Outdoor Clothing. What should my child be wearing?
At J Puddleducks Outdoor Nursery, we are outdoors in all weathers, and ensuring the children are prepared and dressed appropriately is a key part of our role. Outdoor gear for kids doesn’t have to cost a fortune! With how quickly they grow, it makes sense to look for pre-loved options or budget-friendly finds. Sites like Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, and outdoor gear swaps are goldmines for great deals. Plus, hand-me-downs from family and friends can be a fantastic way to keep kids kitted out without breaking the bank. Below you will find some useful hints and tips when it comes to getting your child ready for coming to nursery; above all else, it’s important to remember layers.
· Layering means wearing a number of different layers of clothing, rather than one or two bulky items.
· Layering means that clothes can be put on and taken off when necessary, to keep a comfortable temperature
· Air is trapped in and between the different layers and helps provide insulation
· Outer layers can be removed if an individual is feeling too hot, allowing the body temperature to drop to a comfortable level
· Keeping a base and mid layer on prevents the body temperature dropping too much when outer layers are removed
· A comfortable body temperature prevents sweating during physical activity, this is important because, once the activity stops, damp from sweat can make you feel the cold as moisture evaporates.
Frequently children have too many or too bulky clothes on, which prevents them from moving easily and detracts from their ability to participate in outdoor activities. Getting the layers of clothing right really enables children to access their outdoor provision.
We recommend the following layers as the most effective way of dressing for extended time outdoors:
· Base layer
· Mid layer
· Waterproof Layer
Base layers / Thermals
A good base layer is essential for keeping kids warm and dry, wicking moisture away from their skin while providing a cosy foundation for layering. Whether it’s a crisp autumn morning or a frosty winter day, the right base layer ensures they stay comfortable no matter the adventure.
When buying a base layer, ideally avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and will remain damp next to the skin.
An ideal base layer is made from synthetic fabric or wool. Synthetic layers such as polyester or polypropylene tend to be less expensive than wool, are often tougher, dry quickly and do not itch.
Synthetic base layers, however, can become odorous and have a detrimental environmental effect. Wool, which is now more popular as a base layer, continues to insulate even when it is wet. Merino wool is particularly good and is lightweight and less itchy than traditional wools.
Avoid hooded base layers or anything that bunches around the neck as this can become uncomfortable when additional layers are added. When the weather gets very cold, add in base layer trousers as well to keep extra warm.
Mid-Layer
Mid-layers help trap body heat, adding that extra bit of insulation on colder days. From fleece pullovers to merino wool tops, the right mid-layer makes a huge difference in keeping kids warm without overheating. The best options are breathable, easy to move in, and can be taken on and off quickly when temperatures change. A mid-layer usually has some thickness to it to help trap the warm air, but is also breathable so it does not retain sweat. A mid-layer doesn’t have to be anything fancy, a simple jumper or fleece is perfect for trapping in the warm air. The mid-layer will depend on the weather and time of year. In spring and autumn, a thinner jumper or fleece will be ideal. In colder months, a thicker fleece or jacket, or both, will provide better protection against the cold and keep your child warm for the whole day.
Waterproof Layer
The most important layer is without a doubt the waterproof layer. All children will require a full set of waterproofs, either separate jacket and trousers (or dungarees) or an all-in-one puddle suit. A wet child is a cold (and often unhappy) child, so investing in quality waterproofs is non-negotiable. From puddle-proof trousers to storm-ready jackets, having the right waterproof layer ensures outdoor fun continues no matter the weather. The best ones are breathable, fully taped, and built to withstand serious downpours. Your child will be encouraged to wear their waterproof trousers/dungarees most days as this helps keep any damp or mud off their clothes. Waterproof jackets will be worn if it is raining or as an extra layer if it is getting colder.
There are many options out there for waterproofs however the polyurethane (PU) material is by far the best and most durable. Dungarees are preferable to trousers as they stay on much easier and provide additional protection up the torso.
Footwear
No matter the weather, you can never go wrong with a simple pair of wellies. Again, these do not have to be anything fancy and a pair of wellies you pick up from your local store will be ideal. We would also suggest having a pair of trainers or crocs for summer months to run around in the grass area.
Although wellies are great at keeping your feet dry, they are terrible at keeping them warm so a few pairs of thick socks is always essential. We would suggest having a few spare pairs of socks as well in case they do get wet through the day.
Hat and Gloves
Come rain or shine, it is always important to have a warm set of hat and gloves available to put on. Mittens are great as keeping fingers together increases the heat and will stop them getting so cold, however they do have a habit of falling off much easier. ‘Magic’ gloves are absolutely brilliant and are super cheap. We wouldn’t recommend getting expensive waterproof gloves as chances are, your child’s hands will end up in a bucket of water where they will get wet anyway. A few pairs of gloves that can be changed regularly is a better solution. Neck warmers / buffs / scarves are all a great addition to your child’s gear as this will help stop all that warm body heat escaping through the top of their clothes. Balaclavas are a good all-in-one solution that protects the head and the neck.
In summer months, a sun hat, preferably with neck protection, is essential.
Budget
For base layers and mid-layers, you probably have the right gear already in your house. Every child will have long sleeved tops, warm jumpers or an extra fleece they can put on. They might even have thermal trousers that can be used in the colder months. If they don’t, you can pick these items up at very reasonable prices from the likes of Primark, Lidl or Aldi. The one area I would suggest investing in is definitely the water proof layer. Brands like Didrikson’s are on the pricier side of the market whereas Spotty Otter are mid-priced, high quality gear. Sites like Muddy Faces and Little Trekkers have a good selection of items to suit most budgets.
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