Hypothermia develops when a child's temperature fall below normal due to exposure to cold.  It often happens when a youngster is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather.

As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy.  His speech may become slurred and his body temperature will decline.

If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911 at once.  Until help arrives, take the child indoors, remove any wet clothing and wrap  him in blankets or warm clothes.

Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen.  This condition tends to happen on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears and nose.  They may become pale, gray and blistered.  At the same time, the child may complain that her skin burns or has become numb.

If frostbite occurs, bring the child indoors and place the frostbitten parts of her body in warm (not hot) water.  104 degrees Fahrenheit (about the temperature of most hot tus is recommended.  Warm wash clothes may be applied to frostbitten nose, ears, and lips.

Do NOT rub the frozen areas.

After a few minutes, dry and cover him with clothing or blankets.  Give him something warm to drink.

If the numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor.

If your child suffers from winter nosebleeds, try using a cold air humidifier in the child's room at night.  Saline nose drops may help keep tissues moist.  If bleeding is severe or recurrent, consult your pediatrician.

Many pediatricians feel that bathing tow or three times a week is enough for an infant's first year.  More frequent baths may dry out the skin, especially during the winter.

Cold weather does not cause colds or flu.  But the viruses that cause colds and flu ten to be more common in the winter, when children are in school and are in closer contact with each other.  Frequent hand washing and teaching your child to sneeze or cough in the bend of her elbow may help reduce the spread of colds and flu.

Children between 6 months and 18 years of age should get the influenza vaccine to reduce their risk of catching the flu.