6 Ways To Keep Kids Warm In Winter

Keeping kids warm can be a mighty challenge. During the winter months in the nanny life, almost every morning is a battle between practical adult and whimsical child over the contents of their wardrobe. Whether it’s a coincidence that I often find myself working with strong-minded children, or perhaps as a nanny I mould these strong-minded children I don’t know. Either way I tend to find myself debating the merits of jumpers verse cardigans and summery sandals verse practical winter boots. Not that I want to quash the 4 year olds’ idealistic goals of magical dress ups and summery floaty princess dresses, I simply just want them to be warm. Because in my opinion, being stuck at home all day with sick kids during the winter months is truly worse than a friendly negotiation to insist upon practical clothes. If only so that we may enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and the playgrounds all-year-round.

Over time I’ve come to develop a few tactics that help persuade my strong-minded children to make sensible choices with their fashion. Usually we come to a compromise.

| “Yes you can wear the princess dress but I’d like to you put a warm top underneath, and boots are a non-negotiable.”

Sometimes we go round in circles, and things escalate to a level of UN worthy negotiations. Because you know, “boots don’t go with princess dresses and ball gowns”. Then I pull out my Taylor Swift photos and the points more often than not swing in my favour. Here’s 6 tried and tested ways I manage to keep kids warm in winter.

6 Ways To Keep Kids Warm In Winter

1. Onesies + Jumpsuits

When I’m dressing super little kids – bubs + toddlers – I usually throw fashion and style out the window and stick with all-in-one pieces. Jumpsuits and onesies are great because they keep your little one properly covered and snuggly warm. Suits that clip or zip mean little tummies aren’t exposed to the cold air every time you pick them up. Plus, as they begin to start scooting around and become more adventurous, little toes and sensitive parts are protected from the risk of insect bites and other nasties.

2. Layers + Warm Knit Tops

For active little girls (that also have a keen eye for dress ups and pretty clothes) I usually try to keep them well layered during the winter months. As with the benefit of all-in-one pieces, a jumpsuit or a heavy knit top underneath a hardy winter dress means they’ll keep the heat in. Especially when they’re in and out of cardigans and jumpers and insist of wearing that very summery Elsa dress-up costume.

3. Tights, Leggings + Stockings

Leggings are always favourite winter pieces. They can layer underneath skirts and dresses and allow the little ones to get away with wearing cute little Mary Janes instead of clunky boots. And if you’re thinking, “leggings are all well and good but what about the boys,” Pretty Little Treasures has some great examples of gorgeous tights and leggings for boys too!

4. Wet Weather Boots

During the cold winter months, boots are usually the best choice when trying to keep kids warm. Especially if you don’t know what the weather is doing. Leather boots, gumboots and even high tops keep little toes warm and dry and protected from any hidden dangers lurking in sandpits, playgrounds, footpaths and bushy football fields. Just remember to take their shoes off before you come inside if you want any chance at containing the spread of sand!

5. Vests + Sweaters

Vests are the perfect winter fashion choice for kids. As I’ve said before, vests keep your core warm whilst not restricting arm movement. If you’ve got highly active and always on-the-go kids, or just kids who don’t like bulky and scratchy layers, vests are always an easy way to keep them snug and warm.

6. Winter Warmers + Accessories

Scarves, beanies and leg warmers over stockings are all fun ways to jazz up a winter outfit. But if like me, you have a hard enough time convincing them of the need to wear warm winter clothes in the first place, then good luck keeping little fingers in little gloves. Extra layers can be a hard sell! Instead, I always try to find winter jackets and coats that have a built-in neck warmer or hoodie.

Further Reading: What I’m Wearing This Winter + The Professional Nanny Style Series

Are your kids always complaining that their winter clothes are too itchy + scratchy? Like me, are you constantly searching for that missing glove? How do you keep kids warm and rugged up in winter?

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beanie, scarf, dress, vests, leggings | Seed Heritage  jackets, onesies, jumpsuits, boots | Pumpkin Patch  black leather boots | Babyology  yellow toggle duffel coat | HardToFind