Let’s face the “cold hard truth”, winter lasts more than half of the year in Alberta, so let’s embrace where we live! At Kamp Kiwanis, we want kids to develop relationships with the natural world, in all seasons, and that means getting outside and connecting with nature, even when the temperatures drop below zero. There are many benefits to getting kids outside to play in colder weather including strengthening their immune system, burning extra energy through physical activity, promoting different problem-solving skills, resiliency and cognitive functioning, increasing vitamin D levels and boosting mood (Hamid, 2018). Winter can also be a magical environment for children. Winter offers unique sensory experiences that, when you slow down to take them in, are inspiring and enriching for all ages (Fitzgerald, 2020). Research in the growing field of ecotherapy shows that there is a strong connection between time spent in nature and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression (Harvard Health Publishing, 2018)...something we are all in need of during these pandemic times!

Layering Clothing

Important to having a great time outside playing in cold weather is dressing properly and that means layers.

Base Layer - A good thermal base layer might be one of the most important layers. A material like merino wool that helps wick moisture away from the skin is best. Synthetic material can also be a less expensive option. Cotton isn’t great for base-layers in cold weather, as it tends to hold moisture and can make you feel colder and cause unwanted chafing (no thank you!)

Mid-Layer - This layer helps keep you warm and insulated. A material like fleece can help keep you warm without getting too bulky and also allow moisture to keep moving outwards.

Outer-Layer/Shell - This layer keeps out winter elements like wind and snow. This layer should still be breathable, fit easily over your other layers, but not too loosely as you need to allow moisture to escape, while keeping heat in.

Hand and Footwear - Our hands and feet have a large surface area for their size, so they can get cold quickly and easily succumb to frostbite (freezing of the skin and underlying tissues.) When our bodies get cold they also try to keep heat in our core, so circulation to extremities like hands and feet can slow down in order to keep our core warmer. Insulated hand and footwear with waterproof covering that keeps the elements out is essential. Mittens will keep hands warmer than gloves by allowing your fingers to generate more heat together. Check the temperature rating on mittens and boots to see the level of insulation they provide, but also ensure there is room for fingers and toes to move around. If they fit too tightly, heat won’t circulate as well. Socks designed for cold weather, like wool (merino wool is soft and less itchy) can also help keep feet warmer and wick away moisture. The dryer your feet are, the less cold they will get.

Head and face - Contrary to popular belief, not a lot of heat is actually lost through your head. Your head makes up only about 10% of your body’s total surface area, so if your head could lose even 75% of the body's heat, it would have to lose about 40 times as much heat per square inch as every other part of your body (Davis, 2011). The reason a warm hat is essential in cold weather is that if the rest of your body is bundled up, the head is the good escape route for heat. A cold head can also trigger blood vessel constriction in the other parts of the body, so it can make your hands and feet feel cold, even if you are wearing mittens and warm socks and shoes (Harvard Health Publishing, 2012). Winter hats or toques are best for staying warm when they are snug but comfortable, somewhat insulated, but can fit under a hood if needed for extra element protection. It’s a bonus if they can wick moisture away (like fleece lining), and keep your ears protected from the elements and frostbite. A balaclava or neck gaiter can offer extra face protection. Some balaclavas are versatile so that they can be worn with or without the face protection. Neck gaiters and balaclavas are also safer for kids than scarfs, reducing the risk of strangulation.

Second-hand stores and resale websites or social media marketplaces can be great options for cutting costs on purchasing winter clothing, just make sure you do your research to ensure quality.

Stay Dry and Check For Frost-nip

For kids to have the most enjoyable time in cold weather as possible, it’s important to regularly check that they are staying warm, but not overheated. Add or remove layers as needed and change out any wet gear that is against the skin. Bring them indoors to warm up periodically on colder days. Also check for signs of frost-nip, the early stages of frostbite where there is red, white or yellowish skin that is feeling numb and bring them inside to warm up (Healthline, 2018). You may use some blankets or warm (not hot) water to warm the areas up (Healthline, 2018). Never use hot water or heating pads, as this may cause burns while sensation has not fully returned (Healthline, 2018). A nice cup of hot chocolate, tea or apple cider is also a welcomed treat to warm up!

More on Frostbite and Other Cold Related Emergencies

Stay tuned for part 2 on Cold Weather Activities!

References:

Davis, S. (2011, January 4). Do We Really Lose Most of Our Heat Through Our Heads? Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/do-we-really-lose-most-of-our-heat-through-our-heads

Fitzgerald, M. (2020, December 15). Why Being Outdoors in Winter is So Very Good for Kids. Retrieved from https://tinkergarten.com/blog/why-being-outdoors-is-essential-for-wellness-even-in-winter

Hamid, K. (2018, December 18). 4 Reasons Children Should Play Outside In The Cold. Retrieved from https://www.pentagonplay.co.uk/news-and-info/4-reasons-children-play-outside-cold-weather

Harvard Health Publishing. (2012, February). Cold out? Why you need to wear a hat! Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/cold-out-why-you-need-to-wear-a-hat

Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, July). Sour mood getting you down? Get back to nature. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature

Healthline. (2018, March 19). Frostnip. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/frostnip