Pediatrics PC Winter 2009 Newsletter
Winter Safety Tips
What to Wear
• Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep
them dry and warm. Clothing for children should consist of thermal long johns,
turtlenecks, one or two shirts, pants, sweater, coat, warm socks, boots, gloves or
mittens, and a hat.
• The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer
of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.
• Blankets, quilts, pillows, sheepskins and other loose bedding may contribute to Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and should be kept out of an infant’s sleeping
environment. Sleep clothing like a one-piece sleeper is preferred.
• If a blanket must be used to keep a sleeping infant warm, it should be tucked in around
the crib mattress, reaching only as far as your baby’s chest, so the infant’s face is less
likely to become covered by bedding.
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 or when clothes get wet.
• As hypothermia sets in, your 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 your
child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap him in blankets or warm clothes.
Frostbite
• Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen. 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. 104° Fahrenheit (about the temperature of most hot tubs) is
recommended. Warm washcloths may be applied to frostbitten nose, ears, and lips.
• Do not rub the frozen areas.
• After a few minutes, dry and cover your child with clothing or blankets. Give him
something warm to drink.
• If the numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor.
Showing your child love this Valentine’s Day and everyday
♥ Use plenty of positive words with your child.
♥ Respond promptly and lovingly to your child’s physical and emotional needs.
♥ Make an extra effort to set a good example at home and in public. Use words like “I’m sorry,”
“please,” and “thank you.”
♥ When your child is angry, argumentative or in a bad mood, give him a hug, cuddle or other
gesture of affection he favors and talk with him about his feelings.
♥ Use non-violent forms of discipline. Parents should institute both rewards and restrictions
many years before adolescence to help prevent trouble during the teenage years. Allowing
children of any age to constantly break important rules without being disciplined only
encourages more rule violations.
♥ Make plans to spend time alone with your young child or teen doing something they enjoy.
♥ Mark family game nights on your calendar so the entire family can be together. Put a different
family member’s name under each date and have that person choose which game will be
played that evening.
♥ Owning a pet can make children feel better by stimulating physical activity, enhancing their
overall attitude, and offering constant companionship.
♥ As your child grows up, she’ll spend most of her time developing and refining a variety of skills
and abilities in all areas of her life. You should help her as much as possible by encouraging her
and providing the equipment and instruction she needs.
♥ Your child’s health depends significantly on the care and guidance you offer during his early
years. By taking your child to the doctor regularly for consultations, keeping him safe from
accidents, providing a nutritious diet, and encouraging exercise throughout childhood, you help
protect and strengthen his body.
♥ Help your child foster positive relationships with friends, siblings, and members of the
community.
♥ One of your most important gifts as a parent is to help your child develop self-esteem. Your
child needs your steady support and encouragement to discover his strengths. He needs you to
believe in him as he learns to believe in himself. Loving him, spending time with him, listening to
him and praising his accomplishments are all part of this process.
♥ Don’t forget to say “I love you” to children of all ages!
New Year = New Insurance Cards
The New Year may have brought changes to your insurance.
Please remember to update our records when you receive new insurance cards.
Thank you.
Information in this newsletter is courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics