What Will Happen if Kids Don't Wear Coats?

Why Children Dislike Coats

• Parents may find it challenging to convince children to wear their coats outside when the temperature plunges. Coats may feel itchy, hot or binding to little bodies and even older children may shun outerwear in favor of feeling socially accepted. KidsHealth.org notes that children feel cold the same way that adults do. But because their bodies are active, children may not recognize when their bodies become dangerously cold, and are at greater risk for hypothermia and frostbite.

Hypothermia

• Children who are ill-prepared for cold temperatures may be at risk for hypothermia, a condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. A person is considered to have hypothermia when their body temperature drops to 95 degrees or lower, according to Kids Health. Signs of hypothermia are slurred speech, clumsiness, constant shivering and weak pulse. Hypothermia is dangerous because the body's internal organs cease to function properly. A child experiencing hypothermia should be moved to a dry, warm environment and covered with blankets until emergency medical assistance arrives.

Frostbite

• Frostbite is frozen body tissue and is sometimes associated with hypothermia, according to Kids Health. Children are susceptible to frostbite because they are less likely to prioritize discomfort over their winter play. Frostbite most commonly occurs on the child's face, head, ears, hands or feet and must be treated by a medical professional. Should a child contract frostnip, a mild form of frostbite, Kids Health recommends removing wet clothing and gently warming the injured area in warm water for 20 minutes. Keeping extremities covered in cold weather, monitoring a child's apparel and outdoor play time and wearing protective clothing can prevent both frostnip and frostbite.

Choosing Battles Wisely

• Studies show that cold weather in and of itself does not cause sickness, according to Kids Health. Though frigid temperatures can cause serious health issues, a child's coatless outdoor excursions on a blustery fall day may not cause imminent harm, as long as she is supervised by a responsible caregiver. When temperatures plunge, parents may need to set firm boundaries when it comes to bundling up. When children brave the frozen landscapes of winter, limiting their outdoor playtime and outfitting them with hats, gloves, boots and a sturdy coat will ensure their safety and warmth.