How to Layer Up Your Child Like a Pro for Winter Adventures!
The Secret to Keeping Your Child Warm Outdoors This Winter
Getting outside in winter is a non negotiable for healthy, happy children - until you’re met with a shivering child and a chorus of complaints. We get it—you want them to enjoy the fresh air and play but keeping them warm and happy while they explore can be a real challenge. But don’t worry, we’ve got some simple tips to make layering easier (with some suggestions for you adults as well - if we’re honest, sometimes it’s us complaining first!)!
Over-bundling or using the wrong materials can actually leave kids colder and less comfortable. So how do you strike the perfect balance?
The key is smart layering. Instead of bulky, restrictive clothing, think of layers as a way to trap warmth while allowing freedom to move and explore. Here’s how:
1. Start with a Quality Base Layer
A thin merino wool base layer is your child’s best friend in winter. Merino naturally wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping them dry and preventing chills. Unlike synthetic fabrics, it’s soft, breathable, and temperature-regulating. Here is a suggested merino blend trousers layer that we would consider for children , here is a merino blend long sleeved top for children and here is an adults option for a top and for trousers here.
2. Add Insulation with Mid-Layers
Choose lightweight fleece or wool for the mid-layer to provide warmth without adding bulk. Avoid cotton—it absorbs moisture and leaves little ones feeling damp and cold. Here is a suggestion for children.
3. Add A Warm Core Layer
We suggest a padded jacket or gilet just before the weatherproof outer layer - it shouldn’t be too thick or chunky. Something like this jacket or this gilet would work well. When children warm up during play, they need to remove layers gradually—not shed a single heavy item all at once.
4. Finish with a Weatherproof Outer Layer
A waterproof, windproof jacket and trousers are essential for keeping out the elements. Look for breathable materials to prevent overheating during active play. Your child’s outer layer doesn’t need to be the thickest layer they wear - most high street bulky children’s coats aren’t actually weatherproof and they can be quite restrictive - especially in car seats! Here are the outer layers that all of our GroWild children wear in our setting.
Bonus Tips for Warm and Happy Kids:
Socks Matter: Feet are often the first to feel the cold! Invest in high-quality wool socks that keep little toes cosy and dry. Try not to use too many pairs (especially thick ones), limiting vital toe wiggling room actually makes feet colder. Here are some pairs that we use for children and here are some adult pairs we recommend.
Warm Hands, Warm Heart: We often find that overly thick and complicated gloves can cause a bit of sensory overload and restrict climbing and exploring abilities! You can layer gloves in the same way you do clothes. A thinner base layer glove, such as merino wool or a merino wool blend, will help with warmth while a waterproof mitten over the top will stop water soaking in. Another good idea is to take a few pairs of gloves out with you so that you can regularly swap out damp or muddy pairs (bonus points if you store them in your backpack with a little gel warmer pack!). Here are some glove liners that we found for children and here some glove liners for the adults.
Hot Drinks On-the-Go: Pack a flask of warm hot chocolate or tea for a cosy treat between adventures. The ritual of stopping for a lovely warm drink or even soup, adds to your outdoor activities as well as feeling like a warm hug! We love this little 280ml flask or here is another 280ml option. Slightly bigger versions can be found here (350ml) and 500ml here.
By choosing the right layers and avoiding bulky, restrictive clothing, you’re not just keeping your child warm—you’re helping them enjoy hours of winter exploration without discomfort. Plus, fewer complaints about being cold means more time for puddle-jumping, den-building, and woodland wanders.
Do you have a favourite winter tip or product? Let us know—we’d love to share more ideas with the GroWild community!
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