:
- Regular Check-ins: Conduct brief check-ins with parents during drop-off and pick-up times to inquire about their child’s well-being and any concerns they may have regarding the cold weather.
- Parent Meetings: Dedicate a portion of parent meetings to discuss cold weather awareness and offer support.
Promote Indoor Activities:
- Creative Ideas: Share ideas for engaging indoor activities that keep children moving, such as:
- Active play: Dancing, yoga, indoor obstacle courses
- Sensory play: Playdough, painting, building with blocks
- Storytelling and reading: Cozy up with books and blankets
Support for Vulnerable Families:
- Early Identification: Be aware of families who may be more vulnerable to the cold (e.g., those with low incomes, single parents, families with young children).
- Discreet Support: Offer discreet support and signpost them to relevant services without judgment.
- Collaboration: Work with other professionals (e.g., health visitors, social workers) to ensure families receive the support they need.
- Safeguarding Concerns: If concerns arise about a child’s welfare due to cold weather conditions (e.g., lack of adequate clothing, heating issues, signs of neglect), follow the setting’s safeguarding procedures and inform the designated safeguarding lead.
Reaching Out to Vulnerable Families:
- Contact Parents Directly: If severe weather conditions are forecast, proactively contact vulnerable families to offer support and check on their well-being. This could include offering alternative learning opportunities (e.g., home visits, online resources) if attending the setting is not possible.
- Provide Support: Offer practical support where possible, such as: Delivering essential items (e.g., warm clothing, food)
- Signpost families with relevant services (e.g., food banks, emergency heating support)
- Offering emotional support and reassurance
By following these tips and proactively supporting parents, we can help ensure that children stay warm, healthy, and happy during this unusually cold period. Remember, prevention is key, so take proactive steps to protect your little ones from the cold.
