If you have little explorers of your own you’ll know how hard it is to get them back indoors once they’re outside. One of the main dilemmas is keeping them warm during winter without having them so bundled up they can barely move. The solution… layers and good quality gear.
Dungarees and all in ones can be handy for little ones still in nappies especially if they are waterproof. We have a waterproof, fleece lined all in one from Jo Jo Maman Bebe for Little Miss and it has kept her lovely and warm through the winter. Fleece lined wellies are great too though if you cant afford fleece lined ones a nice fluffy pair of socks will help keep little feet warm on cold ground.
Merino wool baselayers and Christmas socks!
Merino wool base-layers are fantastic for keeping children warm in cold wet weather but they aren’t cheap. You can buy man-made fabric base-layers too, just make sure you stay away from cotton as a base-layer as it is notorious for absorbing sweat and keeping it within the fabric causing the body to lose heat and greatly increasing the risk of hypothermia even on days that don’t seem that cold.
We have two sets of merino wool base-layers for T and Little Miss so they have a pair each – trousers and long sleeved top. Both are from Polarn O Pyret and were bought when they were on special offer, Little Miss’s set are her brothers and are 3 years old yet still in great condition.
Waterproof fleece lined all-in-one from Jo Jo Maman Bebe.
We also love fleece mid-layers. They are light-weight and – if thick – offer good insulation keeping the heat produced by your body actually next to your body. Wool blend jumpers are also another firm favourite. Although heavier than fleece, wool is a great insulator and stays warm even when wet, great for the rainy UK.
Outer layers should be waterproof and breathable. T has Nevica Meribel Ski Suit and Little Miss has Lupilu waterproof pants and coat set all bought as Christmas gifts by their wonderful Auntie. They’re all fleece lined and really cosy. T has Beppi DRY-TEX snow boots which he wears all the time when we go out for long walks, they were a gift from his Grandma who bought them in the wrong size so we had to keep them in the cupboard for years, now he’s four they finally fit and he’s had lots of use out of them – they’ll be passed down to his sister too so they’ll be well worn by the time we pass them on to another family.
Nevica fleece lined ski suit.
Finally socks, hats, gloves and scarves… We have some waterproof mittens from Sports Direct and a waterproof and windproof toddler hat from Polarn O Pyret with ear flaps and a velcro strap under the chin to stop Little Miss pulling it off – one of her favourite past times. Wool is fantastic but we personally have mostly warm fleecy socks, polyester scarves and Thinsulate gloves. The most important thing for us when buying gloves and hats for Little Miss is that they are hard for her to remove otherwise she will just pull them off straight away. With T it is that they are comfortable and warm otherwise he just wants to come straight home as soon as he starts feeling chilled.
In conclusion:
Wool or purpose made thermal base-layers – avoid cotton at all costs.
Wool or thick insulating mid-layers to keep body heat close to the body.
Waterproof yet breathable outer-layers.
Warm and preferably waterproof gloves and hat – wool will stay warm even when wet.
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