Snow days and cold winter afternoons can be magical for kids—sledding, snowball fights, and building snowmen. Outdoor play is important year-round, but when temperatures drop, it also comes with real risks. One of the most serious dangers is
frostbite. Understanding how frostbite happens and how to prevent it can help keep winter fun safe for everyone.
What Is Frostbite? Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, wind, or moisture. Children are especially vulnerable because:
- They lose body heat faster than adults
- They may not notice or communicate early warning signs
- They often stay outside longer than they should because they’re having fun
Frostbite most commonly affects
fingers, toes, ears, noses, cheeks, and lips.
Early Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For:
Frostbite doesn’t always look dramatic at first. Early symptoms can be subtle and easy to miss, especially when kids are bundled up. Watch for:
- Skin that looks pale, white, gray, or bluish
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
- Skin that feels hard, cold, or waxy
- Complaints that fingers or toes “feel funny” or “hurt”
If frostbite progresses, blisters and severe pain can develop once the skin warms up. Severe frostbite can cause permanent tissue damage.
Why Wet Clothes Make Things Worse Snow play almost always means moisture. Wet gloves, socks, boots, or snow pants dramatically increase the risk of frostbite because water pulls heat away from the body much faster than dry air. If a child’s clothes get wet they should change immediately into dry warm layers
How Cold Is Too Cold? There’s no single safe temperature, but risk increases when temperatures drop below 20 degrees and when wind chills make it feel colder than the actual temperature Wind chill matters more than the actual temperature—strong winds can cause frostbite in minutes.
Smart Winter Safety Tips for Parents A few proactive steps can greatly reduce risk:
- Dress in layers: moisture-wicking base layer, insulating middle layer, and waterproof outer layer
- Cover exposed skin: hats, scarves, mittens (mittens are warmer than gloves)
- Choose waterproof gear for snow play
- Limit outdoor time in very cold or windy conditions
- Take warm-up breaks indoors every 20–30 minutes
- Teach kids to speak up if they feel numb, cold, or uncomfortable
What to Do If You Suspect Frostbite
- Bring the child indoors immediately
- Gently warm the affected area using body heat or warm (not hot) water
- Do not rub or massage frostbitten skin
- Avoid heating pads, stoves, or hot water
- Seek medical care if symptoms are severe or don’t improve
Winter Can Still Be Fun and Safe
Cold weather doesn’t mean kids need to stay indoors all winter. It just means we need to be a little more intentional. With the right clothing, clear time limits, and close supervision, children can enjoy the snow while staying protected from serious cold-weather injuries. A little prevention goes a long way toward keeping winter memories happy—and healthy. Reach out to your trusted Allied provider for advice.
