Winter is a fantastic season for kids to enjoy outdoor games like snowball fights, sledding, and skiing. But it’s natural for parents to worry about keeping their kids warm enough to avoid chills or getting sick. However, this doesn’t mean you need to put on every warm item of clothing they own!
The ideal amount of time outside varies by child — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The key is to balance outdoor playtime with sleep, meals, and learning time. Finding the right amount of time outdoors strengthens your child’s immune system by introducing them to cold weather in a manageable way.
Here are a few tips from AdmiGram.com that can help keep your child warm and safe during winter outdoor activities.
Winter walks with kids: tips to stay warm outside
Green zone (32°F to 23°F / 0°C to -5°C)
© Jimmy Conover / Unsplash
This is the most comfortable temperature range for winter play. It’s chilly but bearable. Make sure your child is wearing mittens, a hat, and winter clothes. Kids can stay outside for up to two hours if they stay active. If you’re outside with them, check on them every 30 minutes to see if they’re warm enough.
Yellow zone (23°F to 14°F / -5°C to -10°C)
If humidity is high, your child may feel cold unless they keep moving. It’s best to check on them every hour to ensure they’re not too chilly. Make sure they’re dressed in dry, warm layers, including a cozy hat and wool socks if they’re small.
Orange zone (14°F to 5°F / -10°C to -15°C)
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In this range, children should wear extra layers and be active. Encourage them to come inside for a quick warm-up every 30 minutes. It’s crucial that they’re not too hot or too cold, as overheating can lead to sweating, which can chill them faster than the cold alone.
Red zone (5°F and below / -15°C and below)
In extreme cold, children must be able to recognize when they feel too cold or too warm. For younger kids who may not notice these cues, bring them indoors every 30 minutes. At -4°F and below (-20°C), limit outdoor time to one hour, alternating with an hour indoors.
What to watch for when playing outside in winter
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- Rosy cheeks: While often harmless, rosy cheeks can signal that the skin is getting chilly from blood vessels expanding due to the cold.
- Runny nose: This is common as temperatures drop. The nose produces moisture to warm and humidify air before it reaches the lungs, which is normal unless it’s excessive.
- Shivering: Shivering is a natural response as the body’s muscles contract to generate heat. If your child is shivering, it’s a clear sign they’re cold and should be brought inside to warm up.
image on top: Alvin Mahmudov / Unsplash
