Winter wear

It seems a bit absurd to talk about winter clothing, given this bizarre warm weather we've been having here in Oklahoma. It almost seems like we are skipping winter entirely. Even my wimpy California self is starting to miss it. But should it ever decide to reappear you can refer back to this post for some tips on dressing children appropriately for winter elements.

Nothing is quite as adorable as toddlers dressed up like Michalean Ompa Loompas trying to waddle through the door. But are you smothering them? How much is too much?

What should they wear?

• Inner layer of pants and shirt made of wicking (preferably non-cotton layer)
• Next layer of pants and shirt made of wool or synthetics
• Light outer coat
• Thin outer coat (bulk doesn't always equal warmth. Your child will be more comfortable if they have a coat they can play very actively in and that has fasteners that are easiest to take off. This layer will come off quickly in many situations.
• 2-3 layers of non-cotton socks
• Boots that are water and cold resistant- not rain boots!
• Mittens, hats that cover ears. 
• Scarves optional

Check here for a great video on how to dress kids for winter from the Canadian organization Active Kids Club

NOTE: As they run about, children's body temperatures will rise quickly. Most likely they will end up with less layers than you. Encourage them to take off layers as they run to avoid getting sweaty- which could make them cold.

Advice on reducing the expense of winter clothes:

• Choose function over style. All those extra designs etc. are cute but may add substantially to overall cost.
• For coldest conditions choose snow suits over snow pants because they are warmer overall and more able to be adjusted in size.
• Choose unisex colors (or remind your kids that colors are not gender specific) so they can be shared between kids.
• Choose items with drawstrings and adjustable straps so they will last over several seasons.
• Check consignment, thrift, and local and online resale companies.
• Use synthetic pajamas as a first layer.
• If snow boots are not available, plastic bags can be used for short time periods around rain boots, if the child is wearing extra socks, to keep moisture out. Check frequently to make sure child's toes are not becoming too cold.

Ensuring you have adequate warm clothes at your site:

• Consider including necessary clothing items in grant requests.
• Ask parents to donate old winter clothes
• Share a class set between other classrooms of the same grade ***(Note if you are sharing outer clothing layers between students make sure to take these steps to insure germs and lice are not spread...1) Wash all items in hot water cycle of 130 degrees F 2) Dry on hot cycle for 20 min OR put items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks. 1)
• Ask local businesses to sponsor mitten, hat, scarf, or boot trees over toy trees during the holidays

• If you have a parent who sews, consider enlisting them as part of a grant or PTA funding to make durable class set of clothes. 
• Instruct parents to send extra under layers in case kids get wet or sweaty.

 1 Kids Health. "Head Lice." Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/common/head_lice.html# on January 30, 2012.