Dressing kids for snow – a quick guide
With the white stuff such a rare event in Ireland, dressing kids for snow can be hard. What should they wear to make the most of it? After all, nobody wants them to come back inside after 5 minutes, crying because their feet are cold and their hands got wet.
So how to dress them to keep them warm and dry in the snow?
It’s all about the layers!
The same basic idea applies whatever the weather – layering. From the thermal base layer, you build up insulation as needed, with a waterproof outer layer to finish.
From skiing in France in subzero temperatures to withstanding 2018’s “Snowmageddon” in Ireland, the acorns have clocked up many hours of happy snow play. So what do they wear?
Dressing kids for snow
For the most part, their winter gear was bought in Lidl last November, including their ski thermals and socks, their winter jackets, their gloves/mittens and their woolly hats. Their snow boots and micro-fleece tops are from Decathlon.
Once the base layer is on, they put on a fleece, and, if the temperature warrants it, a sweater or a hoodie.
Tip – girls’ tights make for a great base layer, if you don’t have proper thermals.
For the outer layer, Squirrel and Pebbles have handed-down fleece-lined sets, which are both wind- and waterproof. Jedi and Mermaid wear their trusty Puddlegear rain pants over a pair of tracksuit bottoms, which provide extra insulation.
They always make sure that their waterproof pants cover their boots (most have elastic bands to keep them from riding up), so the snow doesn’t get into their shoes or up their legs.
Wellies are great to keep dry, but terrible at keeping feet warm. If they are the only option, make sure the kids wear at least two pairs of socks. Snow boots are preferable for their insulating lining.
Avoid cotton
They never, ever wear jeans to go outside, as the heavy cotton, once wet, would quickly make them feel cold. For the same reason, cotton base layers must be avoided in cold weather.
Add to this a warm winter hat that covers the ears and some waterproof gloves, and the kids will be all set for hours of fun in the snow!
More snow-related posts
- Wishing for snow / Envie de neige
- Sledding at Powerscourt / Séance de luge à Powerscourt
- Slide like a penguin / La glissade du pingouin
- Look, they’re skiing / Ça y est, ils skient
- 3 easy tips for winter photgraphy / 3 astuces pour réussir vos photos d’hiver
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Great guide! I’m wondering about avoiding cotton for underlayers though… as long as the layers on top are actually waterproof, it should be alright, I thought? I know wool mixes are supposed to be very good, but I didn’t know about cotton being bad x #AdventureCalling
Cotton is not bad per se, it’s just not good at keeping you warm. You make a good point about wearing waterproof layers over it, but breaking into a sweat is enough to get cotton underwear damp, not to mention snow or water trickling down the sleeves, etc. Keep cotton for summer 😉
Thank you so much for reading 🙂
Great photos! In Canada we’re well versed in winter wear – and your tips are all spot on! Waterproof everything is super important. Here we usually buy insulated waterproof pants (we call them “snowpants” and they work wonders. I do like the idea of waterproof pants over trackpants – gives you better options for temperature control if it’s not mega cold out.
~Jess
#FamilyFun
Wow, that is quite the endorsement! Thank you so much!
In Ireland, the weather rarely warrants the use of snowpants. The last time we had snow like this was over 7 years ago!
Thanks for popping by 🙂
Annette
This is really helpful. I buy a few things from decathlon and think it’s w great shop and excellent value. I have never put them jeans to go out it but because they’re young. I’d probably make the mistake of doing so when they’re older on the basis they’re thick I won’t now! Thanks for joining us at #familyfun
Great post. We always layer up the boys when heading out in cold weather or snow. #adventurecalling
Hi, Annette! This is not a first time I read about avoiding cotton with all costs because of slow drying abilities. I prefer wool over almost anything because it`s a natural material and it let skin breathe. Those outfits are super sweet and kids are looking like they have the time of their lives. I was wondering, do they prefer low or higher temperatures?
Hi Nigel,
Thank you for stopping by 🙂
Cotton has its uses, especially in warmer temperatures, but you’re right, wool is ideal for keeping warm.
To answer your question, the acorns, growing up in Ireland, tend to be more comfortable in cooler temperatures, but the summer heat means lots of wild swimming, so fun in any season, really! 😉
Great advice and very well explained as always Annette. It’s so important to get this right because it can make or break a family adventure. Thanks for joining us on #adventurecalling. I hope you can again when we open for more posts tomorrow morning.