Between the sudden drop in temperatures and energy restrictions, who hasn’t complained about the cold in recent days? Also impacted, children can suffer and parents wonder if this permanent feeling, even indoors, can have an impact on their body and their development. Answers with a pediatrician.
With the beginning of December, the thermostat also inaugurated its winter season. The cold made a sensational entrance, with temperatures between one and four degrees below seasonal norms according to Meteo France. A climate which this year risks being felt with more bite, and therefore much more difficult to bear, because of the energy restrictions and other sobriety measures required of the French. Local authorities are also invited to drastically reduce their consumption, when it is not the prohibitive prices of electricity that force them to do so. In fact, schools are not spared by these more or less voluntary savings, and the heater classes has been practically reduced to nothing in certain municipalities. An unacceptable situation for some parents, worried about knowing their children are tense and contracted by the cold all day. And while the cold will increase, the question of its impact on the body and the growth of children arises if this feeling were to be constant to them. What risks do children run from being constantly subjected to the cold, even at home or in class? To see more clearly and find out whether or not you really have to worry, we interviewed Charlotte Bailly, pediatrician and founder of the pediatric teleconsultation platform MedForMom.
Can a child suffer from the cold?
In winter, both a child and an adult can suffer from the cold. “When temperatures drop, children cool faster than adults, because the internal system of thermoregulation increases with the development of the child. Thus, infants and young children have more difficulty regulating their temperature than teenagers and teenagers. the adults”, explains Charlotte Bailly, pediatrician. For example, a newborn at birth placed in a room at 24 degrees would feel the same as a naked adult exposed to a temperature of 1 degree..
What are the risks if a child is cold?
L’hypothermiawhen a child is unable to regulate their body temperature in the face of cold, Has consequences on the health of the youngest. They can be more or less severe depending on the degree of low temperatures, and the length of time the child is exposed to them. This may be “of the chilblains on the extremities hands-feet-nose-ears. In the event of extreme cold, our body favors the blood circulation of the internal vital organs, to the detriment of the extremities. But also of dry skinof I’eczemaof asthma etc.” In this case, children most at risk are the premature babies or those with small weights, them sick children which have less efficient thermal regulation.
If a child is cold at night, is his sleep disturbed?
It’s well known, a child who is cold or hot at night sees his sleep disturbed. “Physiologically, colder and warmer temperatures are contrary to a good quality of falling asleep and sleeping in general. This is why the recommended temperature in the children’s room at night is between 18 and 20°, with of course age-appropriate clothing and blankets” in winter, comments Charlotte Bailly.
Does the cold have an impact on the growth of the child?
The impact of cold on child growth has not yet been scientifically proven. But the pediatrician Charlotte Bailly notes all the same that a correlation between the two is possible in certain cases. “It’s difficult to say precisely, but given that fighting the cold requires energy for our bodies, I would say yes if there is significant exposure to cold in duration and intensity.”
What are the reflexes to put in place in winter?
To protect your child when the temperatures drop, it is recommended toavoid going outside at the coldest times of the day, especially if the child or baby is sick. Parents must be able to anticipate these weather phenomena and dress their cherubs accordingly. Charlotte Bailly gives some tips to best warm your child in winter:
- Cover the extremities with a hat, gloves, a scarf (preferably woolen)
- Do not overcover your child either, otherwise perspiration and humidity will increase the feeling of cold.
- Choose hot drinks and soups
- Use hot water bottles (not next to the skin) to warm the extremities
- And “hugs and kisses at will”
Thanks to Charlotte Bailly for answering our questions.