A good rule of thumb is to put one extra layer on your child than you will be comfortable in. [1] X Expert Source Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPHBoard Certified Pediatrician & Integrative Medicine Doctor Expert Interview. 6 May 2020. You can adjust these layers based on climate and conditions by adding more than one middle layer, or doing without the middle layer or a removable coat liner. Encourage kids to come inside to put on an extra layer if they’re cold, or remove a middle layer if they are overheating.

Good materials to look out for when you’re shopping for warm layers and socks are: acrylic, polyester, wool, Merino wool, and polypropylene.

Know that there is a difference between “waterproof” and “water-resistant,” with the latter being less effective at keeping moisture out of the garment. Check the label and ratings on coats and pants before you buy them. [3] X Research source Treat outerwear with spray-on durable water repellant (DWR) to increase effectiveness or re-treat an older garment to maintain its performance.

Get coats and snow pants with neon elements or reflective strips for extra visibility. Or add your own reflective tape to a garment. [4] X Research source

If the temperature or wind chill (the “real feel” that takes into account wind) is at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, frostbite can occur in 30 minutes or less. Make sure kids go out for only short intervals, or not at all if the temperature and wind chill are very low. [5] X Research source Periodically call children inside to check them for signs of frostnip or frostbite, whether or not they complain of being cold. Check the head, face, ears, hands, and feet for loss of color or redness, or reports of numbness or tingling. Run affected areas under warm (not hot) water until sensation returns. [6] X Research source

Buy base layers made from thin wool, polyester, and other synthetic materials. Avoid cotton, as it absorbs moisture easily but is slow to dry, causing remaining moisture around the body to get cold and remain wet. Long Johns or thermal underwear are good choices for a base layer, as long as they are made from a moisture-wicking material and not cotton.

Many people choose to forgo a middle layer for the legs, as legs are more easily kept warm by movement, and bulk accumulates here easily and begins to restrict movement. Use your discretion and listen to your child about their comfort. Never wear denim jeans or other pants made from very heavy material, as these absorb water easily and dry very slowly.

Look for coats that are long so they cover the body past the waist, and have high necks and hoods to keep the cold out from the neck and face. Ideally, a coat should also have plenty of ventilation methods to release sweat from the inner layers. Look for zippers under the arms that allow for ventilation when you need it, a front zipper that’s easy to zip and unzip, and sleeve ends that can be loosened. Ensure that zipper pulls are easy to handle or modify them so that children don’t have to remove gloves or mittens to zip and unzip. [7] X Research source

Consider snow pants in a bib or overalls style that goes over the shoulder to help pants stay on and avoid snow and cold getting in from between the coat and pants.

Avoid wearing more than one pair of socks, as this will only create bunching and discomfort without much extra warmth. Ensure that boots are not too tight, especially if wearing them with thick socks. Too-tight socks and boots can constrict blood flow, and thus heat, to the feet and toes. [8] X Research source

Children and babies lose a lot of heat through their head, so it’s very important that you dress them in a warm hat. [9] X Expert Source Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPHBoard Certified Pediatrician & Integrative Medicine Doctor Expert Interview. 6 May 2020. Ensure that the hat you dress your child in fully covers the ears and fits snugly on the head. An ear warmer headband or earmuffs may be needed additionally or instead of a hat if ears remain cold or come uncovered. Ski masks or balaclavas cover more of the face and can provide extra warmth. Just make sure that your child can breathe and see easily in something covering the face. Never dress infants or toddlers in a wraparound scarf, and supervise all children to avoid the risk of strangulation. Try a tube scarf or neck gaiter to help reduce this risk.

You may want to choose mittens for younger children, and gloves for when children are old enough to have more dexterity in their fingers. [10] X Research source Try mittens or gloves that extend up to the forearm, or even shirts that have gloves attached, to avoid getting snow and cold into the gap between coat and gloves. Choose waterproof gloves so they won’t get wet when your kids are outside making snowballs![11] X Expert Source Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPHBoard Certified Pediatrician & Integrative Medicine Doctor Expert Interview. 6 May 2020. You can also buy glove liners, which provide an extra layer of warmth and moisture wicking under your regular pair of gloves.