Keeping kids cold-free is an impossible task, especially in the winter months. Let’s do what we can as parents to limit our kids’ exposure and reduce cold and flu-like symptoms. Read on to discuss how to keep your child healthy during winter and protect them from cold weather with some safety tips for the winter season.

Enforce Dental Hygiene

Most people don’t realize that dental hygiene plays a significant role in overall health. There are many consequences of poor oral health in children. Neglecting the inside of your mouth can affect your entire body.

Crazy, huh? It can affect you mentally, physically, and emotionally. It can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and self-esteem and digestive issues. So, make sure your little ones are brushing and flossing their teeth and rinsing with mouthwash regularly.

H2O

Kids need water as much as adults do, although their amount varies by age. Water intake has a crazy number of benefits for all ages. Did you know that drinking water can help prevent cavities in children? It sounds far fetched, but it makes total sense when you think about it. The more saliva is in their mouth, the less likely it is for bacteria to sneak in there.

Sugar is one of the leading causes of cavities and most juices kids love are filled with them. Fluoride – a mineral found in some tap water in the U.S. – helps make your teeth stronger, thus preventing cavities in children and adults alike.

Encourage Healthy Eating

Good food puts you in a good mood, right? While that may be true, the effects of your favorite comfort foods could be more short-lived than you realize. What you put into your body matters so much, which is an important lesson to teach our kids.

Indulging in sweets and sugary treats is OK in moderation and special occasions. Being specific with your kids about why sugar is bad for you (like developing diabetes) might help kids understand a little better. Sometimes being educated about why something isn’t allowed makes a difference.

Keep Them Warm

Dressing for success is a must for kids. Pay close attention to the weather so you can clothe your kids accordingly. If they’re older, make sure they dress themselves appropriately for the current temperature. Teach them about the importance of wearing a coat. Make sure they know fashion won’t keep them healthy if they refuse to wear a jacket when it’s cold.

There are so many styles available that even picky individuals can find something. Teenagers – am I right? Heavier clothing can contribute to dehydration since our bodies are trying to overcompensate for the cold, so try to remember to drink water even if you aren’t thirsty.

Encourage layering but keep safety tips in mind for younger children for the winter season. Younger children require one more layer than adults do in colder temperatures. Keeping your kids bundled up prevents frostbite and even hypothermia.

Fun in the Sun

The sun shines through the clouds even on cold days, depending on where you live. Seize that opportunity to partake in winter activities that could boost your kids’ immune systems. Sunshine provides vitamin D with many health benefits for kids, like building strong bones and preventing rickets.

Buy foods high in nutrients like zinc to help your kids fight germs and develop their immune systems. If there’s not a lot of sun in your area in the winter or it’s just too cold out, try some vitamin D supplements to make sure your kids get the number of vitamins they need to stay healthy.

Get Active

Staying active is a great way to boost your immune system and practice good health. There are great bonding opportunities and fun ways to incorporate healthy habits into your child’s routine.

If it snows, get out there and make snow angels or build a snowman. Build a fort indoors or have a pillow fight. If it’s not too cold out, create an obstacle course or play a game. No matter what the weather is like outside, there are ways to get active. You just might need to get a little creative.

Get Your Beauty Sleep

Ensure your kids are getting the rest they need. The hours of sleep recommended per night varies by age. Lack of sleep is not good for your brain, your skin, or your body.

A great night’s sleep can work wonders for your immune system. Sleep is your body’s natural way to fight off infections. Encourage your kids to set boundaries for their sleep schedules, like keeping screens out of their bedroom. Make their room a “no phone zone” at bedtime if they’re older. Practicing good sleep habits early can set them up for success as they grow.

Winter Blues

Winter can be cold and boring, but it doesn’t have to be. Make sure your kids are eating healthy, drinking their water, and brushing their teeth – then get out there and have some fun with them! Summer will be here before you know it.

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Beth, the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind, is well-respected in the mental health, nutrition and fitness spaces. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking and going for runs with her dog.