How should I dress my child for RSD in winter?

Now that we are in the cooler months of the year, many parents worry that if their child gets cold, they will get sick. While cold air can suppress the immune system, there are many other factors that lead to children getting sick.

Here is some advice advice from Dr Sara who is a General Practitioner from Riverwood Medical in NSW:

How should I dress my child for RSD in winter?

The key is layers.

When we exercise, our heart rate and body temperature increase. As an adult we recognise this and remove unwanted layers as our body heats up. Young children don’t always recognise this and can struggle to remove extra clothing themselves. Overheating in children causes them to fatigue more quickly and participate in the dance class less.  Young children in particular can become upset and agitated if they are too hot.

The RSD uniform is carefully designed to allow your child to move freely in class and stay comfortable. There is a wrap to offer extra warmth during warm up, which can be easily removed if the child becomes hot in class.

Avoid putting long sleeves singlets and skivvies under the leotards as these are difficult for children and teachers to remove.

Have warm coat or jacket that can be quickly taken off before class, so that they are warm when they arrive, then put on after class so they don’t get cold when you leave.

Remember that the RSD classroom temperature is carefully regulated so the room is at the right temperature for an enjoyable dance class.

Sara Whimster

General Practitioner

Riverwood Medical

President of the St George Division of General Practice