How to dress them for the weather / Comment les habiller pour tous les temps

Kids Waterproof Clothing Kids-Rain-Gear Kids-Waterproof-Clothing Childrens-Waterproof-Clothing Waterproofs Rainwear Ireland Outerwear Rain Outdoors Children Nature

In the Irish climate, waterproof clothing for kids is probably a smarter investment than nice summer clothes – for better or for worse, children in this country get to wear their rain gear all year round!

Kids Waterproof Clothing Kids-Rain-Gear Kids-Waterproof-Clothing Childrens-Waterproof-Clothing Waterproofs Rainwear Ireland Outerwear Rain Outdoors Children Nature The secret to playing the weather away is layers. In my experience, a set of unlined waterproofs is more versatile than their fleece-lined counterparts. Easy to pull on and lighter in weight, they also dry much faster when wet.

The base layer manages moisture, wicking perspiration away from the skin where it can evaporate. Avoid cotton, which gets clammy and cold with sweat. Choose instead thermal underwear in either natural wool or polyester, both quick-drying fabrics.

Next, the insulating layer protects from the cold by trapping warm air close to the body. Fleece, both lightweight and breathable, keeps insulating even when wet.

Finally, the shell layer keeps wind and rain at bay. Top of the range here are Gore-tex® lined clothes, which are both waterproof and breathable… and pricey! Most waterproofs are made of PU sets; polyurethane is a rip-resistant and waterproof coating, that is not breathable. Beware of cheap showerproof clothing, or snow/skiwear, which will not withstand heavy rain.

Quality rain gear

Living in Denmark for three years has influenced us in many ways, but the most obvious may well be the Scandinavian love of the outdoors. It’s not that we were couch potatoes before. It is just that Denmark has taught us how to enjoy the great outdoors with children, come rain or shine.

Kids Waterproof Clothing Kids-Rain-Gear Kids-Waterproof-Clothing Childrens-Waterproof-Clothing Waterproofs Rainwear Ireland Outerwear Rain Outdoors Children Nature For six months of the year, Danish children can’t be seen without their flyverdragt, or snowsuit – a fleece-lined, 100 percent waterproof overall, which can be worn over any regular clothes. Add a pair of sturdy, insulated boots, and children will happily play outside, warm and dry, whatever the weather.

When he was 3, Jedi spent one year in a Danish forest kindergarten (skovbørnehave). For years afterwards, the younger acorns used the red Ticket to Heaven snowsuit and the Superfit boots (affiliate link) he wore through that Danish ice winter, thus called because even the sea froze.

On moving to Ireland eight years ago, we decided to stick with our outdoors habit, and explore the length and breadth of this beautiful island. After all, all it takes is a good dollop of curiosity, and waterproof clothing!

Luckily, shortly after our arrival in Co Wicklow, I met Swedish-born Anna, owner and founder of Rainbusters, an Irish online provider of waterproof clothing for children. Once Jedi outgrew the outdoor clothes we had brought over from Denmark, Rainbusters became my go-to brand for quality waterproof clothing for the acorns. Squirrel, after two years in the Nature Kindergarten, put them through their toughest test. Yet they remained in excellent condition.

Kids Waterproof Clothing Kids-Rain-Gear Kids-Waterproof-Clothing Childrens-Waterproof-Clothing Waterproofs Rainwear Ireland Outerwear Rain Outdoors Children Nature Two years ago, just as our stash of wet gear needed renewing, I was sent one outfit for each of the acorns by Canadian brand Puddlegear, in exchange for photos. Available in 3 colours and in the full range of sizes, from toddler to teenager, these waterproofs have stood the test of time.

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.

Even with the most careful planning, there are occasions when the best waterproof gear will fail. For the acorns simply can’t stay away from water, mud and sand. A mere walk on the beach, even in the dead of winter, invariably turns into a game of cat-and-mouse with the waves. A gentle stroll by a stream inevitably sees them attempting to step across the water, or wading in until their wellies overflow.

I have considered buying them waders, but it is more economical to keep a change of clothes and a towel for each of them in the car.

This way, nothing gets in the way of the life-affirming joy that free play brings them.

Kids Waterproof Clothing Kids-Rain-Gear Kids-Waterproof-Clothing Childrens-Waterproof-Clothing Waterproofs Rainwear Ireland Outerwear Rain Outdoors Children Nature


Avec le climat irlandais, investir dans de bons imperméables s’avère plus fûté que d’acheter de jolies tenues d’été. Qu’on le veuille ou non, les enfants de ce pays ont besoin de leurs habits de pluie toute l’année !

imperméable, overall, overall, rain gear, Ireland, Irlande, waterproof, salopette, outerwear, rain, forest school, wild, outdoors, children, nature, plein air, enfants, pluieD’expérience, je préfère les cirés tout simples à leurs équivalents doublés en polaire. Plus faciles à enfiler et plus légers, ils sèchent aussi beaucoup plus vite. Car pour se jouer de la météo, le secret est de multiplier les épaisseurs.

La couche de base gère l’humidité, en éloignant la sueur de la peau pour qu’elle s’évapore. Evitez le coton, qui devient humide et froid avec la transpiration. Préférez des sous-vêtements thermiques en laine ou en polyester, deux matériaux qui sèchent rapidement.

Ensuite, la couche intermédiaire protège du froid en piégeant l’air chaud près du corps. La polaire, légère et respirante, continue d’isoler même quand elle est mouillée.

Enfin, la couche externe arrête le vent et la pluie. Au sommet de la gamme, se trouvent les vêtements doublés en Gore-tex®, qui sont à la fois imperméables et respirants, mais aussi très chers ! La plupart des imperméables pour enfants sont enduits en polyuréthane (PU), un matériau plastique imperméable et indéchirable, mais non respirant. Méfiez-vous des “imperméables” pas chers et des vêtements de ski, qui prennent l’eau très rapidement.

Qu’il pleuve ou qu’il vente

Nos trois années passées au Danemark nous ont influencés de maintes façons, mais la plus évidente est sans doute notre amour tout scandinave du grand air. Non pas que nous étions pantouflards ou casaniers. Simplement, le Danemark nous a appris à profiter de la nature en famille, qu’il pleuve ou qu’il vente.

Kids Waterproof Clothing Kids-Rain-Gear Kids-Waterproof-Clothing Childrens-Waterproof-Clothing Waterproofs Rainwear Ireland Outerwear Rain Outdoors Children Nature Pour six mois de l’année, les enfants danois ne vont nulle part sans leur flyverdragt : une combinaison imperméable et doublée en polaire, qui s’enfile par-dessus les vêtements quotidiens. Ajoutez une bonne paire de bottes d’hiver, et les enfants peuvent jouer dehors, au chaud et au sec, par tous les temps.

A l’âge de 3 ans, Jedi a passé un an dans un jardin d’enfants en forêt (skovbørnehave). Les autres graines de chêne utilisent encore la combinaison rouge Ticket To Heaven et les bottes Superfit (lien partenaire) qu’il porta pendant cet hiver de glace danois, ainsi désigné parce que même la mer avait gelé.

Lors de notre installation en Irlande il y a huit ans, nous avons décidé d’utiliser notre soif de plein air pour explorer en long, en large et en travers cette île magnifique. Après tout, il suffit d’une bonne dose de curiosité, et de vêtements adéquats !

Coup de chance, peu après notre arrivée dans le comté de Wicklow, j’ai rencontré Anna, suédoise de naissance et fondatrice de la marque irlandaise Rainbusters, qui produit des vêtements imperméables pour enfants. Quand les combinaisons rapportées du Danemark se firent trop petites pour Jedi, Rainbusters vint à la rescousse avec ses ensembles imperméables de qualité. Ecureuil, qui a passé deux ans au tout premier jardin d’enfants en plein air d’Irlande, les a rigoureusement éprouvés. Et ils tiennent encore la route.

Il y a deux ans, comme notre collection d’imperméables avait besoin d’être renouvelée, j’ai reçu quatre ensembles de la marque canadienne Puddlegear, en échange de photos. Disponibles en trois couleurs et dans toutes les tailles, du bambin à l’adolescent, ces vestes et salopettes hyper pratiques ont tenu la distance. 

Il n’y a pas de mauvais temps, seulement de mauvais vêtements.

Malgré tout, même les meilleurs préparatifs ne suffisent pas toujours. Les graines de chêne ne peuvent s’empêcher d’aller dans l’eau, le sable ou la boue. Une simple balade sur la plage, même en plein hiver, finit invariablement en jeu du chat et de la souris avec les vagues. Quelques pas au bord d’un ruisseau suffisent pour qu’ils essaient de traverser à gué sur les pierres mouillées, ou qu’ils aillent patauger jusqu’à ce que leurs bottes débordent.

J’ai pensé à leur acheter des cuissardes, mais c’est plus économique de garder dans la voiture des vêtements de rechange et une serviette pour chacun.

Ainsi, rien ne vient diminuer la joie de vivre exaltante qu’ils ressentent à jouer en toute liberté.

imperméable, overall, overall, rain gear, Ireland, Irlande, waterproof, salopette, outerwear, rain, forest school, wild, outdoors, children, nature, plein air, enfants, pluie

Further reading / A lire

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. Should you choose to make a purchase after clicking on one of them, I may receive a small commission and your purchase will help support this site.


Avertissement : Cet article contient des liens partenaires. Si vous décidez d’effectuer un achat après avoir cliqué sur l’un d’eux, je recevrai une commission qui contribuera à soutenir ce site.

 Two Tiny Hands  ethannevelyn.com  JakiJellzdiaryofanimperfectmum   Cuddle Fairy   

16 Responses to “How to dress them for the weather / Comment les habiller pour tous les temps

  • I didn’t know this about Danish culture, embracing the outdoors, it’s rather lovely, isn’t it? By the way I love that you blog in French as well, I’m learning French so that’s interesting to try to read it. #BloggerClubUK

    • Janet, it isn’t limited to Denmark, the whole of Scandinavia is similar. You need to get outside to beat the blues of those long, dark winters. Hence the love of the outdoors, and the hygge culture.
      Merci pour le commentaire 😉

  • Oh, I want some of those flyverdragt for my grandchildren. They would make the Welsh weather much more hospitable too.
    #familyfun

    • Look up Ticket To Heaven online, or the Name It children’s clothing brand, online or on the high street. These suits are a godsend in the Irish climate! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  • Yes, totally agree that free play outside is the ultimate way for our children to grow and learn. What a great post #familyfun

    • Thanks for stopping by Andrea. It looks like you have the free outdoor play down to a T with your two little men 🙂

  • Ah I really am in awe of your outdoorsy lifestyle and attitude. I try so very hard, to get out and about in the cold and wet weather but my youngest only just started walking this winter and wasn’t so steady on his feet. He also got angry being pram when his sister was walking. I definitely needed one of these suits for them both. The Dutch certainly put me to shame. Certainly something for next winter – thank you for sharing at #familyfun

  • We love being outdoors and I should remember to pack a change of clothes more often! We got stuck the other day after a puddle jumping session, cue driving home with warm jumpers over the legs! ‪Thank you for linking up to the #familyfunlinky‬

    • We have driven home with kids in their underwear and the heating on full in the car more times than I can remember! Thanks for hosting #FamilyFun 🙂

  • Ben is too small for wellies and I am so desperate to get him a pair as he’ll love it!!!! #ablogginggoodtime

  • Must remember not to layer my kids in cotton stuff! Useful post, thanks!

    • Glad you found it useful. Cotton and linen are great in hot weather, but not so much in cool/cold conditions.
      Thanks for commenting!

  • Love the quote There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. couldn’t agree more. I love how the scandanivan kids arrive at our international school In Holland snow suits in bag ready for everything! Thank you for linking up to #ablogginggoodtime

  • Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I think it’s great to dress appropriately for the weather and continue the play days. #ablogginggoodtime

  • Weather is always about the layers and needn’t stop the play! Great post! #ablogginggoodtime xoxo

Trackbacks & Pings

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.