Comfort is critical for any child while walking. When a child is comfortable, he or she is happy and moving around is easy. They may not tell whether they are cold or hot, so it’s essential for the guardian to understand specific guidelines. There are days where the weather can change from warm to cold or rainy very quick. Knowing what to dress your kid in is not always easy.
Go for synthetics or wool fabrics
The fabrics are ideal for adventures that require being active and sweat a lot and cold temperatures. They are perfect for walking in the forest as they wick of moisture and dry fast. Go for wool clothing such as girls cardigans that is itch-free. For complete comfort, ensure it is breathable and resistant to odours that may be picked up in the woods. Synthetics like polyester and nylon are more affordable than wool, but they don’t resist odours compared to other fabrics.
Cotton clothes are not ideal, especially for long walks they absorb moisture or water and take longer to dry. It’s a poor insulator and can cause shivering. Dressing a child in this puts them at risk of falling sick.
Layering
Dressing your kid in layers helps them adjust as the weather conditions change. Put the kid in more clothes if he/she is cold then take them off when it gets warm. The longer the walk take, the body generates more heat; hence some clothe layers must be shed off. There are three basic steps to layering.
• Wearing a base layer
This layer wicks off moisture or sweat, leaving the skin dry. It provides warmth during cold conditions.
• Wearing a middle layer
One of the best fabrics to use for this layer is a fleece. Being outside during cold weather makes kids susceptible to cold or flu. This layer helps the body retain its heat, keeping the child warm enough while walking. You can dress them in puffy jackets, preferably those that are insulated or fleece jackets. This layer is dependant on how the weather behaves on that day.
• Wearing an outer layer
This layer protects against external weather elements. Forests are very windy, and it acts as a shield against it. It protects from rain and snow since its waterproof. Moisture that forms during sweat escapes through it due to its breathable nature. When it is warm, choose an outfit that’s long-sleeved to prevent scratches from trees or bushes.
Perfect fit
Dressing your kids in oversized clothes makes them uncomfortable and can be dangerous too. They can trip and fall, resulting in injuries that could have been avoided. Well-fitting clothes give them room to run, walk and jump around freely.
Choose clothes that are easy to wear
Kids are stubborn at times, and getting them into an outfit is a struggle. Put them in clothes with features that make the work more manageable such as elastic bands, zippers etc. Girls cardigans with zippers are perfect, especially when you need them to wear them while on the move.
Footwear
Find a pair of good quality boots or sneakers to ensure maximum comfort. A good grip is essential to prevent skidding along the trails. For forested places with snow, put them in snow bots that are warm and cosy.
Conclusion
Dressing your kids for an outdoor adventure requires understanding the weather conditions and the type of clothes to select. Also, the age and activity level must be noted.
