When it comes to dealing with frigid temps, I don’t play. It’s one thing for temperatures to dip into the 20s, but these days highs and lows range from teens to single digits. But the intense winds make it feel like it’s below zero. It’s the kind of cold that takes your breath away. With that said, here are 5 easy ways to protect kids from this winter’s bitter blast.
1. Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. I learned this when I moved to this country. In Jamaica, there’s really no need to pile on lotion, unless you’re applying sun screen at the beach. I remember experiencing cold weather for the first time. I could feel my skin crack, and it hurt like hell. Sometimes I’d feel itchy and I couldn’t understand why until my Mom figured out it was because of the weather.
We have to make up of for the absence of moisture during the winter months that we normally have during the summer. One way to keep our home warm all throughout winter is making sure not to skip heat pump maintenance dayton oh. So, I’m always lathering up on something to protect my skin because I don’t like looking or feeling ashy, and the same goes for my kids.
Before we get dressed, I make sure to apply moisturizer to their skin. I use coco butter, Shea butter, or some kind of moisture enriched cream followed by A&D ointment to seal in the moisture.
In addition to keeping the skin moisturized, hair has to be moisturized as well. Curly hair gets extremely dry during cold seasons. I lightly dampen their hair and add leave in conditioner every morning. Sometimes I’ll also add a couple drops of a light oil to seal in the moisture.
2. Dress in layers. Unless it’s like a 100 degrees outside, both kids always rock undershirts, and multiple tops along with a sweater. If they get too warm, a layer can always be removed. I haven’t needed to put on thermal pants because Young O spends most of the day inside, but I do have a few pairs handy. As far as Princess is concerned, she’ll wear a dress no matter the weather. Rather than sport stockings or tights, she wears leggings and long socks with her dresses along with high boots.
3. Chapstick. I never leave home without it and neither do my babies. Having chapped lips is the same as having cracked skin – ‘no bueno.’
4. Mittens. I actually prefer mittens over gloves. Not only are they much easier to put on little ones, it also allows for heat to circulate between fingers.
5. Winter hats. Young O still doesn’t have a full head of hair, so he never leaves home without a hat. Princess manages to keep her hairstyle in check, despite having to wear one.
Also keep in mind that car seat manufacturers warns against dressing kids in snowsuits, puffy jackets, or anything too bulky. You may have to remove it before buckling the child in the seat. But, there are a some down jackets that are okay to wear while in a car seat.
How do you protect your kids from the bitter blast?