How Are Kids at Risk for Getting Hypothermia at Daycare?

Why Are Children at a Higher Risk of Suffering Hypothermia? 

Young children, especially infants and toddlers under the age of 2, are at the highest risk of developing hypothermia because they have a harder time regulating their body temperature. Their smaller size has less insulating fat and loses heat more quickly.

Therefore, it is key that daycare centers be mindful of following the minimum standards to keep little ones warm and safe, especially as Texas weather changes and outdoor activities are planned.

How Does Hypothermia Happen at Texas Daycare Centers?

You have probably heard the popular saying: If y’all don’t like the weather now, just wait five minutes. The rapid temperature changes we experience across the Lone Star State make it especially crucial that daycare directors and caregivers closely monitor children and adhere to the minimum standards to prevent hypothermia at local centers.

Here are the four most common ways that we have seen children suffer hypothermia at local centers on cold days:

• Being locked outside the daycare center: When caregivers do not conduct mandatory headcounts following transitions from the playground to the classroom, little ones can get left outside for prolonged amounts of time. We have also seen this happen when daycare centers do not ensure that all exterior doors are secured and monitored, and curious little ones are able to wander out of a daycare center unnoticed. Often, the children are not wearing added layers or necessary protection. (Yes, this happens at daycare centers, and we have helped a family get justice.)
• Being forgotten and left on a daycare van or bus: It only takes 30 minutes to an hour for hypothermia to set in. So, when daycare staff or caregivers skip key steps after dropping off children—for instance, failing to conduct headcounts or full-vehicle checks on a cold day—children can easily be left behind for long periods of time in the danger zone of developing hypothermia.
• Inappropriate clothing: Caregivers need to ensure that children are dressed for the weather before outdoor playtime. This includes making sure little ones are wearing jackets, warm layers, and winter accessories like hats and gloves. In addition, if a spill occurred in the classroom, caregivers should be vigilant to change children out of wet clothing before letting them go outside to play on a cold day.
• Spending too much time outside: When children are playing outside on cold days, it is important for caregivers to closely monitor the winter temperatures, even when children are dressed appropriately. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures and wind chills can increase a child’s risk of developing hypothermia. Thus, outdoor playtime may need to be adjusted and shortened on cold days to keep little ones warm.

The good news: All these incidents are 100% preventable when daycare centers and caregivers operate safely.

What Are the Warning Signs That My Child Might Be Suffering Hypothermia at a Daycare Center?

Parents should look for these symptoms that could indicate a child is experiencing hypothermia after spending time outside at a daycare center:

• Cold, pale, or bright red skin
• Exhaustion or extreme fatigue
• Fumbling or extreme clumsiness (more than normal for a toddler)
• Shivering
• Slow breathing
• Weak pulse

Sadly, children can pass away from hypothermia, so act quickly if you notice any of these signs.

What Should I Do If I Suspect My Child Got Hypothermia at a Daycare Center?

If you suspect that your child is suffering from hypothermia after spending time at a daycare center, rush them to a local emergency room for immediate medical care.

On the way there, try to make them as warm as possible and help get their body temperature up by:

• Bringing them into a warm space inside or a car with the heater turned on high
• Covering them with blankets or heavy coats
• Giving them hot chocolate or hot tea to drink
• Removing any wet clothing

Once your child has received medical attention, we recommend you also:

• Speak to your child’s daycare center to learn what exactly happened
• Ask for a copy of the incident report
• Report the incident to the state
• Gather information and evidence by taking pictures, documenting your child’s symptoms, and talking to any caregivers or staff members at the daycare center who witnessed your child suffering from hypothermia
• Contact a daycare injury lawyer like our team at The Button Law Firm. A child’s hypothermia or cold-related illness is often a sign that the daycare center failed in its duty to protect your little one. If your child was exposed to dangerous temperatures because a daycare center failed to follow safety rules, our team can help you determine whether negligence played a role and map out legal options for your family to make an informed decision.

You can also download our free guide, 5 Steps to Take After a Daycare Injury, to learn more.

Contact The Button Law Firm After a Daycare Injury

We understand it can be difficult to think about taking legal action when your child is suffering a serious medical event like hypothermia because of a daycare center’s negligence. But it’s important not to wait too long. Deadlines, also known as the statute of limitations, can expire. In addition, critical evidence can disappear. For example, video footage may be erased, caregivers may move on to other jobs, and memories of what happened can fade. Acting sooner helps protect your child’s case and keeps the door to justice open.

Our team has advocated for families across Texas to hold negligent daycare centers accountable and help them move forward. Call us at 214-699-4409, email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out our online form for a free