Photo credit @CSG Kids Ski Gear
Why is it so important that kids are dressed warmly in winter, even when they insist, they don’t feel cold at all? Are we all being over-protective or is there something real about the warm clothing?
Scientists determined that Rhinoviruses, the most common cause for colds, reproduce most effectively at temperatures just below the body’s 37 degrees Celsius. Which means keeping your child warm in winter will go some way towards keeping them healthy!
So, what are the tips for best winter dressing?
Base the outfit on light layers
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers this rule of thumb for winter weather dressing: Put babies and children in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions. The layers underneath your toddler’s outerwear trap in warmth. Choose all-cotton shirts, which will feel best against your child’s still-sensitive skin. Steer clear of bulky sweaters, which will make her too hot and prevent her from moving around easily. Make sure socks aren’t so thick that your toddler's snow boots don’t fit comfortably over them. Layering doesn't mean lots of thin layers, but different layers for different purposes, useful to remember when kids are more eager to rush outside to play than get dressed properly for the cold first. The separate layers can be used alone when the temperatures aren't so low - an important consideration when fast growing kids mean that virtually nothing is ever going to fit them for two winters.
Pack warm clothes even if they say they’re don’t need it
Kids feel even more intense the social pressure. She might not want to wear a winter coat, because she feels she is not as trendy as her colleague and so on. Even it may feel like a complete waste of time, pack her a warm coat in the school bag. If everyone else is wearing a coat, she will too, be sure of that!
Fingers, toes, and faces need extra protection
According to kidshealth.org, your child’s head, face, ears, hands, and feet are most prone to cold exposure and frostbite. Frostbite is kind of like the winter version of getting burned: It damages the skin and usually causes numbness. And children’s skin is especially sensitive to the cold, so keep an eye on their extremities. Heavy, non-cotton socks, waterproof boots, waterproof gloves, neck warmers, and a hat all are key to keeping everyone toasty and warm on cold days. For very cold weather earmuffs and facemasks add extra protection.
Now, what are the myths about winter dressing?
Myth: You lose body heat through your head
There's nothing special about your head. You'll lose body heat from any part of your body that is exposed. It's a good idea to wear a hat, but other parts of your body must also be covered to keep you from getting cold, experts say.
You don't sweat in the winter, especially when outdoors
People are deathly afraid of freezing temperatures, and that stops them from even venturing outside in the winter. But what some don't realize is that after snowshoeing for a few minutes or after a couple of ski runs, your body creates heat just as it does on a regular workout. You actually start to warm up and sweat, which is why layering is important. You need to be able to shed off layers when you start to get too warm.
Jeans are ok for the snow
Please keep the jeans for any other occasion but that. Wet jeans are heavy and they will not dry at all when you're outdoors. Jeans also don't allow for fluid movement when you're on snowshoes or skis. At a minimum, wear pants made of quick-drying fabric that are built for the outdoors. If you are going to invest in gear for the snow anyway, get snow pants that are insulated and waterproof.
Cotton socks are perfect
Speaking of wet feet, your cotton socks are not fine in the snow. Aside from being prone to causing blisters, cotton socks absorb and retain moisture. Choose socks that are built for winter weather, such as wool; they dry fast and will keep your feet warm even when they're wet.