“Close the gaps” is my motto during the winter with young children. I say it so often, every year students and coworkers have teased me about it. There’s nothing like a biting wind on the neck, or a cold dump of wet snow on the ankle, wrist or tummy to ruin an outside snow play session. So from the very start of getting dressed for playing outside, I want to remind and help kids find and close all the gaps in their clothes.⠀
*The first place to start is socks over pants, shirt tucked in. I like fleece and wool for base layers. Multi-layers can be great, especially when temps are super low, but if you know your child is very active outside (as many children tend to be), and you feel confident with the warmth of their outer clothes, just one solid layer of thick, warm (non cotton) pants and long sleeve shirt, with good tall wool socks, should be sufficient most days. This can also help with the feeling of being stuffed into stuff bulky snow clothes. ⠀
*The snow pants ideally are bib style, or even better a one pice snowsuit (so easy!) Either way, the inner part of the pants (that has the elastic at the ankle) need to go over boots, not tucked inside the boot. ⠀
*Boots should be insulated (no thin rain boots!) My favorite type is the insulated bogs, but there are lots of good choices. I like a mid calf level height, but you should go with your child’s preference, because comfort is key!! They should at least be tall enough for the snow pants elastic ankle to securely go over the boot though.
*Something warm around the neck is soooo important. I prefer neck warmers to scarves, as scarves can unravel, let the cold in and get in the way of playing, and they often require a grown up to re-secure. I actually consider neck warmers to be one of the most important elements of proper winter wear. They make a huge difference for a cold kiddo. ⠀
*It’s worth investing in a pair (or two) of good mittens. I know they can be expensive, and it’s so easy for kids to lose them! But kids are using their hands a ton while they play outside, and so thick mittens (I prefer mittens over gloves- easier to put on and keep hands warmer) can make or break the experience. I love the ones with the long, sock-like stretch material attached, so they can reach up almost to the elbow. Those kind definitely close the gaps! And they stay on. Mittens that end at the wrist are much more likely to slip out from under the sleeve and fall off.⠀
Other things to consider: How well can your child move in their snow clothes? Kids are moving most of the time, and it can feel uncomfortable for them to be stuffed into a stiff snowsuit/jacket. Some of this is unavoidable but I recommend getting feedback from your child about fit. This will help cut down on some of the getting dressed for outside struggle too!⠀
*The waterproofing to warmth ratio. There isn’t one right answer but snow clothes should have elements of both. Wearing a rain suit over snow clothes is one good option!
*How easy are the snow clothes for your child to put on independently? It’s a learning process obviously, but things like slip on boots, one-piece snowsuits, and neck warmers are independence friendly. Most toddlers and preschoolers will need help with some parts of getting dressed or undressed; this is totally fine and normal.⠀
***Accessibilty***
High quality snow clothes can be expensive, and not all families have access to them! Loving the outdoors is made more possible by having your basic needs like food, water, and proper clothing met. If you have the means to buy or donate extra snow pants, boots, mittens, hats or jackets, there are many children who would benefit! At the program I used to direct, we always had extras hung up on hooks just in case. Ask your local preschool if they’d like donations, or donate to a clothing drive in your area!
❄️❄️All kids deserve to have the clothing to keep them comfortable enough to deepen their connection to the beautiful place we live in❄️❄️⠀
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