How To Dress Your Little Tot For Cold Weather

It’s usually easy for any parent to dress up their toddlers in warmer seasons since they usually only need one layer of clothing. But when the biting chill rolls in, it becomes a challenge.  

Young children are still unable to regulate their body temperature. So, parents must let them wear the appropriate clothing to keep them warm in colder weather. You don’t want your little one to catch a cold or freeze to the core while playing in the snow. 

Check out this article if you’re a first-time parent of a playful tot. This is your guide to dressing your toddler for the cold weather of fall and winter.

• Start With Light Layers

First, dress your kid in undergarments made of child-safe fabrics like cotton or merino wool. Babies and toddlers still have extra sensitive skin, and rough materials may cause a rash. If possible, choose a moisture-wicking base layer for your tot. They can still sweat underneath their clothing even if the temperature is in the single digits. 

Next, put a top layer, like a sweater, as the insulated middle layer. Consider buying your kids fleece jackets and jumpers that won’t limit their movement or make them feel too warm. A bulky top may restrict their joints. As a kid, there’s nothing more annoying than being unable to move around and play because of the clothes you’re wearing.

• Choose A Proper Coat And Pants

Your child’s outer shell is one of the essential pieces of their cold-weather outfits. A jacket or coat made of wind- and water-resistant nylon is ideal for kids playing in the snow. The material will prevent moisture and cold air from seeping in, keeping your toddler warm all day. 

A jacket or coat with snap buttons or zippers is the best option, so removing the outer layer is easier when your child needs an emergency outfit change. Avoid ribbons or string closures that are prone to tangling and coming undone.  

As for the pants, they should also have the same properties as the jacket. Cold-weather pants must be loose enough for movement while snug to keep your child’s legs toasty. A well-fitting pair of pants should be easy to take off for potty breaks or when you need to change their diaper if they’re still wearing one.

• Top It Off With A Hat

Ears are among the first to feel colder temperatures due to their many blood vessels. And since a young child’s skin is still quite sensitive, kids will quickly freeze if their ears lack a warm covering. That’s where a thick, wooly winter hat comes in. A fleece-lined beanie, for example, keeps your child’s head and ears warm. Make sure it’s flexible enough to cover their ears and not too tight to squeeze their head.  

Catching the flu isn’t the only problem kids may face while playing outside in the cold. As long as you’re outdoors before sunset, you and your child risk getting sunburn. A good winter hat may also be excellent sun protection if it has a brim. Whether or not it does, don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your child either way.

• Keep Their Little Hands Warm

Aside from ears, hands are one of the human body parts that gets cold the fastest. So, invest in snug mittens for your tot’s little hands. Mittens are often better than gloves since they usually only have sections for the first four fingers and the thumb. If your child is unruly, you know how difficult it is to dress them, especially if you must put each finger into the gloves’ individual sections.

Like their jacket, your kid’s mittens should have a weather-proof outer layer and an inner lining for insulation. If the pair is too loose for their hands or lacks adjusters, get clips with elastic bands to attach the mittens to your child’s jacket cuffs. That way, they won’t slip off your tot’s hands and stay on to protect them from possible frostbite.

• Finish With Non-Slip Footwear

The ground outside may become slippery due to ice and snow when it gets cold. Thus, your child must wear the proper shoes to avoid slips and falls. Waterproof boots with snow grips are your best choice for cold-weather footwear. They should also have an inner lining with adjustable laces or straps to secure your child’s feet and keep them from freezing. 

Make sure you clean your toddler’s winter boots, too. Regular cleaning maintains the quality of the footwear even if you replace them when your child grows bigger. Always use the right tools and techniques to clean sheepskin or leather boots properly so you won’t damage them instead.  

Conclusion

Toddlers are more susceptible to sicknesses caused by the weather. As a parent, you’re responsible for keeping them warm and cozy until they learn to dress.  

While it’s important to dress your tot in clothes you can put on and take off easily, it won’t hurt to add an extra layer. Pediatricians recommend parents dress their younger children in one layer more than an adult would wear. Remember that each piece must fit well and not suffocate the child as they play.