If your kids enjoy outdoor activities even in the winter, you need to know how to dress them for warmth and safety. Learn with these winter clothing ideas.
The winter is a great time to bring the children outside to play. These colder months give the family a bit of a break from the intense heat that can sometimes prevent children from playing outside for too long. There's a nice breeze in the air and they can finally slide down the playground slides without burning their bottoms.
As you prepare yourself and your children for a day full of outdoor winter activities, it's important to know a few of the best winter clothing ideas. How can you keep your little one warm and comfortable during these colder months? As the heat can cause a playdate to be cut short, so can the winter, but only when not well prepared for.
With the right kids' winter clothing, keeping kids warm while playing outside will be no challenge for you! Here are a few ideas for layering winter clothing on your children.
Protect First
Although the weather is cooler for a change, it's important to note that the sun's UV rays can still cause damage. Any time you and your family head outdoors, you should remember to protect the skin. Wearing sunscreen throughout the entire year is ideal because UV rays can still make their way through the clouds and touch your skin.
If you plan on traveling to greater heights for winter sports, then keep in mind you'll be at a higher elevation and closer to the sun. Even if it doesn't feel like the sun's UV rays are affecting you, always use sun protective clothing and put sun protection on exposed areas.
Build Three Layers
To keep your children warm and protected from the sun during the winter, you must know how to properly layer their clothing. How cold it is outside and the type of activities they're doing will affect the type and number of layers they should wear. However, building three layers is a great method to stick by.
Avoid Moisture
The first layer should be a material that helps manage moisture on your child's skin. A UPF long-sleeve t-shirt is ideal because it'll protect your child against the sun's UV rays. These shirts are also moisture-wicking and quick-dry.
They're comfortable and ideal for wearing alone or layering on top of. For example, if it's a bit chilly outside but not cold enough for several layers, then your child can wear one of these UPF long-sleeve t-shirts. If it starts to cool down outside, then you can easily add more layers on top of it.
Promote Warmth
The second layer should be something that promotes warmth. You'll want to trap as much heat as possible close to your child's body on the colder days. Wool and fleece are great options for the middle layer.
Do keep in mind that you might want to skip this layer for their pants unless it's extremely cold outside. Wearing three layers of pants can make it difficult to get around.
Create a Shield
The last layer is their shield layer. This is the layer of clothing that'll protect them against wind, rain, and snow (if applicable). Both the outer layer of the pants and jacket should be made of a material that resists rain and wind.
On some days, the weather temperature might be great except for when the wind begins to blow. A cold, harsh wind can make it feel much colder than it is. A nice windbreaker jacket will prevent your little one from feeling the impact of the wind.
Choose a Hat
Don't forget to throw a hat on their heads too. Tiny ears and noses can get cold fast. Make sure to choose a hat that's warm and covers the ears.
Some little ones might not like the idea of wearing a hat while playing outside, but if you allow them to choose their own hat, then they might be more willing to wear it while out and about. Woven alpaca, fleece, and wool are all excellent choices of fabric.
If you have little ones, then consider a hat with a chin strap on it rather than drawstrings.
Cover the Neck
Covering the neck is also just as important. You can always consider using a scarf to keep their necks warm, but age should play a factor in this decision. If you believe the scarf could become a hazard or will be taken off quickly, then another great option is a neck warmer.
Neck warmers are safer for the little ones and are more difficult for them to take off.
Keep the Hands Warm
Their little hands will need to be kept warm as well. Insulated mittens or gloves that are weatherproof are great for the smaller ones. This will prevent their hands from becoming cold and wet.
Elongated cuffs with cinches at the wrists are ideal.
Ensure Feet Stay Warm and Dry
The last step to ensure a completely warm and happy child is keeping their feet warm and dry. Unless you plan to visit an area with snow, you won't have to worry too much about their feet getting wet. If you do plan some snow sports, then be sure to use snow gaiters, which will prevent snow from entering their boots.
Otherwise, wool or fleece socks with boots are a great option. Snow boots are appropriate if visiting the snow, but if staying in a dry area, regular boots will do. Make sure your child has enough room in the boots to wear the thicker socks mentioned above.
Protect Your Little Ones With These Winter Clothing Ideas
There's no need to let the colder months prevent you and your entire family from enjoying time outdoors. You can take in all of the beautiful weather winter has to offer with proper clothing layering. Use all of the helpful winter clothing ideas above to start preparing.
Are you ready to start layering? Check out all of our outdoor activewear for optimal UV protection!