Dressing Your Child for Winter Weather

Don’t let Jack Frost nip at your child’s nose (or any other small body part) this winter. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause a number of health problems, including frostbite.

Before your child takes off for the sledding hills, be sure to dress him appropriately for the chilly winter weather. Layering is the best way to keep Jack Frost at bay. Here’s how:

• Dress your child in an undershirt made of a material that wicks away moisture, such as polypropylene. Then cover with a long-sleeved turtleneck and heavy sweater or sweatshirt. Each article should fit loosely, and layers should be peeled off if your child starts to perspire.
  
  
• Layer with a hooded water-repellant jacket or coat that is made of tightly woven fabric.
  
  
• Warm the feet with a couple of pairs of loose-fitting socks; then slide on lined, water-repellant boots, making sure that toes have room to wiggle.
  
  
• Have your child wear a tightly woven hat and scarf. Hats prevent heat from escaping through your child’s head, and scarves protect your child’s face, ears and neck from frostbite.
  
  
• Choose tightly knitted mittens instead of gloves. Mittens create insulating air pockets, and your child’s fingers will build extra heat when they rub against each other.