How to Dress a Child for Winter

Cold winter temperatures can expose children to frostbite, blowing snow and other dangerous weather. Dressing your children appropriately will allow them to play outside, while staying warm and dry and protected from severe temperatures. Certain fabrics, footwear and headgear are better than others. To dress your child for winter, follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Monitor your local weather. Winter temperatures can vary widely, so you want to be prepared for the day. Tune into the morning news or check online for the latest weather updates.

2. Dress children in layers. Stick a T-shirt under their long sleeve or turtle neck shirt or sweater.

3. Choose fabrics like fleece, wool, flannel, corduroy and heavy knits. More so than plain cotton, these help keep body warmth in.

4. Insist on a hat. According to some experts, hats do indeed keep warmth from escaping your body (see Resources for more information). Covering your child's head will keep his body temperature regulated. Opt for a knit or fleece hat with ear flaps to keep him extra toasty.

5. Add mittens or gloves. Mittens work best for younger children whose fingers may not fit into gloves. Fleece-lined gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell are effective options to keep little hands warm and dry.

6. Choose a neck warmer. For kids neck warmers are safer than scarves because there is no additional fabric to pose a strangulation risk.

7. Invest in a high quality jacket. Your child needs a warm winter jacket during this season, not just a stylish one. Choose a water resistant jacket with a hood to keep your child warm and dry in snowy conditions. Down or synthetic filled coats with a waterproof shell are great. Consider a long down coat in extreme temperatures. If your child will be playing outdoors, a waist length coat will over the most mobility.

8. Choose fleece-lined boots. Fleece keeps feet warm and dry, and rubber soled boots provide good traction in slippery conditions. Look for boots with deep treads in the sole so that they can grab the ground and provide stability.

9. Consider a snow suit. If your child plays outdoors a lot, a snow suit will keep him extra warm and dry. Look for a one-piece suit for maximum warmth.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your child's teacher if you can send him to school with slippers or other shoes to change into.
• Add a layer of thermal underwear if your child will be outside--like walking to school--for long periods of time.
• If frostbite warnings are present and your child has to be outside, put a ski mask on him.

Resources

• KidsHealth article on dressing for winter