Dressing your toddler for winter

It’s easy to bundle up your baby against the winter weather but once she is up and toddling you have to consider her mobility when it comes to dressing her.

Your winter toddler needs clothes that will keep her snug and comfortable in all weathers – and especially when Jack Frost is nipping at her nose! But a lively toddler is much more active than a baby, so the cozy but bulky snowsuits that kept your child warm when she was tiny won’t be suitable now. Her inbuilt temperature regulation system has improved so she’s not in as much danger of overheating but you’ll still need to check her periodically for signs (you can do this by checking the back of her neck – if she’s perspiring, she’s too hot and you should remove a layer of clothing). As a rule, stick to the general guideline that she should wear one more layer than you do.

She needs clothes that will allow her to move, stretch and run, in natural fibers that are breathable and won’t chafe her skin. Warm clothes don’t necessarily mean padded outer clothes that restrict movement – light Polartec fleeces will keep out chills and won’t slow your child down. It may be tempting to buy larger sizes for your child to grow into, but heavy material flapping around her calves and ankles won’t be practical or safe, and you may find she’ll take off that warm coat so that she has more freedom to play.

Layer upon layer

You need to make sure your child is warm enough when she’s not active – for example when she’s sitting in her stroller – and cool enough when she’s rushing around in the playground. The key is to layer her clothing – then, if she shows signs of overheating or you’re at the mall, you can simply remove a layer of clothing to ensure that she’s comfortable.

Light layers are best – a long-sleeved cotton vest; a long-sleeved tee, a sweater or fleece; warm lined trousers or tights if she’s wearing a skirt; and finally her coat or snowsuit. Thick-knit woollies may be warm, but check that they’re not chafing and irritating the skin on her neck and wrists. A cotton-knit may be better if she has sensitive skin. Keep in mind that winter clothes are heavier and take longer to dry – you may need a spare coat. Check labels before buying and avoid garments that require dry-cleaning.

Head first

We all know how difficult it is to get a toddler to wear a hat, be it to shield her from the sun or keep her warm. It’s vital in winter, as the majority of body heat is lost through the head. Snowsuits or coats with hoods are idea – at least if she throws it off it won’t get lost. If your toddler is picky about wearing a hat, it may help to let her choose it herself. Try to steer her in the direction of fleece or soft wool, with ear flaps for warmth and in a bright color that will make her easy to spot in a busy playground. Don’t let her play outside without it… she’ll soon get the message that wearing it is worthwhile. She may also cooperate more if you wear a hat yourself.

Warm hands

A young child’s fingers are especially susceptible to the cold but you’ll inevitably face battles over wearing gloves. Try the same approach as with hats – let her choose her own. Those which feature her favorite cartoon or storybook characters are bound to be popular. If she’s happy to wear what you choose for her, then think of your pocket – gloves are easily lost, so buy several pairs in plain colors so you can match up odd ones (you can buy clips or cords to attach gloves to coat sleeves). Waterproof gloves are handy for when it snows. It’s a good idea to carry a spare pair at all times, in case a glove gets lost when you’re out and about.

Toastie toes

Cold feet are very uncomfortable and difficult to warm up once chilled. Keep your child’s toes warm from the minute she gets up with thermal or light wool socks or tights (cotton tends to stay wet if it gets wet). They don’t have to be bulky – she needs a layer of air between her feet and her shoes to provide added insulation. Get waterproof shoes or boots, or spray them with a water repellent spray that should also protect them from water marks. Grip soles are safer, and stick to leather, not man-made uppers. If you don’t want to spend every evening polishing shoes, try patent leather, which can be wiped clean. Have a pair of galoshes in reserve for cold weather, and if you can’t get fur-lined ones, buy a size larger so she can wear an extra pair of socks for warmth.

Winter clothes and potty training

If you’re potty-training your child, clothes need to be easily removed in a hurry, both by you and by her. Banish overalls for the time being – elasticated-waist trousers are easier for a young child to cope with. If you do buy an all-in-one snowsuit, look for one with a flap at the back for easy access.

Winter nightclothes

If your child tends to kick off her bedclothes at night, then an all-in-one sleepsuit is probably best. Alternatively, try putting her down to sleep with some cosy bedsocks on! Snug slippers with pictures of her favorite cartoon character, and a cosy fleecy robe will keep her warm before it’s time to hit the sheets.

Handy extras

A poncho is handy for slipping on over a coat for an extra layer if it’s really icy – you could make one yourself, from a brightly colored fleecy blanket.
Warm fleece throws are cozy at night, in the stroller, and in the car.
A waterproof ‘pacamac’ in a large size can be slipped on over a warm coat. Those that pack away into their own carrying pouch are easier to tote around with you if the sky looks gray.
A plastic rain cover for the stroller is essential – buy one that incorporates a hood so your toddler isn’t not fully enclosed by it.
Feet often poke out from beneath rain covers in the stroller. Carry galoshes if it looks like rain, or simply pack a couple of small baggies you can tie on over her shoes to keep them dry.
Look for snowsuits and jackets with reflective luminous patches for dark winter evenings.
A thick toweling bathrobe with a hood is lovely to snuggle in after her bath.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Last Modified: 02/11/2008

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