How to Dress a Child for Playing in the Snow
Winter Jacket, Snow Pants, Snow Boots, Hat, Mittens and Scarf
Dec 4, 2008
If you grew up in a climate that gets snow in the winter, you probably remember what it's like to get cold, wet feet or snow down your back when playing outdoors. For those moving from a warm climate to a cold climate, there is a bit of a learning curve in dressing kids for outdoor winter play. Here's how to keep your kids toasty warm and dry when they are playing in the snow.
A Warm Jacket or Coat
Above all, a child needs a warm winter jacket or coat. When shopping for coats, pick one that is a size bigger than the size the child currently wears. This will leave plenty of room for bulky clothes worn underneath the coat and will ensure that the coat will still fit if there is a growth spurt during the winter.
A jacket with a hood is helpful. If the child forgets to take a hat to school, he will still be able to cover his head when the class goes out for recess on a chilly winter day. A hood also helps keep the back of the neck warm.
Snow Pants
Just as important as a warm winter coat is a pair of warm snow pants. Over-all snow pants are practical and popular. These pants go on under the winter jacket and will be the first layer of outdoor clothes the child will put on when getting dressed to go outside to play in the snow.
Some children prefer to wear one piece snow suits that replace both the snow pants and the jacket. These are warm and keep snow from getting under the clothing, but you will still need to have a separate winter jacket for the days that it is not cold or snowy enough for snow pants.
Snow Boots
It is important to have special snow boots for your child. Sneakers, shoes or other types of boots are not practical for snow play. Snow boots have a warm, removable lining and have a waterproof foot. They should be easy for your child to pull on without assistance.
Before putting the boots on, tuck the child’s pant leg into the top of the sock. To keep the feet dry when the snow is deep, put a plastic bag on your child’s foot. Tuck the edges of the bag into the pant leg. Put the snow boots on over the plastic bag. Finally, pull the leg of the snow pants down over the top of the boot. Snow may still find its way into the boot, but this method will keep your child’s feet warm and dry for longer.
Winter Hats, Mittens or Gloves and Scarves
It is crucial that children going outside to play in the snow on a winter day wear a hat. On especially cold days, a hat can be worn with the jacket hood over it. Younger children will benefit from a hat with ear flaps. Very young children will need a hat that ties under the chin to keep it in place.
Mittens are more practical for young children who have difficulties getting their fingers into a pair of gloves. Older children may find it easier to play in gloves, though mittens keep the hands warmer. Young children tend to need mitten clips to attach the mittens to the sleeves of the jacket to keep from loosing mittens.
A scarf keeps the neck warm and also helps to keep snow and wind from getting down the top of the jacket.
Most children enjoy playing outdoors in the snow and look forward to it. To keep them warm and dry when they are outdoors on a winter day be sure they have a proper winter jacket, snow pants, snow boots, a hat, mittens and a scarf.
