Lifesaving Winter Safety Tips for Caregivers and Parents
North and Central Texas are bracing for their first wintry weather of 2026, as arctic air is expected to arrive Friday afternoon, bringing with it the possibility of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region, remaining in effect through late Saturday night. Cook Children’s Health Care System is preparing for the potential impact and is sharing critical information to help families stay safe and healthy.
Staying Safe in the Cold
Protecting Children from the Elements
Appropriate clothing is key when venturing outdoors, according to Sharon Evans, injury prevention manager at Cook Children’s Health Care System. “If you are going to be outside, dress appropriately,” she advised. Experts recommend dressing children in multiple thin layers to maintain warmth and dryness, as their bodies lose heat more quickly than adults. Insulated boots, mittens or gloves, and a hat are also essential.
Caregivers should promptly change children out of any wet clothing upon returning indoors. When playing in the snow or sledding, awareness of surroundings is crucial to avoid collisions with trees, streets, and even mailboxes.
Recognizing and Responding to Hypothermia
Hypothermia, defined as an abnormally low body temperature, is a dangerous medical condition that requires immediate attention. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it occurs when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Symptoms of hypothermia include blue skin, shivering, and a cool chest and stomach.
Specific warning signs for infants include bright red, cold skin and very low energy. Adults may experience shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If these symptoms are observed, immediate action is needed to warm the body and seek medical attention if warming efforts are unsuccessful.
Car Seat Safety and Winter Coats
While keeping children warm is a priority, car seat safety must not be compromised. Bulky coats can create dangerous slack in the harness system, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. It is recommended to dress children in thin layers and secure them in their car seats before adding a blanket or putting the coat on backwards.
If caregivers warm up their vehicles before entering, it’s vital to ensure the car is in a well-ventilated area, such as an open garage, and locked to prevent unsupervised access by children. Families should also carry snacks, water, and extra blankets in their cars in case of being stranded.
Sharon Evans emphasized the importance of remaining buckled up even when stranded. “If you are stranded and waiting for help on the side of the road, please make sure everyone stays buckled up,” she said, “often cars may slide/spin near you and hit your car.” The same dangers extend to the use of ATV’s, Golf Carts and Go Karts on icy surfaces.
Safe Sleep Practices for Infants
Keeping infants warm during winter requires careful attention to safe sleep practices. Samantha St. John, program coordinator at Cook Children’s Center for Community Health, cautioned against using extra blankets and hats, as these items can pose a suffocation or entanglement hazard. A safer alternative is a sleep sack, or wearable blanket, which provides warmth without the risk of covering the baby’s face.
A general guideline is to dress a baby in one more layer of clothing than an adult would comfortably wear in the same environment. Caregivers should also be mindful of overheating, indicated by sweating, a hot chest, or flushed skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my child is showing signs of hypothermia?
If you see signs of hypothermia – blue skin, shivering, or a cool chest and stomach – take immediate action to get the child out of the cold and seek medical attention if you are unable to warm them.
Is it safe to leave a car running to warm it up?
If you decide to warm up your car, it is important to make sure the car is in a ventilated area, such as an open garage, and that you lock the vehicle when you are not inside to prevent a child from becoming trapped.
What is the safest way to dress my baby for sleep in cold weather?
A sleep sack is a safer alternative to blankets and hats, providing warmth without the risk of suffocation. Dress your baby in one more layer than an adult would find comfortable, and be mindful of signs of overheating.
As the region prepares for potential winter weather, will families prioritize safety measures and preparedness to mitigate the risks associated with cold temperatures?