Winter Warmers

Poor circulation (movement of blood around the body) and an inability to exercise to keep warm cause problems for many children with a single ventricle heart condition. Often their feet and hands feel like ice and their lips go blue very quickly when the weather is cold.

 

Lots of thinner layers are better than one thick one, as they trap and warm air. Go back to buying vests; lots of shops have good thermal ones for children. Put tights on under trousers and put socks on top. Yes even on the boys. Batman wears tights! Find a hat with earflaps and nice thermal gloves. Try the local ski shop, they have gear especially designed for very cold weather.

 

 

Have hot cereal for breakfast; warm the morning drink of milk. Make hot chocolate or tea for snack time. Have soup with a sandwich for lunch and plan warm snacks throughout the day. Remember that your children need food little and often so you'll be helping their diet and keeping them warm.

 

 

Remember scarves or a balaclava can help keep those noses warm.

 

 

All in one nightclothes with extra socks can help when the duvet slips, some catalogues have all in one suits for older children. If it's really cold, think about using a sleeping bag.

 

 

Prevent sore lips by using lip balm or simple Vaseline.

 

 

If a runny nose persists, seek advice from your health visitor or the G.P. It might develop into an infection.

Gill says “one of our first really successful ‘lumpies’ was pink and purple porridge, with coloured sprinkles - encourage them to eat the first layer, then sprinkle again!”

 

Click here to go to our Useful Links page, which contains details of products for keeping warm which you may find useful.

 

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