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Tips for Keeping Kids Warm in Cold Weather

12/6/2016

11 Comments

 
My son's nature school just posted a message about their day in the cold weather: 
Starting a fire after snack cheered everybody up. We all had meltdowns after snack because they get so cold while sitting still. Today Keats had four layers under his jacket. While it was 38 degrees my phone said it feels like 33 degrees and it's always a little colder in the forest too. When in doubt put more layers and start to use those buffs and neckwarmers.
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Here are some more tips about keeping kids warm in near-freezing weather: 
  • Start with a "wicking" (non-cotton) layer against the skin (so their base layer doesn't get damp and clammy).
  • Core warmth is KEY for keeping extremeties warm (the body naturally diverts heat to the torso to preserve vital organs), so when in doubt, put extra layers on (shirts & pants).
  • Tuck shirts into pants. Tuck pants into socks. Tuck rain pants over boots (to keep the moisture and air of of them).
  • Only put 2 pairs of socks on IF their feet fit comfortably in boots (otherwise the foot compression of a snug fit can make feet colder).
  • Put a neckwarmer on before the top layer of jacket (to keep wind/air out of the neck area).
  • Put mittens on before the top layer of jacket. Try to get their mittens on before school in these cold temperatures. 
  • Pack an extra pair of mittens (labeled) - if mittens get soaked they stop functioning!
  • Wear a hat without a bobble on top so kids can put their hoods up if they're cold.
  • Wear wind- & water-proof gear even if it's not raining. 
  • Pack higher-fat snacks (trail mix, nut butter, HB eggs, energy bars, jerky, etc.)
  • Put warm water in a metal water bottle (so they can hold it or put it under their jacket if their hands get cold). 
  • Put an aluminin-foil-wrapped sweet potato (half) in their jacket pocket (as a hand warmer + snack!).

Please comment below if you can think of more ideas that I've forgotten to list here!
11 Comments
Leighann link
12/16/2016 10:45:33 am

Great advice! I grew up in NY and NH and am now living near Chicago...definitely have to keep warm!

Reply
Belle link
12/16/2016 11:05:46 am

These are such great ideas! My kids love the outdoors so I definitely need this!

Belle | <a href="http://www.oneawesomemomma.com/">One Awesome Momma</a>

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Christy link
12/16/2016 11:19:14 am

I love the tip about the two pairs of socks. I had no idea the extra compression could make their feet feel colder! Thanks!

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Julie Hoag link
12/16/2016 02:47:49 pm

Great tips! Mine pile on the layers, wear good gloves, waterproof boots, neck ups and long underwear!

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Vicki @ Babies to Bookworms link
12/16/2016 05:56:47 pm

These are great tips! My fingers are freezing today because my gloves got wet! If only we took as much care with our own cold weather hear as our kids' stuff!

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Melissa link
12/16/2016 06:22:44 pm

As they say, there is no such thing as inappropriate weather, just inappropriate clothing or however that saying goes! It's been really cold here and I'm always worried I'm not dressing my little one warm enough to be outside, so this was very helpful.

Reply
Erica Nicole link
12/16/2016 07:37:50 pm

This is very helpful! It doesn't get super cold in Texas so when it does, I sort of don't know how to dress my kid. I realized this today... This list really does help me think about what to do when it actually is cold! Thanks.

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Doris link
12/17/2016 10:38:59 am

I love your tips. Kids and cold feet isn´t a good idea...

Reply
Tabitha Shakespeare link
12/19/2016 03:26:52 pm

These are awesome tips! I might do the sweet potato for myself as well!

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Rebekah link
12/22/2016 01:29:29 pm

I love the potato tip!! I remember reading that in the Little House series of books. My boys would have so much fun with that!

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143Records link
12/22/2020 08:17:38 pm

Appreciatte your blog post

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    Dr. Kendall Becherer

    Kendall is an author, photographer, teacher, and learning scientist who loves helping parents & teachers find new ways of connecting with their children.

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