This article was written by a guest contributor. For guest contribution guidelines, please visit this page.

Nicole Botello is the founder and editor of RLG, a leading magazine for the real leather garments industry in the UK. Nicole is an advocate for sustainable fashion and has been involved with the industry since she was a child.

Dressing up your kids is no easy job, and it becomes an even bigger challenge once Winter rolls around. Tantrums are bound to happen, but keeping your kiddos warm is your number one priority. 

Winter clothing is something that we all love, and we wait for the cold season all year to wear our favorite outdoor fashion pieces. However, when it comes to keeping your kids warm, there is one thing that we should make sure of, and that is your kids are covered from head to toe. That’s where a kid’s leather jacket comes in. 

It’s no secret that kids don’t like layers. They want to dress up in something light and easy to wear. And even worse are the clothes that are uncomfortable. Leather jackets come in pretty handy for such fussy kids—especially boys. 

How To Dress Your Child In The Winter

Kids are not aware of the clothes they should wear in the winter, they might want to wear a swimsuit in extremely cold weather, and there is no way you can give in to their demand, right? So, if you are confused about how to dress your kids in winter, then you have come to the right place. 

1. Utilize The “You Plus One” Rule 

No, we’re not talking about the wedding scene. “You plus one” also applies when making clothing choices! Kids tend to get colder than adults, so make sure they wear one plus of whatever you are wearing. If you are wearing one jacket only, bundle them up in two jackets. 

Adults tend to lose their body heat with the help of their body surfaces. Kids, on the other hand, have a bigger ratio of internal mass to the surface area. This ratio, unfortunately, helps them lose heat at a faster rate; therefore, they actually feel colder than adults in the winter season. (Despite what they may be telling you.) 

2. Be a Layering Pro

We know kids don’t love them, but layers are an essential part of staying warm. Much like eating enough veggies, there are some areas where you just have to pull your parent card. Layers may be one of them. 

But just adding an extra shirt isn’t enough—you have to make sure there are air pockets in between layers of clothing to trap in the heat. Your child can remove a layer (like the jacket or sweater) to avoid sweating when they feel too warm. 

Protip: Check out the weather first, and then dress yourself and your kid accordingly. Start with a lightweight and easy-to-wear material; snugs are the best for styling the kids. The mid-layer (like a fleece jacket or jumper) will do the heavy lifting to keep the kid warm. Finally, top it off with a third layer to keep your kiddo out of the snow, rain, and wind. 

Related: The 34 Best Board Games For The Whole Family

3. Don’t Forget The Hat & Gloves

In very cold weather, most people don’t realize that a heavy coat and some layers aren’t all that a child needs to stay warm. They also need some winter socks, hats and gloves to stay protected from the cold.

To help your kids stay warm and toasty, don’t just rely on regular socks and hats. Instead, opt for heavy-duty ones that include things like wool or fleece. 

These extra layers are especially important for newborns. To give them extra protection, we recommend you make your children wear long-sleeve onesies underneath their outfits. 

When it comes to toddlers and children, and if the weather is lower than 40℉, have them wear gloves and hats. If, as an adult, you feel your hands are cold, feet and ears you think get pretty cold, go one step beyond cotton and fleece and look for waterproof gloves. While fleece and cotton are great, they lose their ability to retain heat when wet. 

4. Plan For Bathroom Breaks

Your kid obviously is a human being and has some bathroom needs. At some point, they will have to go, so resist the urge to layer your kid up like a marshmallow. Regardless of your child’s age, make sure they are wearing something that can come off easily when the big moment comes. The only thing harder than navigating a layered up child is navigating a layered up child after an accident. 

5. Ditch The Layers for Car Rides

Layers are lifesavers in the car. But layers in the car actually pose a threat. Not only do cars get hot and make people sweaty, puffy coats and jackets can also tamper with the way your child’s seat belts fit. The risk of overheating or facing a malfunctioning car seat just isn’t worth it. So ditch the bulky layers before buckling up. 

Did Somebody Say Snow Day? 

Winter is a great time to play outside and make memories. As adults, we still often reminisce on the excitement of a snowman or hot cocoa after a snowball fight. So in favor of everyone’s health and safety, make sure to bundle your children up each time you go out. After all, healthy bodies in the winter lead to even more snow day fun!

You might also be interested in: 11 Things You Should Never Do In Front Of Your Kids

How To Dress Your Child In The Winter: 

1. Utilize The “You Plus One” Rule 
2. Be a Layering Pro
3. Don’t Forget The Hat & Gloves
4. Plan For Bathroom Breaks
5. Ditch The Layers for Car Rides