How to Layer Up & Keep Your Child (and You) Warm for Winter Adventures

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. 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 children 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.
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.
Links: blue top, blue trousers, green top and trouser set, purple sock set, blue sock set, grey pair of socks, PDF download with clickable images

2. Add Insulation with Mid-Layers

Choose lightweight fleece or wool for the mid-layer to provide warmth without adding bulk. Avoid cotton because it absorbs moisture and leaves little ones feeling damp and cold.
Links: black and grey jumper set, red trousers, pink jumper, maroon trousers, orange trousers, green jumper, black trousers, blue trousers, PDF download with clickable images

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. When children warm up during play, they need to remove layers gradually, not shed a single heavy item all at once.
Links: light blue coat, green gilet, purple coat, dark blue coat, PDF download with clickable images

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!
Links: blue set, red set, pink set, yellow set, PDF download with clickable images

6. 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 mittens in the same way you do clothes. A thinner base layer mitten, such as merino wool or a 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 mittens 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!).
Links: pink mittens, blue snood, beige mittens, orange mittens, green mittens, PDF download with clickable images

7. Warm Treats Happy Peeps

Pack a flask of warm hot chocolate, tea, baked beans or soup for a cosy treat between adventures. Stopping for a lovely warm drink or even soup, adds to your outdoor activities as well as feeling like a warm hug!
Links: crab flask, whale flask large, fox flask, nature flask, PDF download with clickable images

8. Don’t Forget The Grown Ups!

Click on the images below to access the links to our suggestions. Us grown ups need to layer up using the same materials as the children if we are going to stay as cosy and warm as they are!

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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