Dressing Your Little One Up for The Cold

Polar bear parents have it easy. Their cubs have a natural fur coat, so they are always ready for fall and winter. We human creatures, though, must bundle our little ones up for cold weather. Little ones are more susceptible to cold for a simple reason, their smaller bodies lose heat rapidly. Little ones are also less likely to realize they are getting cold, which means the job of keeping them warm and knowing the signs it is time to go inside falls to us parents. Plus, there is an art to dressing babies and children for winter. These winter dressing tips that we have curated make sure your little ones are not too hot, not too cold, but just right; be it for a stroller ride, to the park, or making a trip with you to the store.

Layer on

The layers underneath your little one’s outerwear trap in warmth. Go for tops made from merino wool, or lightweight polypropylene, choosing ones that feel good on your little one’s still-sensitive skin. Steer clear of bulky sweaters, which will make them too hot and prevent them from moving around easily. On the other hand, layering your little one with too much outerwear can make them colder. This tends to happen because excess layers can cause your little one to sweat, which makes their clothes wet, allowing the cold and wind to bring their temperature down.

Base Layers

  • The base layer wicks moisture
  • Wool or synthetic fabrics, such as polyester are base layer worthy materials
  • Make sure the fit is snug

 

Middle Layers

 

  • The middle layer helps with insulation
  • Wool or fleece make perfect middle layers
  • The fit should be snug enough but with space for movement

 

Outer Layer

  • The outer layer protects your little one from the cold snow
  • A waterproof and breathable jacket
  • The right fit should allow easy movement and has plenty of room for those piled up layers

Accessories are vital

Your little one’s head, face, ears, hands, and feet are most prone to cold exposure and frostbite. Frostbite is sort of like the winter version of getting burned: It damages the skin and usually causes numbness. And your little one’s skin is especially sensitive to the cold, so keep an eye on their extremities. Heavy, non-cotton socks; waterproof boots; waterproof gloves; a scarf; and a hat all are key to keeping everyone toasty and warm on those cold days. For very cold weather, earmuffs and facemasks add extra protection. On another note, getting a pair of gloves on your little one’s hand with every finger in the right place is as an incredibly tedious task and not to mention, a waste of time. We recommend you stick with mittens, which are easier to slip on and are warmer because they keep fingers and the heat, they produce close together. As with snowsuits, mittens should have a warm inner lining and a weather-resistant shell. Try to get a pair that come with short strings attached or you could always purchase clips to attach them to the sleeves of your little one’s snowsuit. A huge percentage of body heat is lost through the head, so a hat is a vital item in your little one’s winter-weather wardrobe. Even if their snowsuit has a hood, a close-fitting hat is a better choice. A fleece-lined cotton or soft-wool knitted cap with ear flaps is best, and even better if it fastens under the chin.

 

Material and safety

Snaps and zippers are good choices for toddlers, who will likely need constant wardrobe adjustments. If your little one is not potty-trained, this also makes diaper changes easier. Also avoid ribbons and strings that might unravel or possibly pose as a choking hazard, especially those on loose-fitting hoods. You know that jeans and cotton clothes absorb rain and snow, but even in cold and dry conditions, cotton absorbs sweat. A wet cotton outfit along with the cold will lead to your little ones feeling as if they are popsicles. If it is cold out, it is best to avoid cotton altogether.

Snug as a snowsuit

Choose a wind and water-resistant outer layer, nylon is an ideal material and a material that keeps your little one warm on the inside. The zipper should run all the way down to the knee or ankle to make taking it off easier, especially when it is time for a diaper change or potty break. Make sure to check that the cuffs fit tightly around your little one’s ankles and wrists to prevent the cold or the snow from creeping in. Elastic works, but Velcro tabs that let you adjust for a not-too-loose to a not-too-tight fit are even better.