Dressing your kids for winter

Winter weather doesn’t have to mean staying cooped up inside. In fact, exploring a favorite park when it’s covered in snow can be a fun experience for you and your child! Whether you need to run a few errands or are planning a winter walk to catch some snowflakes, follow these tips to make sure your kids stay warm and safe this winter.

What to wear in cold weather

When dressing your baby or young child, add one more layer of clothing than what you wear in the same conditions. Several thin layers will help keep your kids dry and warm. The same holds true for bedtime. You can add a layer, use a one-piece sleeper or wearable blanket for pajamas. Even in cold weather do not use loose bedding, blankets or quilts in your infant’s bed because they are associated with suffocation deaths and may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Playing outside? In addition to that winter coat - don’t forget warm, waterproof boots, mittens, and a hat. Remove all drawstrings from children’s clothing to prevent strangulation. Use velcro or other fasteners instead, and use a neck warmer instead of a scarf. When you come inside, be sure to remove wet or damp clothing immediately.

Winter coats & car seats don’t mix

Bulky clothing, including winter coats, will compress in a car crash, leaving extra space under the harness of your child’s car seat. A child can then slip through the straps and be thrown from the seat. Dress your baby in warm, thin layers for a car trip and then tuck a coat or blanket over the buckled harness straps if needed.

Read more about Winter Car Seat Safety from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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