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All Bundled Up
Dress-up and Play Coats
for Your Toddler By Laura Cone
Love Those LayersCindy LeGand, the owner of Teddy Bear Nursery in Madison, Wis., says she often advises parents to layer their children so they will be comfortable inside the childcare center as well as outside. "We keep the rooms nice and warm," she says. "If they go outside they have to wear snow pants, snow boots, hats, mittens, scarves. They sometimes have to wear onesies. Then, of course, you put a shirt on top and then a sweatshirt and a coat. If they are inside, they take off the outer clothes and just have a shirt on."
for Your Toddler
LeGand says her favoritestyle coverskids down to their calves.Sheprefers insulated one-piece snowsuits for playing outside. "I like those because they can roll in the snow without it getting into the pants and shirt," LeGand says.
outside. "They get reminded when they go outside," LeGand says. "Sometimes they say they don't want to wear it, but when they go outside and touch the snow they say, 'Oh, that's cold.' It's like natural consequences."
Finally, talk to your toddler about the importance of staying covered during the winter months. Although they might not understand the concept of frostbite, you can explain how frostbite is just as serious as burning yourself on a hot stove. Lead by example by wearing a warm coat and hat when you go outside. In addition to wearing coats, model how to wear warm socks, boots and other winter accessories. Also, explain to your toddler why we change out of our wet and cold clothe when we get inside a warm house.