Keeping Kids Warm Outside All Year Long
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you won’t need a jacket till Fall. Many summer nights can get cool, especially if you are speeding across a lake on a motorboat or high up in the mountains. Kids don’t always have the best judgment when it comes to their own temperature, so it’s always good to keep an eye on them and what they are wearing at all times. 10 tips will help you keep little ones warm when the temperature drops.
Here are 10 tips will help you keep little ones warm when the temperature drops.
Keeping Warm Outside
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. This Swedish quote is as apt in Australia as it is in the USA. So what can you do to keep kids warm when outside?
- Layers are your best friend – They protect against the cold, but they also give you lots of control to adjust things as the day changes. After all, icy cold mornings and sunny afternoons are common in this part of the world. Cotton singlets or woolen thermals create an all-important wicking layer (sitting close to the skin to draw moisture), then layer up with long sleeves and woolen jumpers. Look for pure wool as synthetic is often inferior when it comes to warmth.
- Keeping dry – The most valuable item you can have is a waterproof outer layer. Look for a range of raincoats that can provide durable protection and are also PVC free (so you avoid exposure to harsh chemicals which are sometimes part of waterproof clothing). And you’ll want rainwear that is easily machine-washable too, for a fuss-free end to your day.
- Wool socks & waterproof rubber boots – If little feet are warm, you’re halfway to winning the battle against the cold. Same goes for hands so look for fleece or woolen mittens and gloves.
- Hats – Has anyone ever told you that you lose 50% of your body heat through your head? It turns out (according to the British Medical Journal) that it’s actually closer to 7%. But that doesn’t mean hats aren’t an integral part of keeping kids warm. Even under a rainwear hood, make sure you’ve got a woolen or fleece beanie to protect heads and ears from cold.
- Ready when you are – Having a hook near the door for kids’ raincoats or a shelf for their gumboots can make the world of difference in keeping your getting-ready time to a minimum. It can also give kids a sense of autonomy through the process if they feel like they can easily find, reach and put on their own gear.
Keeping Warm at Home
- Check your windows and doors for draughts – Reports suggest that up to 40% of your heating energy can be lost through windows alone. So whether it’s the bedrooms or the kids’ play room, closing curtains, using door snakes or doing touch-ups with sealants is a good start. For longer-term options, invest in thermal-backed curtains or external roller blinds.
- Get your heaters serviced regularly – for safety, for heating efficiency and of course for your hip pocket.
- Warm little ones up from the inside out – Small cups of warm milk or soup can be a fortifying snack during a break from play or as part of your bedtime routine. This can help with hydration too, which is just as important (and sometimes easier to overlook) in winter months.
- Chimney balloons – If you have a chimney, this can provide an inexpensive way to block cold air when it’s not in use.
- The right sleepwear – Kids’ sleepwear should always be the right size, not oversized, and slippers by their bed can make night time toilet trips a warmer experience. Be aware that all Australian nightwear is required to have a fire hazard indication on its label so look for ‘low fire danger’.
Safety tips to keep in mind…
Monitor how they’re going throughout the day. Children don’t always register being too hot or too cold, and even when they do they’re often easily distracted or more interested in play.
Be aware of clothing hazards – scarves and cords on jackets can create risks, as can toggles. And remember that hats and face coverings should never be used when kids are sleeping, including in the car.
And don’t forget the sunscreen!