Rules for Playing Safely in the Snow

The snow is here but do you know the rules for playing safely in the snow? Share these tips with fellow moms and dads – as well as your kids!

To my family, there is nothing more inviting and exciting than a fresh blanket of snow. We love to trek through our backyard, make snow angels, and build snowmen. If you’re getting ready for a snow day, it’s important to know the rules for playing safely in the snow. Here are five important safety tips for snow days for kids and parents.

one. cover your head and neck.

One of the most important parts of the body that we need to cover during the winter is our head.

The top of our heads is a hotspot, which means the heat will escape from our heads if it is left unprotected. Always make sure to cover your head, as well as the neck, hands, and even your mouth. Scarves can get in the way of playtime, so a double layer fleece neck warmer or a sherpa neck warmer is the perfect accessory.

Annabelle’s Hat // Ailey’s Hat // Ailey’s Turtle Neck Warmer // My Hat

two. protect your skin from the sun.

Just because you don’t see or feel the sun doesn’t mean the sun isn’t there. Did you know snow reflects 80 percent of UV rays?

Annabelle’s Hat // Brandon’s Hat

You can protect you and your child’s skin from the sun by using moisturizer with sunscreen and wearing UV protective gear. Whether its sunglasses, a protective chapstick, or a Totally Tubular Sun Shell, make sure you protect your skin in the snow. Turtle Fur makes these amazing sun shells or beanies for kids and adults that are cool, comfortable, and UV protective.

READ ABOUT MY SKIN CANCER EXPERIENCE HERE

three. wear the right amount of layers.

Did you know you should only dress your child in one more layer than you wear when you’re playing outside in the snow?

It is absolutely possible for a child to overheat when the temperatures are frigid, so if you over-dressed, you’ll likely overheat. To make sure you’re dressed to be safe in the snow, wear light layers. The key to keeping kids warm and dry is conserving heat while still letting steam escape.

four. stay hydrated.

Who knew that breathing outdoors in the cold air would dry us out and alter our thirst sensations?

You might not feel thirsty, but if you spend a lot of time outside in the snow, you need to rehydrate. Make sure you and your children drink lots of water if you’re spending the day playing in the snow. Take breaks to re-energize yourself and warm up inside the house. It can’t hurt to make a little hot chocolate (with water) too!

There are rules for playing safely in the shade too! Check them out here!

five. have FUN!

If you’re family is safe and warm in the great outdoors, there isn’t any reason why you can’t have fun! My husband and daughter love to go on adventures in the field across the street whenever it snows. They pretend to explore the new world they discover. My personal favorite activity is making a little snow family, just like us.

Annabelle’s Jacket // Annabelle’s Gloves// Annabelle’s Boots

Patagonia Jacket / / Snow Pants

One of the best acronyms to remember during the winter and to remind you of important safety tips for playing in the snow is C-O-L-D.

C—Cover hotspots with a hat and gloves or mittens to preserve heat.
O—Avoid overexertion. Bring kids in for periodic breaks.
L —Layers. Think loose-fitting, lightweight, and water-repellent.
D —Stay dry. If kids are sweating profusely or get snow in their shoes or boots, immediately change them into dry gear.

Don’t forget to have FUN playing in the snow.

Photos by Elizabeth Grant Photography