If you have a toddler, you probably already know that they have buckets of energy to burn. No matter what the weather is like outside, they’ll want to head out for some fun. When it starts to get chilly out, this leaves you with two options: you can either be the paranoid uncool parent and force them to stay inside, or you can be the fun but careful parent and dress them appropriately before allowing them to go outside to play. 

If you are here, you’re probably parent number two. You want to figure out how to dress your toddler for winter so nothing can get in the way of the fun times. Well, here’s exactly how to do that. 

Dressing Your Toddler For Winter: What to Remember

• Allow for independence: If they are learning how to dress unaided, consider using clothes that they can put on or take off by themselves. 

• Allow for mobility: Your little one needs to be able to move easily while still keeping warm. So don’t overdo it so much that they can barely move because of all the clothes you’ve piled on them. 

• Keep them warm, but not too warm: Do not forget that overheating can also happen in winter. A good rule of thumb to remember is whichever number of layers you are personally comfortable to have on, add one to that for your toddler.

• Think about your own convenience: If you are the one who is going to do all the dressing, you need to make sure that the clothes you go with are easy to put on and easy to take off. 

How To Dress Your Toddler For Winter

1. Carefully think about the outerwear you choose

When it comes to snowsuits, you want to make sure that the fit is true to your little one’s size. You also want to make sure that it is water-resistant and wind-resistant, with a warm, waterproof lining on the inside. It should also be easy to put on and take off with a convenient zipper that goes all the way down. Finally, wherever possible, go for tight, adjustable wrists and ankles. These will prevent the cold from getting inside the suit. 

2. Use layers for extra warmth

For toddlers, you want to use light layers using clothes that are made of materials designed for sensitive skin. Natural materials like cotton and wool work great for this. So have several of these light layers underneath their outerwear as opposed to using thick sweaters.  

3. Hats are a must

We lose a lot of heat from our heads. To prevent this kind of heat loss in toddlers, invest in thick, warm hats. The best part about hats is that they can be combined with hoodies to provide even more protection. Ideally, you want a hat with earflaps that also ties at the chin. 

4. Think about your little one’s safety

Some clothes are safer than others. Zippers are better than strings, for instance. Snaps are also a good choice especially if you are potty training your little one. Avoid strings and ribbons on hoods completely as they can easily become choking hazards. 

5. Do not forget to use sunscreen!

Not many parents know this, but sunscreen is just as important in winter. If your little one is heading outside, make sure you apply sunscreen at least an hour before they leave, and keep reapplying every few hours as they play. 

6. Go for mittens instead of gloves

There’s nothing special about mittens, really. They are just easier and more convenient to put on than gloves, especially for toddlers. Plus, they feel warmer on the inside because all the fingers are close together, kind a like toes in a sock. Go for mittens that are waterproof on the outside and warm on the inside. They should also have adjustable cuffs, either with drawstrings or velcro. 

Final Thoughts

It is also important to mention that during winter, it is easy to forget all about car safety. No matter how cold it is outside, you want to take your little one’s jacket off in the car seat as they can prevent the car seat from working as it should. You can use a blanket to keep them warm in this case. 

At the end of the day, though, dressing your toddler for winter is all about remembering that one golden rule: your little one should always have one more layer of clothing than you do throughout. With these tips, achieving that should be easy as pie. Good luck!