How to Dress Kids for Winter: A Guide to Layering
As the weather starts to get chillier it's time to trade in your little one’s sneakers and t-shirts for cozy boots and puffy jackets. But cold weather outfits don’t just start and end with outerwear. Having the right layers can help your kid’s cozy outerwear last from chilly fall days to snowy winter nights! Here’s our guide on how to dress kids for winter so they can play on through the cold
How Much Should You Layer?
As you’re bundling up to get outside you may be wondering how many layers your little one really needs. The rule of thumb, according to the American Pediatrics Society, is to dress your kiddo in one more layer of clothing than you are wearing. Kids will usually need to dress in around 3-4 layers for winter weather. Layering makes your kids outfit easy to adjust for changes in temperature, activity, or whatever else comes up! If your kid heads out to the local pond or the playground, remove a layer before they start the activity. Even if they’re a little cold at first, this will help to avoid their clothing getting damp with sweat, so they stay warmer for longer. Then add that layer back once they’re finished playing. Remember: sweat makes kids colder!
Moisture-Wicking Base Layer
First up are base layers! They are the key to dress kids effectively for winter because they regulate the body’s moisture. You want to look for fabrics that are moisture-wicking and quick-drying, like wool or synthetics. Avoid any cotton or linen fabrics since, while they’re super breathable, they will hang onto sweat. Base layers made from materials like a lightweight fleece will help remove moisture from the body. Your kiddo’s base layer doesn’t have to be super thick or cozy on its own! The next two layers will add warmth. For the fit, choose base layers that fit snugly – but not too tight – with long sleeves and legs. And here’s a hack for you! Even if your winter isn’t very long you can still get so much use out of your base layers as cozy pyjamas!
Insulating Middle Layer
Now for the first layer to add warmth – the middle layer! This layer’s job is to trap body heat to keep your kiddo extra cozy. That means it can’t fit too snug – there should be a pocket of air for it to insulate effectively. This layer could be anything like a knit sweater, a sweatsuit, a fleece jacket and pants, or a thin puffy jacket. What you choose for the middle layer depends on how warmly your kiddo needs to dress for the weather! On warmer days they can wear just a hoodie or sweater, without a middle layer of pants. For freezing weather, they can add a fourth layer by doubling up on mid layer. The middle layer is super customizable so you can bundle up or dress down however you need!
Weather-Resistant Outer Layer
Now for the layer that protects your little one from the elements – the outer layer! Whether it’s a one-piece suit or a jacket and pants, this layer acts as a shield against snow, rain, wind and cold! Not sure what kind of outerwear your kid needs? It depends on your weather! To find the ideal warmth for you, the outerwear’s temperature rating should be around the average or lowest predicted temperatures for the winter in your area. That means if you have mild and rainy winters, adding a breathable waterproof shell overtop will be best. If your winter gets very cold and snowy, dress your kid in insulated winter gear for extra warmth. Not all puffy gear is waterproof though! For kids that love rolling around in the snow, check that their outerwear is 100% waterproof or look for a synthetic filling that will insulate even if it gets wet.
Footwear
And you can’t forget their feet! Did you know that your feet and hands get cold faster because its further for your heart to pump blood to them? So, the first step to warm toes is wearing the right layers on your body. The second step is wearing the right layers on your feet! If boots are outerwear, think of socks like a base layer! For the coldest days you can even add a mid layer of socks. Start with a thin polyester sock and layer a thicker cozy sock in wool or a synthetic fabric overtop. This will keep little toes extra toasty!
Like outerwear, choose boots that match your winter weather the best! The tread, insulation, water-resistance, boot height, and size all effect how feet stay protected. Wet, slushy snow means you should choose 100% waterproof boots. If you get deep snow, opt for taller, insulated boots, and you can add on boot gaiters to keep out snow. Its also important to wear the right size. Tight boots constrict blood flow which make toes even colder. If your little one can wiggle their toes in the boots while wearing their coziest socks, then their boots are good to go! And we can’t forget the littlest member of the family! Layer up with thick socks and cozy baby booties.
Accessories
No winter outfit is complete without cozy accessories! Like outerwear, gloves and hats come in options from lightweight fleece or knit fabric – great for mild temperatures or layering – to heavy-duty insulation. If you’re expecting rain or snow, waterproof gloves are a necessity! Only waterproof gloves or mittens stop your kid’s hands from getting damp and cold while they build snowmen or collect dewy fall leaves. Your kid loses a lot of heat through their head, so to stay warm for winter you need to dress them in a hat too! Make sure it covers not only their head but their ears and forehead. The more exposed skin, the colder they will be! To complete their outfit, skip the scarf and opt for a neck warmer. No getting tangled or falling off! Neck warmers tuck easily into your kid’s jacket to seal in heat.
Layering with a Car Seat
Have a little one riding in a car seat? Don’t forget to take off their winter coats before strapping them in! The fluffy layers that keep them warm create too much room between the straps and your little one, and this makes their car seat less safe. So how do they stay warm in the car? Your little one can still safely wear base and thin mid layers, as well as hats, socks or booties, and mittens. Once they’re buckled in, put on a cozy blanket, or put their winter coat on backwards over top of the straps. Before heading outside, zip up their snowsuit and you’re good to go!
Layering Summary
Enjoy the great outdoors in any weather! Here’s our key takeaways for how to dress kids for winter so they can play for longer:
- Heat escapes through exposed skin, so don’t forget mittens, a hat or hood, and a neck warmer.
- Dress kids in one more layer than what you’re wearing, around 3-4 layers for freezing temperatures.
- Stay away from cotton fabrics that will hold onto moisture.
- Avoid getting sweaty by removing layers during activities or when it gets warmer.
- Choose layers that are roomy enough to leave air pockets for insulation and breathability.
- Buy winter gear with a temperature rating and water resistance that matches your winter weather.
Now your little one is ready for all the chilly weather adventures, from jumping in fall leaves to sledding through the snow!