Cold Weather Safety for Children and Expectant Mothers

Even in Texas, where warm weather usually dominates, winter can surprise residents with frigid temperatures and snow. Colder months require extra preparation for expectant mothers and families who already have children. From dressing appropriately to making sure their home is adequately warm, families need to know how to adapt to the cold in safe and healthy ways.

Cold Weather Risks for Children

Cold snaps can bring significant risks for children, with frostbite and hypothermia being two of the most serious concerns.

Frostbite

Frostbite happens when skin and underlying tissues freeze because of prolonged exposure to extreme cold temperatures. When it’s cold, blood vessels near the skin constrict to help preserve warmth in the body’s core. This reduces blood flow to other areas and increases the risk of freezing in exposed or poorly protected surfaces. Frostbite can affect extremities like fingers, toes, ears, and the nose since these are generally more exposed to the cold.

Frostbite symptoms include:

• Red, white, or pale skin (early symptom)
• Skin that feels numb or tingly (early symptom)
• Hard, cold, and pale or grayish-yellow colored skin (more severe symptom)
• Skin that loses feeling (more severe symptom)
• Skin that develops blisters (more severe symptom)

If someone thinks their child may have frostbite, they should:

• Take the child indoors where it is warmer
• Warm the affected area for about 15-30 minutes with warm (not hot) water or a heating pad that is wrapped in a cloth (don’t apply the heating pad directly to the skin)
• Don’t rub or massaging the skin since this can damage it further
• After warming the area, dry and cover the child and give him/her something warm to drink.
• If the skin doesn’t regain its normal color or sensation, get medical attention quickly

Hypothermia

Hypothermia happens when someone is exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period of time and their body loses heat faster than it can be produced. Under normal conditions, a child’s core body temperature is between 97.8°– 99.5°F. When someone is hypothermic, their body temperature drops to below 95°F. This can happen when a child is outside without proper clothing, falls into cold water, or is exposed to freezing indoor conditions without adequate heating.

Hypothermia symptoms include:

• Shivering (early symptom)
• Cold or pale skin (early symptom)
• Drowsiness or fatigue (early symptom)
• Clumsiness or reduced physical coordination (early symptom)
• Confusion (more severe symptom)
• Slurred speech (more severe symptom)
• Slowed breathing or pulse (more severe symptom)
• Unconsciousness (more severe symptom)

If someone thinks their child may have hypothermia, they should:

• Call 911 right away
• Move the child to a warm and dry place
• Remove any wet clothing the child may be wearing
• Wrap the child in dry layers of blankets or clothing (do not apply direct heat)
• Monitor their breathing and pulse

Ways to reduce the risk of frostbite and hypothermia:

• Dress children in layers. For example, if the parent is comfortable with long sleeves, the child can wear a long sleeve shirt with a light jacket on top.
• Protect their hands, fingers, feet, and head with warm gloves, warm socks, and a hat
• Make sure children’s clothes remain dry since wet clothes cool the body
• When temperatures are freezing, limit children’s outdoor activities unless they are wearing clothing that adequately protect them from the cold. When playing outside in the cold, have children take regular breaks to warm up inside.
• Make sure children are hydrated and fed since the body needs energy to remain warm

Children are more vulnerable to both frostbite and hypothermia due to their smaller body size
and higher surface area-to-mass ratio, which leads to faster heat loss when the weather is cold.

Cold Weather Tips for Expectant Mothers

When women are pregnant they aren’t just responsible for their own health, they’re ensuring the health of their unborn child as well. Cold weather can bring on specific challenges that mothers-to-be need to be aware of and prepare for.

In addition to following the same precautions as for children, namely dressing warmly to avoid frostbite and hypothermia, there are additional things pregnant women should do to ensure their and their baby’s wellbeing:

• Staying sufficiently hydrated since dehydration can cause preterm labor
• Using a mild moisturizer to combat skin dryness since skin is already sensitive during pregnancy
• Buying winter boots or shoes with good bottom grip and ankle support to prevent slips on snow and ice

Staying Warm at Home   

During winter, maintaining a warm home is essential for health and safety. A few simple strategies can help protect against the cold and create a cozy environment.

One of the easiest tips to implement is making sure windows and outdoor-facing doors are weather-proofed. Using weatherstripping, a door sweep, or fabric draft stoppers to seal doors, and heavy curtains or bubble wrap to insulate windows, are effective ways to keep indoor temperature warm.

Focus on heating those rooms that are used most frequently, such as the living room or kitchen. Bedrooms that are used mostly for sleeping, rather than activities like playing or schoolwork, can have their doors and vents closed to conserve heat. This will help concentrate heat in the most important rooms and also keep costs down.

When space heaters are used, safety precautions are crucial. Heaters should be kept at least three feet away from flammable objects, such as paper, blankets, or pillows, and must always be turned off and unplugged when left unattended.

Portable generators, charcoal grills, and gas stoves should never be used indoors for heating because they can release the odorless gas carbon monoxide. Installing a carbon monoxide detector and regularly testing it is vital to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.

Though we always need to ensure our children stay warm, we do need to be mindful of their safety. When riding in the car, children should be dressed in warm, snug layers. Thick, puffy jackets and coats should not be worn while children are belted into their seats. Young infants should not have thick blankets, pillows, or loose bedding around them as they sleep as this increases their risk for suffocation.

Nutrition and Hydration During Winter

Cold weather can lead to dehydration and lower energy levels, making sufficient hydration and the right nutrition especially important ways for children and expectant mothers to maintain body warmth and overall health.

Even in winter, the body loses water through respiration and sweat, making hydration a priority even in cold weather. For children, the recommended daily fluid intake is 4 cups for ages 1–3, 5 cups for ages 4–8, and 7–8 cups for older children. Water is the best option. Diluted 100% fruit juice can occasionally be offered, but it’s best to avoid sugary drinks when possible. Meanwhile, babies should receive adequate breast milk or formula to stay hydrated (young infants should not be given water) For adults, warm drinks like morning coffee or tea, and herbal tea during the daytime can be enjoyable options.

Food choices should prioritize nutrition and sustained energy. Oatmeal is an excellent breakfast item, while hot dishes like soups and stews are ideal for other meals. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, and proteins should be included in daily meals to provide long-lasting energy. Avoid sugary snacks, which offer only a temporary energy boost.

Planning for Cold Weather Emergencies 

Unexpected winter storms and power outages can create challenges, but planning ahead can help families stay safe and comfortable during these disruptions.

Families should consider creating an emergency kit. This includes essential items like flashlights, extra batteries, blankets, a portable phone charger, and non-perishable food and bottled water to last at least three days. If a power outage occurs, these supplies will keep everyone warm and fed. A paper list of emergency contacts, including family members, friends, and local services, is recommended for quick access during emergencies.

For those with vehicles, having a winter car emergency kit in the car is also essential. This kit should include extra blankets, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, and a portable phone charger. These supplies can provide safety and comfort in frigid weather conditions if the vehicle breaks down or runs out of gas as people wait for emergency help to arrive.

How Legacy Community Health Can Help

For families, preparing for winter is about being prepared both inside and outside the home. Being ready can make all the difference in ensuring safety and comfort when facing harsh conditions.

At Legacy Community Health, we are committed to supporting the health and well-being of families across the Texas Gulf Coast region. Whether you need Pediatric care, OB/GYN services, or guidance on winter safety, our expert team is here to help.

We also offer additional services in the areas of Adult Primary Care, Behavioral Health, Dental, Endocrinology, HIV/STD Screening, LGBTQ Services, Pharmacy, Senior Care, Vaccinations & Immunizations, and Vision. Our sliding fee scale ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can receive the care they need.

Visit us online or call (832) 548-5000 to schedule an appointment. Together, we can ensure your family stays safe and healthy this winter.