I’ve had plenty of experience keeping kids warm and dry. I was a divorced Mom of three for many years. In heavy snow, we walked. In fact, we walked even if it wasn’t snowing. Buying a car was out of the question on my tight budget. Thankfully, I had grown up in a lake effect snow area. My Mom taught me how to keep kids cozy in any kind of weather.
Waterproof your kids in heavy snow. From head to toe, their outer layers should repel wind and wetness. Wool works well until it’s soaked through. Then it becomes a heavy wet blanket. Invest in some rain slickers to put over winter coats. Get them some good rubber boots that are big enough to pull over their shoes or several layers of socks.
Use all the drawstrings. If your kids have drawstrings on coats, boot tops, gloves or sleeves, use them. Pull them tight to keep out wet snow and cold air. Don’t forget to leave a little breathing room. Air circulation will keep kids from perspiring. Freezing temps can freeze perspiration.
Cover kids faces in heavy snow or freezing temps. Ski masks are inexpensive. You may not need them, but you’ll be glad to have them when you do. If you don’t have ski masks, use scarves. If your kids think it’s dorky, let them pick colors they like.
Buy kids good mittens and gloves. Those flimsy things they sell in dollar stores are no good in freezing temperatures. Mittens keep hands the warmest, since all four fingers are huddled together for warmth. Attach them to coat sleeves so they don’t get lost. They have special gadgets for it, or you can just pin them. Another method is to pin mittens to the opposite ends of a length of yarn. By stringing the yarn through coat sleeves, the mittens stay where they’re needed.
Kids feet get cold fast in snowy weather. If their boots don’t have drawstrings, snow can work it’s way into them and melt. If you have to take kids out in the cold and snow, make sure their feet stay warm and dry. Have them wear several layers of socks. Use plastic grocery bags to wrap their feet. Tie the bags at the ankles with the handles. This way, if snow gets in, it won’t seep through their socks. Don’t worry, they won’t show when boots are on.
Layers are the key to keeping kids warm and dry. In snowy weather and freezing temperatures, one coat isn’t always enough. Have kids wear a light sweater, followed by a hooded sweatshirt and a water-proof winter coat. Have kids wear sweatpants over their regular pants if they’ll be out for a long period of time. If you live someplace that’s frequently cold and snowy, invest in some waterproof snow-pants. Your kids may protest being bundled up, but they’ll be warm and dry in the worst of blizzards.
More from Jaipi:
Parents: Don’t Forget Skin Protection in Winter Weather
Denver School Kids Go Without Coats for Fashion’s Sake
Making Snow Candy on a Snow Day