As winter rolls in and the temperatures drop, most parents find themselves in the same yearly battle: how to keep the kids warm without wrapping them up like padded penguins. You want them snug, not sweaty. Protected, but still able to move. And let’s be honest – you don’t want to spend a fortune on heated gadgets that barely last the season.
Keeping children warm in winter isn’t just about comfort. It’s also about health. Young children lose heat faster than adults, and prolonged exposure to cold can lead to everything from colds and coughs to more serious conditions like hypothermia.
So, whether you’re heading out on a frosty school run, tackling a weekend hike, or just dealing with draughts at home, these 7 simple hacks will help keep your little ones warm, cosy and happy.
1. Layer Like a Pro – Not Like a Puffball
It’s easy to shove your child into the thickest jacket you can find and call it a day, but warmth is more about layers than bulk. The key is to dress them in three layers:
- Base layer: Thermal vests or long-sleeved cotton tops to wick moisture away.
- Middle layer: Wool jumper or fleece to trap body heat.
- Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket to shield against the elements.
Don’t pile on too many layers that restrict movement – kids will remove them the moment you’re not looking.
2. Seal the Draughts and Get Creative Indoors
Sometimes the coldest part of the day is when you’re not even outside. A leaky window or a cold floor can quickly undo all your layering efforts.
“Sealing up draughts is a quick and cheap way to minimise avoidable heat loss from your home”, says Air Con Service Near Me.
Get a few inexpensive draught excluders (or make your own with rolled-up towels). Stick-on insulation strips for windows and under-door stoppers are easy to use and make a big difference.
Also get creative! Build a “warm den” in the living room with blankets and cushions. Set up indoor camping adventures or reading nooks under a canopy. These cosy spaces aren’t just warm – they’re also memory-makers.
3. Don’t Underestimate Good Socks and Gloves
Parents often focus on coats but forget about fingers and toes. These extremities are usually the first to feel the chill. Invest in a few pairs of wool or thermal socks – cotton might be comfy but it holds moisture and gets cold fast.
As for gloves, waterproof and insulated are the magic words. Mittens are warmer than gloves because they trap more heat. If your child is prone to taking them off every five minutes, look for gloves with clips or strings that loop through their sleeves. Yes, it’s old school – but it works.
4. Warm Their Clothes Before They Wear Them
Here’s a parent trick that feels like magic on cold mornings: warm up their clothes before they put them on. You can drape outfits near a heater (not on it), pop them in the airing cupboard or even give them a quick whirl in the dryer for a couple of minutes.Getting dressed in warm clothes makes getting out of bed much easier – and it starts their day feeling warm and loved. It’s a small effort with a big payoff.
5. Hot Water Bottles and Wheat Bags – Night-Time Game Changers
Warming up at night can be tricky, especially if your child’s room is on the cold side. A hot water bottle under the covers 15 minutes before bedtime can warm the bed just enough to make it inviting. For younger children, a microwaveable wheat bag can be safer and still very effective.
Just never give a child a hot water bottle to sleep with – it’s a warming starter, not an all-night companion. Always check the temperature before putting it in their bed and remove it before they get in.
6. Fuel the Warmth from the Inside Out
A warm child isn’t just wrapped up outside – they’re fuelled properly from within. In colder weather our bodies burn more energy to stay warm so make sure your child is getting hearty, warming meals.
Start the day with porridge, scrambled eggs or wholegrain toast. For snacks think soups in a flask, cheese on toast or warm apple slices with cinnamon. Hydration is just as important in winter as summer but instead of icy drinks offer warm milk, mild herbal teas or even just warm water with a slice of lemon.
Bonus tip? A hot chocolate after school can work wonders for cold hands and cold moods.
7. Never Skip the Hat – Even If They Complain
It’s a scientific fact: a lot of body heat escapes from the head. Children don’t always love wearing hats but the right one makes a difference. Look for a snug but comfortable fit—lined wool, fleece or even thermal cotton works well. Choose one that covers their ears for extra warmth.
If your child hates traditional hats try ear warmer headbands, fleece-lined hoods or balaclavas (which are particularly useful on frosty days and fit easily under a hooded coat). You might have to get creative with patterns and colours to get your child on board—but hey, whatever works!
Making Winter Warmer
Winter doesn’t have to be a season of shivers. With the right approach and a bit of planning you can keep your kids warm, comfortable and ready to enjoy everything the colder months have to offer—without turning your home into a sauna or your child into a walking duvet.
The best part? Most of these hacks cost very little. It’s not about fancy gadgets or high-end gear. It’s about being clever, consistent and remembering that warmth comes from the little things—like a warm jumper straight from the airing cupboard or the smell of cinnamon from a mug of hot apple juice.Stay warm, stay safe and don’t forget—winter is also a season for magic, hot drinks and the best excuse to cuddle up close.