Question: Every morning, I get dressed in layers to keep me warm throughout the day. When I go outside, I put on a heavy coat. That’s common sense, right? Not if you ask my kids! They claim that they’re never cold. Dressing in short-sleeve shirts, dresses with no tights, and light jackets on the coldest of days would be just fine for them. Why is that? Do children actually feel warmer than adults do? And how do I know whether to trust their instincts or mine when it comes to layering up for the cold?--Diana
From KidsHealth:
Don’t let your little ones fool you, Diana. Kids feel the cold just like we do! In fact, young children are more prone to heat loss and hypothermia when they’re not properly bundled up. So, why do they insist on going sans sweater?
Lots of reasons: Younger kids tend to dislike bulky, restrictive clothing or anything that is itchy or uncomfortable; if they’re used to picking out their own clothes (and asserting some of that growing independence) they may balk when mommy suggests an alternative. And older kids might think that wearing coats, hats, or gloves is just “uncool.” But whatever the reason, it’s up to you to set guidelines.
As a general rule, dress your kids as you would dress yourself. Wearing layers is the way to go. But rather than bulky, heavy materials, choose fabrics that are lighter and easier to move in. Soft, light, cold-weather fabrics including merino wool, polyester fleece, and other synthetic materials trap heat and absorb moisture. Allow kids to peel off layers when they get sweaty or overheated, or add layers when they get cold.
To prevent hypothermia or frostbite when outside in the cold, kids need to wear a jacket or coat and cover exposed areas, like hands, ears, and heads. When indoors, socks and slippers may be needed on cold days and nights, depending on the temperature of your thermostat.
No doubt about it, kids are vulnerable to cold temperatures. So when it comes to cold-weather wear, trust your instincts. Helping kids brave the elements ensures that they’ll stay toasty all winter long.
Related KidsHealth articles:
Frostbite
Ice, Cold, and Snow Safety
With such a straight forward answer, I feel silly that I ever doubted my own instincts. If I'm cold, than they're cold! Such beauty in that simple truth. Not so straight forward is how to get them to wear a coat on those cold days. What is your secret for getting weather gear on your kids?