Baby It's Cold Outside!: Keeping Kids Warm in Winter Wonderlands

The reading on the thermometer is dropping here in Maine. And while many people are setting up to enjoy a warm and toasty winter indoors, Mia and I have been preparing to spend our winter exploring all of the outdoor fun that the cold temperatures bring. Call us crazy, but snow, ice, and cold temps really gets our adventure engine running!

In preparing for an outdoor winter with a child, a checklist of necessary items always ensues to ensure comfort, warmth, safety and enjoyment in frigid weather. Proper clothing makes the difference between a fun day in the snow, and a freezing day that may lead to a dislike of playing in a glorious white wonderland.

In the past, since clothing is something kids outgrow faster than you can say "let's go ice fishing!", I had found it somewhat difficult to find pint sized outerwear that is not only effective, but also affordable. Luckily, over the years companies have begun realized this black hole in winter wear, and the search has become relatively easy. I've found some great sights that help bridge the gap in this area. No longer will I need to down size adult clothing to fit my little adventurer!

Let's get ready to layer! 

Layers work best for outdoor exploration. The right layers can keep your little one warm and toasty, even on the coldest of days.

The most important thing to look out for while purchasing these layers is the material used. If anything you are looking at involves cotton, DO NOT BUY IT! Cotton absorbs moisture (sweat), and is hard to dry out. If a warm body cools down with a moisture filled cotton layer on top of it, this can cause the body to lose warmth rapidly, increasing the chances not only of discomfort, but of hypothermia as well.

Layer One is the base layer. This layer of clothing should be made of a moisture wicking material. Keeping moisture away from the skin ultimately helps keep the body warm. This set found on LuckyBums.com is super affordable at $39.99 for the tops AND the bottoms!!!

Layer Two is the warmth layer. This layer further carries moisture away from the skin, while reflecting warmth back toward the body. This layer should consist of materials such as fleece, wool, flannel, or a blend of natural and synthetic materials. Backcountry.com has a ton of affordable fleece tops, as well as bottoms! (Don't forget those legs, they get cold too!) Be sure to get a top that has the ability to zip and unzip at the neck at least. This allows the ability to regulate body heat when moving or sitting. If you plan to sit for an extended amount of time, think about doubling this layer for added warmth.

Layer Three is the weather proofing layer. This layer should be waterproof, wind proof, AND breathable. Obviously, keeping the lower layers dry is extremely important. But keeping the wind from cutting through is just as important. We all know how a swift breeze can give us goosebumps, so we want to keep that chiller out! Picking an outer layer with added insulation is also a good idea. I really like this jacket from L.L. Bean. It's expensive, yes. But in my past experiences, you get what you pay for when it comes to this layer. (I usually buy jackets a tad larger than needed, gaining the ability to reuse it the following year!)

I also like the snow pants that L.L. Bean has to offer. They're water and wind proof, and insulated with Thinsulate for added warmth. They also have added protection in areas that need it most. So kids can play on without the worry of a knee or the butt of the snowsuit giving out! (More the parents worry than the child's I'm sure!)

Head, Hands, Neck and Feet need to be insulated as well! Remember, no cotton in this layer either!

For feet, be sure to use socks that are moisture wicking, like these from REI. Double if you think added warmth will be needed. Also, a good pair of boots is a must. L.L. Bean offers these boots at a decent price. The added height of the boot adds warmth to the leg, as well as decreasing the chance of snow falling into them. To further safe guard against that, they've added an adjustable draw string at the top to ensure a snug fit. Also, they come with an extra set of liners, which means the play can continue if the first set of liners does happen to get wet!

Hands should first be covered by a good moisture wicking glove, like these offered at REI. On top of these, should be a water and wind proof layer. L.L. Bean offers many affordable choices and styles of cold weather gloves to choose from.

For the neck, I like to use a good neck gaiter. This gaiter sold by REI is made of microfleece, which insulates even when wet, and dries quickly.

Last, and most importantly, keep the head under cover! Start with a good fleece hat, as it wicks moisture away while keeping heat in. I always double this layer on especially cold days with a polyester version or another fleece hat.

By planning ahead, and getting all of these layer options set and ready to go, you can ensure that your tots time outdoors will not only be comfortable, but memorable as well!