10 Tips: Children/Cold Weather/Warm Feet

February 28, 2010

Posted in Outdoor Recreation, Prevention, Safe & Healthy Travel No Comments »
Tags: children snow boots, Cold weather, cold-inflicted, cold-related injuries, dry footwear, frost bite, frost nip, Frostbite, frostnip, frostnipped areas, insulated, kid's feet, my feet are freezing, snow boots, snow country, snowboots, thumb toe, traction, warm feet, water resistant, winter boots, woolen socks

Keeping kid’s feet dry in snow country is no easy task when kid’s favorite activities include walking in the deepest snow in sight and looking for puddles to step into, or more fun yet, stepping through the ice that may cover puddles.

Here is what you should know:

1. The difference between frost bite and its milder cousin, frostnip. While the term “frostnip” is rarely used today, children experience frostnip far more often than they have frostbite. Frostnip is cold-inflicted damage that is limited to the skin and virtually always reversible. Frostbite is damage to skin plus damage to underlying tissue and if not treated promptly can cause serious permanent damage. Frostbite generally results from more prolonged exposure to very low temperatures. 

 2. Feet are prone to frostbite/frostnip.   Cold is the cause, with wetness the ideal accelerant. Ground temperatures are generally lower than air temperature and feet have poorer blood circulation than other parts of the body. Kids having fun in the snow may not report that their feet are cold and wet. Sometimes, by the time they say “my feet are freezing” their toes are practically frozen.

3. Boots labeled “winter boots” are NOT necessarily made for snow country. Such boots are rarely insulated and only water resistant – just glued or stitched together and   not water proof – ok for mild winters or as fashion items.  Water can breach the outer layers of such boots and soak the child’s feet.

4. Buy “snow boots” that are labeled waterproof and insulated. Visit “children/snow boots” on the web for in-depth descriptions of what to look for in good quality boots: degree warmth ratings, type of lining, Velcro-type straps, for example.  Go to the sites of well-known manufacturers. Though you can buy snow boots directly on the web, many knowledgeable persons believe that boots should be fitted by experienced salespersons in retail stores.

5. Check last year’s boots to see if they are in good condition. See if they were damaged by wear or storage?  The inside sole may have separated from the sole, for example.  Any rough areas may cause blisters. Worn soles reduce traction.

6. Make sure boots fit properly. Check the fit with the child wearing the socks that will be worn outdoors. The longest toe (not always the “thumb toe”) should have at least a quarter inch of room in front of it when the child stands; feet are not fully extended when sitting. Kids should be able to wiggle their toes when standing .The side of the foot should not be squeezed against the side of the shoe.

7.  Choose boots that are easy to put on and take off. Good snow boots, like good winter clothing, are so effective in keeping cold out and locking body heat in that feet perspire. Removing boots frequently allows shoes, feet and socks to dry out. The simpler it is to remove boots, the younger the age when children can do it themselves.

Never dry footwear near radiators; heat may change contours.

8. Thick, densely woven, woolen socks provide cushioning and insulation. Socks should fit well; if too large they wrinkle and cause blisters, if too small, hamper circulation. Change socks frequently. Carry an extra pair to replace wet ones. In very cold weather, polyester socks under woolen ones help wick moisture from the skin.

9.  Keep toe nails trimmed to the end of toes. Long nails tear socks; short nails fail to protect tips of toes. Before placing socks on infants, turn socks inside out and cut threads that may entangle toes.

10. Heed the warning signs of impending frostbite/frostnip.  In cold weather, check the feet (and hands, nose and ears) of infants who cry for no apparent reason. If cold, go indoors. Older children complain of tingling, pain or no sensation in the affected area.  Generally, getting out of the cold suffices to re-warm frostnipped areas. For feet, a warm bath or placing the feet against warm skin is sufficient. Never rub affected areas. This may damage skin and underlying tissue and increase the risk of infection and cause other damage. For more serious cold-related injuries, seek medical assistance.

Posted in Outdoor Recreation, Prevention, Safe & Healthy Travel No Comments »
Tags: children snow boots, Cold weather, cold-inflicted, cold-related injuries, dry footwear, frost bite, frost nip, Frostbite, frostnip, frostnipped areas, insulated, kid's feet, my feet are freezing, snow boots, snow country, snowboots, thumb toe, traction, warm feet, water resistant, winter boots, woolen socks