As the weather turns cooler, it’s important to think about how to dress kids for warmth.
After all, kids want to play outside, no matter how cold it gets!
In the southeastern U.S., we don’t get weather that’s as cold as some other parts of the world.
But I’ve always tended to keep my kids indoors during winter, because I was afraid of them catching what my mother used to call “a chill”.
Turns out that it’s perfectly fine to let kids play outdoors, even in very cold weather…if you dress them right.
Check out these tips for how to dress kids for warmth this winter!
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How to Dress Kids for Warmth During Winter
Subtract 10 degrees
Remember when you first had your baby? Your doctor probably recommended that you dress your newborn in an extra layer of clothing than you normally wear.
Keep that mentality when you’re dressing your kids to go outside.
Look at the temperature and then subtract about 10 degrees to think about how the air might feel on their little faces.
Of course, some kids have a metabolism that keeps them warm, so you may have to adjust for each child.
Think layers
If you want to keep winter clothing simple, think one word: layers.
If you dress your child in layers of clothing, you can always remove one layer at at a time as the air warms up.
Start with base layers for kids, then add another layer – maybe a short sleeved shirt and a pair of long thermal pants.
Depending on how cold it is outside, you might add a third layer, such as a long-sleeved shirt and a pair of sweatpants.
Then add outerwear: a sweater, snow pants, and a parka, along with a hat and gloves.
Watch them through the day
Since kids like to move around a lot, they may get warm fairly quickly, even in the dead of winter.
So keep an eye on your kids as they play outside.
Have them come inside every half hour or so to see how comfortable they’re feeling.
If they’re getting sweaty, remove a layer and then give them a little time to cool off indoors before you send them back out.
Use common sense
No matter how much your kids may want to go outside, though, there are going to be some days when the weather is too cold.
Watch your local forecast for any temperature warnings and keep your kids inside for a play day when the weather becomes dangerous.
How do you keep your kids warm when they play outdoors during winter?
Share your tips and suggestions in the comments!
Parents that liked liked this article also read Surviving Kids and Dinner at the end of The Work Day, 10 Outside Activities for Winter and Winter Scavenger Hunt with Free Printable.
Yes, we find layers the way to go, here, too! We rarely get really cold so we don’t need snowsuits unless we head up into the mountains. Still, even when indoors, layers are a convenient way to keep comfortable in the winter.