When your kids get worked up over winter, they forget about (or don’t realize they need) safety gear. Here’s what you should be putting on their bodies before they head out into the cold.

Layer Your Kids, Even Babies

Start with wool base layers. Wool is an excellent insulating material and is probably the best option you have for winter undergarments. If you can afford it, get wool underwear.

Wool is naturally antimicrobial, but it also doesn’t hold moisture like cotton does. So, that means that, even if your child sweats profusely, there’s little risk of him or her overheating. In fact, wool does an excellent job regulating temperature.

And, you can take off outer layers without getting too cold too quickly.

On top of a wool base layer, you could add a second wool layer or a cotton layer. Make sure the fabric is breathable. Depending on how cold it is, you may want up to 4 or 5 layers of clothing.

Don’t Add Too Many Layers

While it’s good to layer your kids, don’t overdo it (which is easy to do). If your kids are wearing too many layers, it can actually make them colder if they start to sweat and the wind is blowing.

Even a gentle breeze will cause evaporation of the sweat, cooling your child down. In essence, you’ll turn your child into an air conditioner (which works on the same principle of evaporation of water). Obviously, that’s not good.

Don’t Use Cotton

Cotton is usually a bad idea for a base layer because it holds moisture instead of wicking it away.

If the cotton absorbs snow and rain, it will also absorb sweat. And, if the wind is blowing, that means more evaporation and cooling.

Stick to synthetics if at all possible (and if you can’t afford wool layering).

Extremities Need Extra Warmth

Make sure you keep extra layers on the hands and feet, as extremities tend to get colder than other parts of the body. A child’s head, face, ears, hands, and feet are more prone to cold exposure and frostbite than other parts of the body.

A waterproof pair of gloves and scarf, heavy wool socks, and hat are all necessary for the cold.

Keep Warm After Your Child Eventually Gets Wet

If you’re on a vacation or trip in the mountains, you might want to book some whistler blackcomb lodging just in case. Getting in from the cold is important, especially for little ones. And, if they do end up getting wet, either from the snow or from sweating, getting them inside will be crucial.

Pack Extra Dry Clothes

Of course, you’ll want dry clothes for the end of the day. Whether it’s sweat or wetness from the snow infiltrating, getting your kids out of their wet clothes and into dry ones is important. Not only does it keep the chill off them, but it may reduce the odds of them getting sick and feeling miserable for a long drive home.

Amelia Davey has worked as a ski instructor for more than 10 years. Also a Mom of 2 boys she spends a great deal of time outside enjoying the snow during the Winter months. During her indoor time she enjoys blogging, mostly writing for parenting blogs.