Tips for winter clothing

This article is also available in Italian.

The following suggestions were given to me by a kindergarten in Oslo and are directed at children, as is usual here, play a lot outdoors. So, we talk of clothes that need to be at the same time, warm, to deal with harsh winters, comfortable and spacious, in movements to play.

1. Be ready for rain and cold temperature during play.

2. Remember to have visible reflectors on outer garments.
3. Make certain your child has an extra change of clothes at kindergarten.
4. Exchange clothes in time, there is no harm returning clothes that might be dangerous.
5. Save energy and avoid worries; purchase only safe children’s garments.

Additional clothing tips

1. A snow suit should be spacious and have elastic bands attached that go under the shoes.

2. Shoes and boots should have heels so the elastic bands are not worn down.
3. Be certain your child uses the correct shoe size.

   Small shoes are a major cause of foot injury.

4. The outer garment should be windproof, regardless on the season.
5. Wool against the skin retains heat far better than the other alternatives.
6. A cap should cover the ears. 70% of body heat is lost through the head.
7. Avoid clothing with many buttons. These can fall off and might be put in the mouth.
8. It is best to use nickel-free buttons to avoid allergy problems.
9. Make certain clothing has no hazardous chemicals in it.

The three-layer rule

Dress the children using the rule of three layers during the colder times of the year. For Norway (at least in Oslo), when we talk of the coldest times mean temperature of -15° C.

1. Underwear

   It is best to use wool in contact with the skin.

2. Intermediate layer

   Wool and fleece are good alternatives.

3. Outer garment

   These should be wind/waterproof.