Vaccinations and Immunisations can help to keep your child safe from illnesses during the winter months. Always make sure your child is up to date with their vaccinations and immunisations. You can visit our page to find out more.
Winter and Cold Weather
In the winter months your child might get more illnesses, and your family might need different kinds of support. Here are some of the basics to remember.
Many illnesses are more common in winter, and can be more dangerous for younger and vulnerable children.
You can find more information about common winter illnesses below.
During the winter months, having a medicine cabinet with some key supplies in it could help keep your child well.
Check your medicine cabinet has everything you need in it, and that everything is in date, before winter starts.
Look at our page to find out what you should keep in your medicine cabinet.
Winter can be a hard time financially for families. In particular, fuel and heating costs are rising and it is important if you have children to heat your home properly. However, support is available.
You can find links to local foodbanks, health services, and council services on our Information on Local Services section.
Your local council will outline the support available to you.
Keeping Warm and Travelling
We know that the colder months can be difficult for families. You may be worried about the costs of living and have to make difficult choices for you and your family. Or you may be worried about paying your heating bills. You may be concerned about trying to keep your home warm, keeping draughts out and keeping your child or baby warm.
The government has some advice on keeping warm and well in winter. We know it can be difficult to afford to heat your home during winter. Please see the support section above for help local to you.
The Lullaby Trust has information on keeping your baby at a safe temperature in winter. The recommended room temperature for a baby is 16-20 degrees. This may be difficult to maintain in the colder months. It can be tempting to wrap your baby up to keep them warm, however we know that overheating a baby increases the chances of SIDS (also known as cot death). Research shows babies are better to be cooler than too hot.
It's also important to keep warm and safe outside in winter. The Met Office has some advice on staying safe while you're travelling outside.
Toy Safety
Most children's toys are actually very safe. Accidents involving toys usually happen when a young child plays with a toy that is meant for an older child, or when someone trips over toys that have been left out. The reminders below will give you an idea of how to help your child play safely. You can visit out page on keeping safe in the home for more information
Button batteries are the small, round batteries you find in a growing number of toys and everyday objects like remote controls and car key fobs. They can be extremely dangerous for children if swallowed. If you think your child has swallowed a button battery you should take them to an emergency department. For more information visit the Child Accident Prevention Trust Website.
Magnets are found commonly around the house (desk toys, stress relievers, jewellery) and many children’s toys also include small magnets. Single, small magnets will pass through the body without a problem. However, if more than one magnet is eaten or a magnet is eaten with something metal, there is a risk that part of the tummy can be caught. This can cause serious injury. If you think your child has swallowed magnets you should take them to an emergency department. It is likely that they will require an x-ray to determine where the magnets are and how many they have swallowed. They may need an operation to remove the magnets.
Fireworks
Fireworks display at home? In the excitement, it’s easy to forget some safety essentials. Visit the Child Accident Prevention Trust website for advice on how to make it a day to remember for all the right reasons.
Remember, if you can afford it, organised displays are safer.
Ice and water safety
In winter, children and pets are particularly at risk when tempted to play on the ice formed on open water, and adults can find themselves at risk in attempting to save them. Visit the Royal Life Saving Society website for tips on keeping safe around water in winter.
In winter, colds, coughs, and sniffles are very common. Washing your hands is one of the easiest and best ways to protect yourself and others from these illnesses.
Visit the NHS website for more information and show your children how to wash hands correctly.
If you're going away to a foreign country during the winter period, please make sure you and your family have the right health advice for the country you are going to, including things like vaccinations, and GHIC health insurance.
If you are travelling somewhere like Australia or South America, the weather might be very different from what it is in the UK. Please consult our information on Hot Weather.