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RUA Outline
1) Introduction to Topic and Reference One Statistic
a) It is important to dress the child in protective clothing that can shield them from harsh, seasonal temperatures.
b) Use this rule of thumb: if you are cold or hot, chances are your baby is hot or cold too.
c) Infants are very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Because of this, they cannot regulate their body temperature very well.
d) Studies have shown that multiple layers, heavy clothing, warm blankets or warm temperatures, increase the child’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
i) According to the CDC, (2020), In 2017 alone, there were about 3,600 SIDS cases.
2) Identification of Risk Factors and/or Benefits
a) The child being too warm and overheated can cause an increase the child’s risk for SIDS.
b) Learn how to layer clothing properly. Too many layers can cause overheating, and too little clothing can cause frostbite in the colder/freezing months.
c) Try to avoid cotton clothing. Jeans and cotton pants absorb rain and snow. Wet cotton + snow/rain = very cold children!
d) Wearing thick winter coats may be warm but can pose as a safety hazard when worn in a car seat. In a car accident, thick winter coats may compress, creating extra slack for the child to slip out of the car seat.
e) Clothing that is too tight or restrictive may make it difficult for the child to move or get out of in emergency situations. It is also uncomfortable!
3) Fall
a) For infants, drape a blanket on the infant, in the stroller, for walks outside as a +1 layer.
b) Use a rain cover over the stroller to shield baby from rain and/or snow.
c) Start with a thin cotton onesie, and add layers as needed, such as a small cardigan, pants and a hat. This helps trap heat.
d) Make sure to change diapers frequently in cooler months.
e) Always cover the child’s head, hands and feet: hat, socks, and mittens.
4) Winter
i) Layers:
(1) It’s always best to layer baby’s clothing, which traps heat between the layers. Thin cotton clothes work well, starting with a thin sleeper onesie, adding as needed.
ii) Car seat safety:
(1) Once you get to the car, remove baby’s bulky coat because it can compress below the harness and be too loose in the event of an accident.
iii) Beware of overheating:
(1) Babies dressed in too many layers of blankets or clothing are at greater risk for overheating and SIDS. Remove baby’s winter clothes as soon as they’re inside.
iv) Avoid Cotton clothing:
(1) Won't keep the child very warm. Wool fabric is the best choice.
v) Head, ears, hands and feet:
(1) Are most prone to cold exposure and frostbite. Heavy non cotton socks, waterproof gloves/boots are key to keep child safe.
5) Spring
a) Rubber boots:
i) It is important for the child to have the right size of rubber boot for their foot. Too small lead to blistering too large it can slip out.
b) Extra clothing:
i) Always pack extra dry clothes. Having a dry outfit at the ready will help your child to stay warm and dry. Wet feet can lead to cold.
c) Layers:
i) Spring is an unpredictable time of the year. Layer child with lightweight layers. It makes it easier to adjust temperature by adding or removing.
6) Summer
a) Cotton fabrics:
i) Allows air to reach the body and let sweat evaporate, preventing irritation.
b) Hat & Sunglasses:
i) Great way to protect the child’s face, neck, scalp and eyes.
c) Easy outfits with minimum layer:
i) Shorts and tees to cool things down, for girl’s sleeveless dress could be a great option!
d) Don't forget sunblock!
i) Studies show that early in life sunburns makes the skin more vulnerable to skin cancer.
7) Referral to Professional and Community‐Based Resources
a) Pediatric subspecialist is always supporting the Medical services available for the treatment or admission of pediatric patients.
b) These services include the Pediatric Department, Pediatric Unit or the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
c) Also available are services for women in obstetrics, gynecology, maternal/childcare, diagnostic imaging for cancer screening and treatment.
Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center
Center for Pediatric Specialty Care
655 Deer Park Avenue
Babylon, NY 11702
Phone: 631-321-2100
CHSLI.org
8) Referrals to the Community
a) Through community partnerships, KinderCare Education enhance educational opportunities for children and their families through volunteer and financial contributions.
b) In addition, KinderCare support organizations that emphasize the importance of education equity, early childhood literacy, and whole-child health. Additionally, in the community, KinderCare gives back to, as well as partners with non-profit organizations that benefit children of all ages.
c) These programs include:
i) Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest
ii) Metropolitan Family Service
iii) Portland Trail Blazers
iv) Schoolhouse Supplies
v) Start Making a Reader Today
vi) The Children’s Book Bank
vii) The Dougy Center
Alexandria KinderCare
Phone: (703) 941-6424
4616 Minor Ln
Alexandria VA 22312
kindercare.com
9) Health Promotion/ Recommendations
a) Reducing Preterm Birth
i) Prevent and control conditions that are chronic.
ii) Pregnant women should quit smoking.
iii) Medical care should be improved.
b) Supporting Breastfeeding
i) Practice football hold breastfeeding position.
c) Making Home Environments Safer
i) Infants should be placed on their back when sleeping.
ii) Infants should not share their beds.
iii) No pillows or loose bedding in the bed of an infant.
iv) No exposure of infants to secondhand smoking.
d) Reducing Preterm Birth About 1 in 10 infants is born prematurely in the United States. The rate of preterm birth among African American women is about 50 percent higher than that of white women. Infant death rates are about twice as high for black infants than for white infants (Scime,2016).
e) Supporting Breastfeeding According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, out of 84 percent of infant being breastfed, only 25 percent get solely breast milk up to 6 months of age. Research shows that breastfeeding reduces the risks of ear and respiratory infections, asthma, SIDS, and obesity (Scime,2016)
f) Making Home Environments Safer According to the CDC, in the United States in 2015, about 3,700 infants died from sleep-related causes like SIDS, accidental suffocation, and strangulation in bed, and deaths from other unknown causes (Scime,2016).