"Dear child, it's cold outside!"

Some tips for winter clothes for children

Winter clothing for toddlers should both keep your little one cozy and allow movement. A child who is mobile (or will soon be) should be able to move easily, so he or she should not be so drawn in that he or she cannot climb the playground ladder or walk in the snow.

Younger children are more susceptible to cold for a simple reason: Their smaller bodies lose heat quickly. Younger children are also less likely to realize that they are cold, which means that the work that keeps them warm (and knowing the signs that it's time to go inside) falls to us parents.

Being able to dress your baby or child in the winter is an art. Read carefully our tips for dressing children in the cold winter months, whether you go for a stroller ride to the park or travel with you to the store.


1. The rule of layering in winter

All pediatricians offer this basic rule for dressing a young child in the winter: Put on babies and children another layer of clothing than the adult would wear under the same conditions. Why? Air pockets between layers of clothing actually help capture heat. Layering also allows children to take off outerwear such as a jacket or sweater when, say, you are on the road, instead of having to choose between overheating or freezing.

2. But not too many layers ...

See the basic rule above. Layering a child with too many outerwear can actually make him colder. This is because excess layers can make your child sweat, which makes his clothes wet, allowing the cold and wind to lower their temperature.

3. Learn more about layering (Layering 101)

There are three basic layers you need to know - and materials that are suitable for everyone. Although it may seem astounding if you are not, say, an alpine climber, it is not as difficult as it seems. Here are the basics you need to know:

Basic layers (the layer right next to your child's skin)

  • What it does: removes moisture
  • Materials to look for: wool or synthetic fabrics, such as polyester
  • Proper fit: tight

Middle layers (passes through the base layer)

  • What it does: isolates
  • Materials to look for: wool, down or fleece
  • Proper fit: close to the body without obstructing movement.

The layers under your child's outerwear capture heat. Choose outerwear made of cotton, merino wool or light polypropylene, choosing ones that are suitable for your child's still sensitive skin. Avoid bulky sweaters that will make him hot and prevent him from moving easily. Make sure the socks are not so thick that your toddler's snow boots are the right number - neither too big nor too small.

Outer layer

  • What it does: Protects your child from rain, snow and wind
  • Materials to look for: waterproof jacket; Breathable outerwear (such as those made by Gore-Tex) is key if your child is going to be physically active
  • Proper fit: allows easy movement and has enough space for layers

Add waterproof outer layers - pants and a snow jacket. Make sure they are waterproof. You can always freshen up an older jacket in the washing machine with a waterproofing solution. Just throw it in the washing machine and follow the instructions of the product.

4. Cotton

You know that jeans and cotton pants absorb rain and snow, but even in cold and dry conditions, cotton absorbs sweat. And wet cotton + cold weather = very cold and frozen children. If it is cold, it is best to avoid cotton altogether.

With so many sporty and super cute fleece options to choose from these days, avoiding cotton shouldn't be a problem.

5. Fingers, toes and faces need extra protection

According to doctors, your child's head, face, ears, arms and legs are most susceptible to exposure to cold and frost. Frostbite is something like the winter version of burns: it damages the skin and usually causes tingling. And children's skin is particularly sensitive to cold, so watch their limbs. Heavy, non-cotton socks; waterproof boots; waterproof gloves; scarf; and a hat - everything is key to keeping everyone healthy and warm on cold days.

Choose gloves. If you've ever tried to put a glove on a child's hand so that each finger is in the right place, you know it's as easy as putting diapers on a goldfish. Stick with fingerless gloves that are easier to slide and are warmer because they keep your fingers (and the heat they produce) close together. As with snow suits, gloves must have a warm inner lining and weatherproof cover.

Warm hat - a huge percentage of body heat is lost through the head, so the hat is a vital element in the wardrobe of winter weather. (This is especially true if your sweetie doesn't have a lot of hair yet.) Even if her snow suit has a hood, a tight-fitting hat is a better way to keep your head warm (you can always pull the hood over your hat). Fleece-lined cotton or soft woolen knit hat with ear flaps is best and even better if fastened under the chin.

6. Wear the right size of clothes / shoes

As tempting as it is to be able to shove a child into last year's boots, the feet need space to move. Too tight shoes and jackets can restrict circulation , contributing to cold limbs. Better invest in comfortable outerwear for the winter and warm boots.

7. Prepare a bag of dry clothes

It is always good to have extra clothes for children, as you probably already know, but in winter extra clothes are essential. A jubilant splash in a puddle or a wet (or lost) glove and your day will be spent worrying instead of playing games and having fun. Pack an emergency kit for cold clothes, equipped with extra gloves, socks, pants and shirts.

Look for a medical center near you

8. You need to know when to seek help

Frostbite begins as frostbite - red and numb skin that has been exposed to cold air or snow. If you notice frostbite on your cheeks, fingers, or anywhere else - or if your child's teeth start chattering - it's time to head to a warm place.

9. Drink hot drinks

Well, this is not really an official layering advice in the winter. But is there anything better than a cup of hot chocolate or tea after a cold walk?