Ah! The great outdoors - The perfect place to give rise to spectacular memories and for quality family time. With each terrain comes unforeseen circumstances such as unforgiving weathers, creepy crawlies and pathways of all kinds; so dressing your little ones to brace the wilderness is the most vital key to the many locks the great outdoors tend to possess. The clothes they're in should keep them warm or cool depending on the ever-changing weathers. With all the movement involved with tramping through terrains, your little ones will need to be in comfortable clothes and ones that allow them to move freely. Let's tackle all that comes with the great outdoors and how we can prepare our little ones for everything Mother Nature brings to the table. Before we look into our list of curated tips when it comes to dressing your little ones up for the great outdoors, here are some side notes to keep in mind when hiking or trekking with little ones.

 

• A Hiking Carrier - If you have a toddler that is too young to walk long distances, you should consider hauling around a carrier to board your little one on to.
• Snacks And Water - Little ones are bound to get hungry and thirsty along trails so you'd want to prepare a bunch of snacks, finger foods and plenty of water.
• Take Breaks - Your little one may not be able to keep up with your pace on hikes so take as many breaks as they may need.
• Make It Fun! - Sing songs, play games and keep your little ones entertained throughout the journey; celebrate every win, even the small ones.
• Bring Necessities - Insect repellent, proper gear, hats, sunscreen and all of the works.

 

Synthetics & Wool Fabric

Clothes made out of synthetic and wool fabric wick moisture and dry quickly as compared to cotton, this is of utmost importance especially when your little one is going to be dealing with water or snow. It also keeps your little one dry and comfortable if they work up a sweat during the journey. Cotton is comfortable when in contact with the skin but because of its poor insulating ability and the extensive time it takes for it dry, it can leave your little ones shivering and cold throughout the journey; making what's supposed to be a fun family outing into a dreadful one. Synthetics are your best bet, such as nylon and polyester as they dry at a rapid rate and wick moisture. Wool works great as well but unfortunately, clothing made from wool can fall on the pricey end.

Quality Over Quantity

Quality kids’ clothing designed for outdoor use often has built-in features that ensure you get lots of use. This includes things like reinforced seats and knees, and quality fabrics won’t tear easily. Purchasing durable products not only ensures the gear will keep up with your little one but, it also will very likely last long enough to be passed down to a sibling, or sold or donated.

Easy To Put On Clothes

Dressing a wiggly kid who can’t wait to get outside can be a struggle. When shopping for outdoor wear for your little one, look for features that make dressing up an easy task. Things like elastic cuffs, waists and hems help seal in warmth but do not require you to fuss with adjusting waist cinches or cuff tabs. For infants and toddlers in diapers, you’ll want to also consider how easy it is to make a quick diaper change. Clothes with strategically placed snaps and/or zippers help.

The Right Pair

For hikes, toddlers don’t need boots (sneakers will be fine) but bring an extra pair of socks to change into if there are puddles lying around. Older kids, though, can really benefit from a quality pair of hiking shoes or boots. A good pair of hiking-specific boots or shoes will give them the support and traction that they'll need. They’ll be built specifically for the anatomy of little feet, providing immense comfort even on the longest of trails. For cold weather, find a pair of warm snow boots that will keep your little one's toes snug and toasty.

Accessories For Days!

Don’t forget key items like gloves, mittens, hats and warm socks, especially on cold days.

Sun, Sun Go Away ♫

Children tend to have thinner, more sensitive skin than adults, so it’s important to think about their exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays any time you’re outdoors. Clothing is a very effective way to add protection, and buying clothes that have an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating assures you of the protection it’s providing. Wearing UPF-rated clothing can be used along with other methods, such as wearing sunglasses, a sun hat and applying sunscreen.