The temptation to hibernate indoors over winter is powerful - particularly when forecasters expect this winter to be the coldest since 1947 - but with the right clothing (for adults and children alike), winter outdoor play can be wonderful.
Images of rosy-cheeked children running around outdoors lead many adults to believe that children feel the cold less than adults; in fact, young children are more prone to heat loss than adults. Children also frequently change the pace of their play, making layered clothing the most effective way for them to regulate their body temperature. It is vital, too, to keep young children's - and in particular babies' - heads warm for comfort and heat retention.
Fabrics do make a difference; cotton and wool are poor performers in wet weather, absorbing moisture rather than wicking it away. Synthetic fabrics such as fleeces are now preferred as they absorb little water, dry quickly and retain insulating properties when wet.
However, although fleece is designed to wick dampness away from the body, it won't work underneath waterproofs that aren't 'breathable', so choosing combinations of clothing is not as simple as it might seem.
When investing in wet weather gear for the children in your setting, choose quality over quantity and build up a collection over time. Quality varies greatly across suppliers, but in general the 'Scandinavian' styles, while more expensive, are more robust and durable than cheaper alternatives, which are often 'showerproof' rather than 'waterproof'. Look for breathable fabrics and taped or welded seams that will resist water.
Separates (that is, jackets and trousers) can be more flexible than all-in-ones. Dungaree-style over-trousers in a couple of different sizes can be adjusted to fit almost any young child and will also work well on a warm wet day, when children don't want to be bundled up and sweaty in an all-in-one.
Children will often have their own coat, but most won't have waterproof trousers, so if you do go for separates you'll need to invest in more of the latter than the former (another way of keeping the costs down, too).
Children attending Little Explorers pre-school at Highway Farm Activity Centre in Redruth spend most of the day outdoors, all year round. Owner and manager Martin Besford recommends padded all-in-ones.
'The thin ones don't keep children warm and in winter they usually need coats over the top, which we think defeats the object,' he says. 'We have found that once you teach children how to put on an all-in-one, it's actually quite simple for them to do. We teach the children to lay the suit on the floor and then sit on it.
Next, they wriggle their feet and legs through leg holes, lie back and slide their arms in. Finally: sit up, stand up and zip up!'
TOP TIPS
- Write a 'winter kit list' for parents and include it in your prospectus or website. Make clear your intention to be outdoors all year round, and negotiate a discount code for parents with your clothing supplier - several specialist suppliers will do this.
- Ask parents to layer their children's clothing on cold days - a vest, long-sleeved t-shirt, zipped hoody or fleece and a jacket, along with warm trousers or thick leggings - and to provide a full set of spare clothes.
- Keep a box of spare hats, gloves and thick socks close to the exit and welly store, but avoid woollen gloves, which absorb water instantly.
- Lined, thick-soled boots are warm but often awkward to put on. Wellies are easier to use but notorious for resulting in frozen toes. Children stay warmer if they wear wellies one size larger than their own feet, with two pairs of thick socks. Wellies with pictures on the outside can help children know when they are on the right feet.
- Make outdoor 'nests' for babies: lay a plastic-backed picnic blanket over a tarpaulin, then throw fleece blankets over outdoor cushions or beanbags. Make sure hands and heads are well wrapped up in snowsuits, and consider an extra pair of socks or booties over the suit's feet.
- Take time to show children how to partially remove clothing to allow toileting. A pathway of newspaper to the toilets will reduce the need to remove footwear.
- Make a weather chart with Velcro-backed laminated pictures of weather systems and clothing. Use this all year round to help children identify the day's weather and make informed choices about what to wear.
- Ensure staff are properly dressed for outdoors. Settings can help by supplying good-quality waterproofs.
- Be responsive to children's interests and energy levels. Martin says, 'If children aren't happy, they won't learn, so know when to enjoy outdoors and when to retreat indoors.'
MORE INFORMATION
Highway Farm, www.highwayfarm.com
Kozikids, www.kozikidz.com
Raindrops, www.raindrops.co.uk
Rain-shine, www.rain-shine.co.uk
Viking Kids, www.vikingkids.co.uk
Waterproof World, www.waterproofworld.co.uk
Cosy Direct, for planters, trellises and willow panels to create windbreaks, 01332 370152.
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