This post came about because I never found a comprehensive post about dressing kids for outdoor play in the cold! I'm sure they're out there, maybe I'm just rubbish at searching! Anyway, it took me a while reading bits and bobs from different places to finally get it right - and I just wanted to share what I have learnt along the way.
Obviously I feel it is important that children are dressed appropriately for playing out in cold weather, and Jakob has to be now because of forest school - but I'm not trying to tell anyone what their kids have to wear, I'm just trying to make it easier for anyone that is interested :)
So reading through this post, it turned out quite long! There are four parts with headings so you can scroll down to the part you need/want to read:
![How to dress kids for outdoor winter play]()
Do not use cotton! There are cotton thermals available from some places, and it sounds like a great option because cotton is supposed to be warm and soft and a lovely material. But not for a base layer. If your child is going to be active (hint- they are a child!) then they will sweat. Cotton will absorb that sweat and make the skin cold, damp and sore.
Wool is a great base layer, but can be itchy - merino wool is the best to prevent any itching or skin irritation. A cheaper, but equal alternative is polyester. Both wool and polyester wick away sweat and moisture, allowing the skin to stay warm and dry.
The mid layers provide insultation by trapping air, so it is best if they are slightly loose, or at least not laying tight against the base layer.
Fleece is an excellent midlayer - it's warm, stretchy so doesn't restrict movement and insulates really well. Another alternative is wool again.
A zipped neck fleece, or full zip fleece are great, because again if a child becomes too hot they can either unzip or easily remove a mid layer.
Hoods aren't great in midlayers because they tend to get all bunched up - save the hood for the outer layer!
If it is very cold they can wear multiple mid layers in the same materials - fleece or wool.
So this is where it gets a bit more tricky. There are a myriad of options depending on weather, age, style etc.
Since this is England, I'll mainly discuss the waterproof options. Make sure it is waterproof and not water resistant! Waterproof will keep your child dry, water resistant will keep your child dry for a while, but will then begin to start soaking through to the layers underneath.
If it is cold but not wet any coat and trousers will be fine for an outer layer, however I always go for waterproof because 1. Your child might find a load of puddles, mud or a stream to play in, and 2. It's England, therefore rain is never far away.
The three main options for waterproof outlayers are - an all in one outer layer, a set of top and bottoms or a set of ski salopettes (dungaree style) with a jacket.
![outdoor ski clothes for kids]()
The most popular options for children are the salopettes and the all in ones for younger children / toddlers.
The plain ski trousers are not as popular or easy to buy for younger children, however many of the salopettes have removable braces to allow you to use them as trousers if you prefer.
The all in one layer we love for how easy it is when we finish outdoor play, just slips off in one like a second skin and ta-da they are warm and dry underneath! (even when we've been playing in the river!).
The salopettes are another we have. Ours are quite padded with fleece on the inside, we reserve them for when it's really cold! There are three styles of salopettes...
![the best waterproof clothes for kids]()
The first ones are the style which usually have removable braces so you can use them as trousers.
The other ones provide more support and warmth - The third picture, that covers the most of the chest and shoulders are usually more comfortable for children as they don't have the braces over their shoulders. They are usually more expensive though, which is why we went for the middle option.
At the ankles of these style of trousers there is usually two options - a drawstring or velco to allow you to tighten them, helping to stop any snow, water etc getting in. The second option (the one we prefer) is where there is a second layer of material undeneath the trousers, starting from the calf. This layer tucks inside the welly boots, whilst the outer layer continues over the top. This provides almost full-proof protection from any mud, water, or snow getting into their shoes!
With the jackets - they should come with a hood, some have removable or tuckaway hoods for warmer/dryer weather which is handy. Usually the cuffs will have drawstring or velcro, again to protect from wind, rain, snow. Some also have a windproof cover over the zip, an extra flap that velcros down which again is something to be aware of.
Pockets or no pockets? Some don't have pockets. We have ones with no pockets and the boys hate them, they much prefer having pockets to put things in as they are exploring - a magnifying glass, rocks, twigs, their gloves if they take them off etc. The more pockets the better in my opinion.
Also, you can get some jackets which are 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 and have fleece inner layers which can be removed or unzipped, to save you buying them separately! Definitely a good option.
Hats that cover the ears are the best, and you can get ones that have string or buttons to tie underneath the chin which means they won't fall off into puddles or mud! Just be aware of the string with very young children.
Hat's that don't cover the ears are fine, but remember ears are very susceptible to the cold so it's worth rethinking getting a hat with ears, even if they are wearing a balaclava underneath.
A normal scarf that goes around the neck is fine, again be aware they may come loose or fall off into mud or puddles, also with very small children they may be dangerous if they get caught or are too tight - neckwarmers are excellent alternatives, they are like a scarf, but wider and a full circle - so they just slip over the head and sit round the neck without any worry about them being pulled.
Balaclavas are excellent, though some children don't like wearing them! They cover the neck completely, the ears and the head. It means that areas that are usually are expposed to the cold with a normal scarf/hat combo are covered.
You can put normal scarf over the top of a balaclava and a hat with ears - it just helps with the warm. Then like with the layers if they get too warm they can take a one off.
Mittens are great for toddlers but as soon as they begin using their fingers more and getting proper dexterity they will be wanting to wear gloves. Mittens also keep the hands warmer as there is less surface area exposed to the air, and the fingers stay warmer with the skin to skin contact. They are also a lot easier to put on!
Whether you get gloves or mittens make sure they are waterproof (not water resistant) and definitely not knitted/wool/fabric material if they are going to be touching anything wet - they will be soaked in seconds!
Some gloves and mittens have the drawstring/velcro option around the wrist to stop them falling off and to protect from water, snow, wind, rain.
If you know how (especially if your childs jacket doesn't have pockets, or they don't have velcro or drawstring around the wrist) it's always worth considering tying a lenth of string between the two, and threading it through the jacket before you put it on them. If they fall off this will stop them dropping onto the wet/muddy floor.
Probably the only time layering isn't a good thing! Although thick, or layered socks seems like it would keep your childs feet warm, actually they will more than likely start bunching up together and sliding down. It can also cause the feet to become sweaty and damp!
Like base layers cotton really isn't a good material if your child is likely to sweat. You can usually get a mix of polyester/wool which are great for wicking away any sweat, and again make sure they are not too big, bunching up or sliding down will be really uncomfortable!
Make sure the boots are designed for outdoor use, obviously! Waterproof is essential, as is a good grip at the bottom. Wellys are obvious the easiest choose, you slide them right on and off and they are easy to wash down. If you use wellys make sure your child trys them on first, that they are not too tight (they can wiggle their toes with socks on inside the boots!) and they have good grip underneath. Read reviews because some wellys are not as waterproof as you might think!
![]()
Snow boots tend to have better grip, and are good for thick mud, snow and ice. They are less good for puddle jumping or paddling in streams. There is usually the option of laces or velcro, we always go for velcro because laces always seem to attract mud, get soaked in water or come loose. Again make sure they fit well and if possible read reviews.
Don't forget winter sun (ha!). I know it's rarity in England, but sometimes when it's freezing and snowing the sun can be forgotten about, even though it can be very bright reflecting against the snow. Sunglasses will protect little eyes on bright days, and depending on how much skin is exposed a little sun cream on the nose and cheeks etc wouldn't go amiss!
You don't need to get anything special, just whatever they used in the summer is fine.
![How to dress children for winter outdoor play]()
I know you know how to dress your kids! I'm not silly! Just a few tips I've learnt from past mistakes, so hopefully you don't have to!
Side note - try and encourage your children to put their clothes on themselves, they will learn how to do it properly and the importance of proper outdoor clothing to stay warm and dry.
If you have more than one child and you have to help them, it can be helpful to do it together, in stages. So one childs baselayers, then the others. One childs midlayers, then the others. Etc. Only because this way you don't have a hot, impatient child trying to get outside whilst you still need to dress another one! Not such a problem if your just going in the garden!
![dressing kids for outdoor muddy play]()
Outdoor clothes can be expensive, especially with more than one child. You want them to last as long as possible!
Make sure you don't get them too tight, as they won't last long at all. Especially the outerlayer - bigger is better than smaller.
For the outer layers try not to wash them very often! They're only going to get muddy again anyway! just brush off mud, rinse or wipe them down after playing and keep them seperate to the kids other clothes! We have a box in our hall cupboard with all of their outdoor play clothes, so they are always easy to grab if we decide to go out, and they don't get mixed up with every day clothes.
Follow the labels for washing instructions, as it highly likely that outer layers will need to be washed differently to normal clothes to keep their waterproof properties.
Washing powder usually damages the waterproofing, and over time this can really make a different in how effective the clothes are. Don't worry if you've already been using washing powder with waterproof clothes - tumble drying helps to re-waterproof (though they may not be as good as new!)
If you feel a bit grossed out by washing them without any washing powder or cleaning materials you can buy special stuff from outdoor/camping shops to wash them with. But remember, it's the base layers and midlayers that will have been closer to the skin, sweat etc. The outerlayer just protects from the elements and plain water will easily get off mud or dirty rainwater/snow.
![dressing kids for outdoor water play]()
Second hand is not second best! Outdoor clothes can be expensive, and if you look at a lot of preloved ones - that are being sold on ebay for example - they haven't been worn much at all! If you look for local listings you can go and see them for youself, many will look almost new but be a fraction of the price of new ones.
Also keep sales in mind. You may have all the outdoor clothes you need this year but there could be a mahoosive sale at a camping or sports shop, which you can buy in the next size up!
Reselling is always a good option. You will at least get some of your money back, if not most/all of it if you bought some of them 2nd hand in the first place! Obviously only sell them if they are still in good condition, if they have been worn to death, have holes or tears you might be better donating them to a clothing or textiles bank.
And remember, you don't need to buy special outdoor clothes with brand names or from special shops - as long as they are the right materials, fit well and are worn properly it really doesn't matter!
Obviously I feel it is important that children are dressed appropriately for playing out in cold weather, and Jakob has to be now because of forest school - but I'm not trying to tell anyone what their kids have to wear, I'm just trying to make it easier for anyone that is interested :)
So reading through this post, it turned out quite long! There are four parts with headings so you can scroll down to the part you need/want to read:
- How to dress kids for cold weather outdoor play
- Tips on the actual process of getting the clothes on them! Ha
- How to prolong the life of waterproof clothes
- How to save money buying these clothes
Base layer
The base layer needs to help keep a childs skin warm and dry. There are a lot of thermal base layer sets you can buy from camping/ outdoor / sports shops which are great - but in reality, they can wear anything as long as the material is suitable. |
| Polyester base layer |
Wool is a great base layer, but can be itchy - merino wool is the best to prevent any itching or skin irritation. A cheaper, but equal alternative is polyester. Both wool and polyester wick away sweat and moisture, allowing the skin to stay warm and dry.
Mid layers
The mid layers provide insultation by trapping air, so it is best if they are slightly loose, or at least not laying tight against the base layer.
 |
| Fleece midlayer top |
A zipped neck fleece, or full zip fleece are great, because again if a child becomes too hot they can either unzip or easily remove a mid layer.
Hoods aren't great in midlayers because they tend to get all bunched up - save the hood for the outer layer!
If it is very cold they can wear multiple mid layers in the same materials - fleece or wool.
Top layer
So this is where it gets a bit more tricky. There are a myriad of options depending on weather, age, style etc.
Since this is England, I'll mainly discuss the waterproof options. Make sure it is waterproof and not water resistant! Waterproof will keep your child dry, water resistant will keep your child dry for a while, but will then begin to start soaking through to the layers underneath.
If it is cold but not wet any coat and trousers will be fine for an outer layer, however I always go for waterproof because 1. Your child might find a load of puddles, mud or a stream to play in, and 2. It's England, therefore rain is never far away.
The three main options for waterproof outlayers are - an all in one outer layer, a set of top and bottoms or a set of ski salopettes (dungaree style) with a jacket.
The most popular options for children are the salopettes and the all in ones for younger children / toddlers.
The plain ski trousers are not as popular or easy to buy for younger children, however many of the salopettes have removable braces to allow you to use them as trousers if you prefer.
The all in one layer we love for how easy it is when we finish outdoor play, just slips off in one like a second skin and ta-da they are warm and dry underneath! (even when we've been playing in the river!).
The salopettes are another we have. Ours are quite padded with fleece on the inside, we reserve them for when it's really cold! There are three styles of salopettes...
The first ones are the style which usually have removable braces so you can use them as trousers.
The other ones provide more support and warmth - The third picture, that covers the most of the chest and shoulders are usually more comfortable for children as they don't have the braces over their shoulders. They are usually more expensive though, which is why we went for the middle option.
At the ankles of these style of trousers there is usually two options - a drawstring or velco to allow you to tighten them, helping to stop any snow, water etc getting in. The second option (the one we prefer) is where there is a second layer of material undeneath the trousers, starting from the calf. This layer tucks inside the welly boots, whilst the outer layer continues over the top. This provides almost full-proof protection from any mud, water, or snow getting into their shoes!
With the jackets - they should come with a hood, some have removable or tuckaway hoods for warmer/dryer weather which is handy. Usually the cuffs will have drawstring or velcro, again to protect from wind, rain, snow. Some also have a windproof cover over the zip, an extra flap that velcros down which again is something to be aware of.
Pockets or no pockets? Some don't have pockets. We have ones with no pockets and the boys hate them, they much prefer having pockets to put things in as they are exploring - a magnifying glass, rocks, twigs, their gloves if they take them off etc. The more pockets the better in my opinion.
Also, you can get some jackets which are 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 and have fleece inner layers which can be removed or unzipped, to save you buying them separately! Definitely a good option.
Accessories
Hats
 |
| Hat |
Hat's that don't cover the ears are fine, but remember ears are very susceptible to the cold so it's worth rethinking getting a hat with ears, even if they are wearing a balaclava underneath.
Scarves
 |
| Neck warmer |
 |
| Balaclava |
You can put normal scarf over the top of a balaclava and a hat with ears - it just helps with the warm. Then like with the layers if they get too warm they can take a one off.
gloves
 |
| Mittens |
Whether you get gloves or mittens make sure they are waterproof (not water resistant) and definitely not knitted/wool/fabric material if they are going to be touching anything wet - they will be soaked in seconds!
 |
| Gloves |
Some gloves and mittens have the drawstring/velcro option around the wrist to stop them falling off and to protect from water, snow, wind, rain.
If you know how (especially if your childs jacket doesn't have pockets, or they don't have velcro or drawstring around the wrist) it's always worth considering tying a lenth of string between the two, and threading it through the jacket before you put it on them. If they fall off this will stop them dropping onto the wet/muddy floor.
Socks
Probably the only time layering isn't a good thing! Although thick, or layered socks seems like it would keep your childs feet warm, actually they will more than likely start bunching up together and sliding down. It can also cause the feet to become sweaty and damp!
Like base layers cotton really isn't a good material if your child is likely to sweat. You can usually get a mix of polyester/wool which are great for wicking away any sweat, and again make sure they are not too big, bunching up or sliding down will be really uncomfortable!
Boots
Make sure the boots are designed for outdoor use, obviously! Waterproof is essential, as is a good grip at the bottom. Wellys are obvious the easiest choose, you slide them right on and off and they are easy to wash down. If you use wellys make sure your child trys them on first, that they are not too tight (they can wiggle their toes with socks on inside the boots!) and they have good grip underneath. Read reviews because some wellys are not as waterproof as you might think!
Snow boots tend to have better grip, and are good for thick mud, snow and ice. They are less good for puddle jumping or paddling in streams. There is usually the option of laces or velcro, we always go for velcro because laces always seem to attract mud, get soaked in water or come loose. Again make sure they fit well and if possible read reviews.
Sunglasses
Don't forget winter sun (ha!). I know it's rarity in England, but sometimes when it's freezing and snowing the sun can be forgotten about, even though it can be very bright reflecting against the snow. Sunglasses will protect little eyes on bright days, and depending on how much skin is exposed a little sun cream on the nose and cheeks etc wouldn't go amiss!
You don't need to get anything special, just whatever they used in the summer is fine.
Recap!
Putting it all together
I know you know how to dress your kids! I'm not silly! Just a few tips I've learnt from past mistakes, so hopefully you don't have to!
Side note - try and encourage your children to put their clothes on themselves, they will learn how to do it properly and the importance of proper outdoor clothing to stay warm and dry.
If you have more than one child and you have to help them, it can be helpful to do it together, in stages. So one childs baselayers, then the others. One childs midlayers, then the others. Etc. Only because this way you don't have a hot, impatient child trying to get outside whilst you still need to dress another one! Not such a problem if your just going in the garden!
- Make sure your child wees (and poos if they need to!) before getting ready. Very annoying when you've just got all the layers finishes and you hear 'mummy... I need a wee'. Or if you have a child in nappies make sure it's changed and they've weed or pood recently!
- Start with base layers. Tuck the top into the trousers to eliminate drafts.
- Put on socks and tuck the bottom of trousers into the socks.
- Mid layers - again tuck the top into the bottoms. You can also tuck the trousers into the socks if they are thin. Make sure any zips are done up. If you're not ready to go out straight away then leave your child like this for the moment! You don't want a child standing by the door saying how hot they are whilst your packing your bag!
- Outer layers. Put the bottoms on first, then the jacket over the top. If your travelling by car and your child is young enough to be in a car seat still, you should just put the bottoms on and keep the jacket ready to put on when you get out of the car, as it is unsafe to have a child in a car seat with a thick coat on. If you're going straight out put gloves on, so they overlap the sleeves of the midlayer, and then slide the coat over the top.
- Wellies/ boots on over the bottom layer of trousers/socks and under the top, padded layed of the trousers
- If car travelling you can leave hats and scarves until you get to your destination to prevent overheating. If you're going straight out put on the balaclava if there is one, if not we put the hat on before the scarf because the hat ties under the neck and then the scarf can go over that. Tuck the scarf into the jacket.
Prolonging the life of your outdoor clothes!
Outdoor clothes can be expensive, especially with more than one child. You want them to last as long as possible!
Make sure you don't get them too tight, as they won't last long at all. Especially the outerlayer - bigger is better than smaller.
For the outer layers try not to wash them very often! They're only going to get muddy again anyway! just brush off mud, rinse or wipe them down after playing and keep them seperate to the kids other clothes! We have a box in our hall cupboard with all of their outdoor play clothes, so they are always easy to grab if we decide to go out, and they don't get mixed up with every day clothes.
Follow the labels for washing instructions, as it highly likely that outer layers will need to be washed differently to normal clothes to keep their waterproof properties.
Washing powder usually damages the waterproofing, and over time this can really make a different in how effective the clothes are. Don't worry if you've already been using washing powder with waterproof clothes - tumble drying helps to re-waterproof (though they may not be as good as new!)
If you feel a bit grossed out by washing them without any washing powder or cleaning materials you can buy special stuff from outdoor/camping shops to wash them with. But remember, it's the base layers and midlayers that will have been closer to the skin, sweat etc. The outerlayer just protects from the elements and plain water will easily get off mud or dirty rainwater/snow.
Saving money on outdoor clothes!
Second hand is not second best! Outdoor clothes can be expensive, and if you look at a lot of preloved ones - that are being sold on ebay for example - they haven't been worn much at all! If you look for local listings you can go and see them for youself, many will look almost new but be a fraction of the price of new ones.
Also keep sales in mind. You may have all the outdoor clothes you need this year but there could be a mahoosive sale at a camping or sports shop, which you can buy in the next size up!
Reselling is always a good option. You will at least get some of your money back, if not most/all of it if you bought some of them 2nd hand in the first place! Obviously only sell them if they are still in good condition, if they have been worn to death, have holes or tears you might be better donating them to a clothing or textiles bank.
And remember, you don't need to buy special outdoor clothes with brand names or from special shops - as long as they are the right materials, fit well and are worn properly it really doesn't matter!