When the temperature starts to drop and snow is in the forecast, parents start scrambling to make sure their kids have the right cold weather gear. But the best time to prepare for cold weather is before the temperatures plummet. Take some time now to prepare for the cold and make sure you have the 5 things every child needs for snow days.
- Heavy Coat: Every child needs a heavy winter coat that will keep them warm in the snow. Tip: Check out the local thrift store for gently used winter coats. You can pick up a great play coat for a fraction of the cost of a new one in the main stores.
- Hat: Check to make sure the hat comes down far enough on their head to cover their ears and part of the neck. Many kids love the hats with ear flaps and a velcro strap to keep it down around their chin.
- 2 Pair of Gloves: Kids need a small pair of soft gloves for every day wear. These gloves are perfect to keep in their coat pocket and use on school days or when it is cold but they still need to use their fingers. The 2nd pair of gloves should be thicker and made for keeping their hands dry when they are playing in the snow.
- Snow Boots: Kids can’t enjoy the snow if their feet get wet. Snow boots can be picked up at thrift stores or yard sales and should be a little larger than the size they are actually wear. Tip: If you have a large extended family or friends that often come to your house, consider keeping your child’s snow boots that they outgrow. This will allow you to have plenty of sizes so everyone can find a pair of boots when they are at your home.
- Wrist Warmer: Traditional gloves don’t cover the wrists. You can buy gloves with extra long wrist bands or create these yourself with an old kneesock. Just clip small slits in the toe of the sock for the child’s fingers and then let them slide them on underneath their snow gloves. The long sock will create a protective layer on the wrist to keep the snow off the skin.
What essentials do you have on hand for your child’s winter wardrobe?