When it comes to dressing children for playing outdoors during the winter there is one rule that should be followed; layers. Children are more susceptible to the cold than adults, and it is important to keep them warm and dry and there are plenty of options available to help. However, it is also important that they are able to take layers off as they warm up.
Underwear
A vest should be worn underneath their normal clothes to keep their chests protected from the cold. In toddlers and babies it is advisable to use a vest that fastens underneath them to help keep their entire torso warm. For children wearing diapers it is also advisable to use a pair of plastic pants. Pants and socks are vital whatever the weather, but during the winter a pair of thick socks should be worn to keep their feet and toes warm. If you do not own a pair of thick socks, use two pairs of normal socks. A pair of tights, or pantyhose, is also advisable to keep their legs warm. A pair of socks should still be worn over them though. In particularly cold weather it is advisable to use thermal-styled underwear to help keep warmth circulating around their bodies.
Clothes
A long sleeved top made from wool will give better protection against cold weather. Wool traps warm air close to the body better than cotton. However, it is important to remember that wool can get heavy when it is wet, and will take longer to dry than cotton. Underneath sweaters it is a good idea to make your child wear a t-shirt as extra protection.
Long pants or trousers should be made from a light material. Denim gets heavy when it is wet, and can become restrictive. Corduroy is durable and light whilst also being thick. If your child is wearing light cotton jogging pants or similar, get them to wear a pair of leggings underneath.
Outerwear
Snow and puddle suits are widely available from most clothes stores. These are made from a waterproof material and fit over the entire body. If you do not use a snow or puddle suit, make sure that your child's coat is padded and waterproof. Waterproof trousers are also a good idea to protect their trousers from becoming wet and cold.
Accessories
Even children need accessories, although in the case of winter it is for protection not vanity! Hats, gloves and scarves are vital for children playing outdoors in cold weather. Heat is released from the head more quickly than any other part of the body, so it is absolutely essential that it is protected from cold wind. Fleece or woollen hats provide the most protection.
Woollen gloves will become wet and cold very quickly, so a pair of gloves made from leather with a fleece lining is more advisable. However, children do tend to take gloves off and lose them, so attach them to the coat using a piece of ribbon or wool.
Scarves or neck warmers should be worn to keep their necks and chests protected from cold breezes. Again, woollen or fleece scarves will provide much more protection than one made from cotton.
Boots
Sneakers or trainers are certainly not advisable during the winter. They are designed to let air circulate around the feet to keep them cool. In cold weather we want to keep our children's feet dry and warm.
Boots with a fleece, wool or faux fur lining will help to keep warm air trapped around the feet. A suede, leather or plastic outer will also make sure that the feet are kept dry. The soles of the boot should have a good tread on them to help with grip. This way, children are less likely to slip over on the frosty ground.
Wellington boots will keep your child's feet dry, but they are not known for being particularly warm. If you choose to let your child wear wellies, make sure they are wearing thick socks.
Before letting children play outside in winter you should always make sure that they are dressed correctly. Hypothermia is a real risk during these colder months. Make sure that your child does not spend too long outside, and when they come inside that they are changed into dry clean clothes and given something to drink and eat. It is possible for wet clothes to freeze, so if your child does get wet whilst playing outside they should change immediately before the wet clothes become cold.
Winter can be a dangerous time of year, but it is also fun, especially for young children. Don't let them get into harm, but do let them enjoy the snow and ice safely.