How to Dress a Child for Winter

Many children who live in areas that experience winter weather cannot wait for the first snowfall. Dreams of building a snowman, sledding down a slippery slope or making snow angels in freshly fallen snow entices even the youngest couch potato. Whether your child is taking advantage of a snow day or bundling up to play an outdoor sport, verify he is dressed properly before sending him out for winter adventures.

Things You'll Need

  • Long underwear
  • Blanket
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Flannel shirt
  • Sweater
  • Fleece jacket
  • Snow pants
  • Woolen socks
  • Insulated boots
  • Hooded winter jacket
  • Mittens
  • Gloves
  • Knit hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses

Instructions

    • 1

      Check the current temperature and the forecast for the day. Listen to your local news channel, weather app or online meteorological service.

    • 2

      Consider your child̵7;s body temperature and the activity in which he will be involved. Include lots of layers for shedding when body temperature rises or the sun comes out, heating up the atmosphere. Remind him to add clothes when temperatures start to drop.

    • 3

      Dress in clothes that will keep him toasty, whether sitting in bleachers watching an outdoor football game or participating in a winter sport such as skiing or snowboarding. Include two to three layers covered by snow pants and a down jacket. Bring along a quilt or blanket to wrap around when the wind chill is biting.

    • 4

      Begin with snug undergarments including long underwear or spandex pants. Cover the long underwear top with a turtleneck or long sleeve cotton shirt. Add a flannel shirt, sweater, sweatshirt or fleece jacket. Use water resistant pants especially when playing in the snow, such as snow pants or bib overalls.

    • 5

      Pull up wool socks on both feet. Insert each foot into fleece-lined or water proof/breathable fabric boots. Consider purchasing boots with removable linings for easier drying. Add ice spikes to the bottom of boots, especially for ice fishing days or walking on slick sidewalks and driveways.

    • 6

      Complete the top half with a hooded down jacket. If your child gets overheated, he always has the option to remove the jacket and play in his second layer.

    • 7

      Finish the wardrobe with mittens or gloves and a hat. Anything waterproof will shed moisture, prevent chills and avoid long drying times. Pick a knit or fleece-lined stocking cap and insulated gloves.

    • 8

      Slather on sunscreen and put on shades. Even on cloudy days, rosy faces give way to snow burns. Put on similar attire and join your child for a brisk walk looking for animal tracks or turn shoveling into a game creating designs in the snow.

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