Mommy, I am cold. Daddy, I am hot. These are the dreaded words that sometimes we can’t help hearing when out and about in winter. Winters can be brutal for anyone, especially children. How can we fix this paradox of problems our children may encounter? The answer to that is to dress them in layers.
When you are dressed in layers, you can add or take off as many pieces as you want. But will just any old shirt and jacket do? Just like for adults, quality is important. The best materials are merino wool, silk and cotton. How can you find the best pieces in these materials for your kid’s winter wardrobe? Here are the basic elements you need to start layering up your bundle of joy.
When planning the perfect warm wardrobe for our little one, we must think from the base up – starting with base layers. When we think of warmth, we think of wool and heavy materials, but did you know that silk is also a great option? Organic merino wool and silk thermals can keep your child warm and comfortable the whole winter.
What’s more, quality kids Merino base layers can keep your child’s core temperature stable so they can play along without freezing. Just because it’s winter, that doesn’t mean they have to be stuck inside. When wearing the appropriate kids Merino base layers, your little ones can still use their scooters and bikes well into this time of the year too.
For example, a wool/silk long-sleeve thermal can be bought in a set for ages 3 months to 3 years. It comes with an easy to put on a round neck. Depending on your preferred style, you can have colours such as grey melange with plum stripes and grey melange with turquoise stripes. These colours go along with any outfit. Your baby’s skin will be well taken care of.
As you want to preserve this practical piece of clothing as long as you can, care is important. Be sure to wash on a delicate 30-degree wool cycle with wool shampoo or handwash. Dry it inside out to avoid any damage to the shirt. Always use cold water as hot will shrink the wool.
T-shirts or long sleeve shirts come after your kid’s Merino base layers. Having this second later allows your child to have great flexibility and warmth while they run behind other little ones. Wearing a t-shirt over thermals adds an extra layer of fabric between the thermals and outer clothing, providing additional comfort and preventing direct contact of potentially rough or irritating outer layers with the skin.
As a bonus, laying with a t-shirt offers protection to thermals from dirt and sweat that might damage them. You will also love that kid’s Merino wool t-shirts are dye free and 100% bio-degradable. Talk about great parenting by teaching kids early ways to care for the planet. In addition, merino wool has natural antibacterial properties that stop the growth of odour-causing bacteria. This means that even after having it for many years, a Merino wool t-shirt tends to remain fresher and requires less frequent washing.
Something I love about Merino wool is that it provides natural protection against harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. The sun is still out during the winter. At times its rays are stronger than in the summer. This is why skin protection is still important all year round.
As we move down the body there are merino wool and silk combined pants. These kids’ Merino base layers will keep them warm on the inside out.
Wool/silk pants for kids can be ribbed, fleeced, dungarees or drawstring pants. Wool and silk are natural insulators that provide excellent warmth. Wool is known for its exceptional ability to trap heat and regulate body temperature, keeping kids cozy and comfortable in cold weather. Silk, although lightweight, provides insulation and helps retain body heat.
In addition, wool and silk are durable and can withstand wear and tear. Because they are less prone to pilling you do not need to worry your child will start to look like a hobo after just a few wears.
To maintain these pants it’s best to handwash only. You can do so in lukewarm water with wool shampoo. When it’s time to dry just press the moisture out in a towel, reshape and dry flat. Your child’s winter pants will be just as new.
The most important part of the body to keep warm are your limbs. Your hands and feet do a lot of work for you. Protecting these is a great way to show your little one how much you love them by keeping them bundled up. Merino wool socks can help keep kids’ feet cozy and prevent heat loss. Running around in the playground can still be warm and comfortable with the right clothes.
As mentioned before Merino wool has natural moisture-wicking properties, meaning it absorbs sweat from the skin and releases it into the air, keeping the feet dry. This is essential for active kids or those engaged in winter sports, no one likes damp feet.
A great idea is to alternate with a fresh pair/air between uses, and only wash the socks when required. You will be surprised that wool socks don’t need to be washed as frequently as other socks. Amazingly, it’s recommended to wash them every 6 weeks. All you have to do is hand wash or wash on cool in the match. Be sure to let them out to air dry flat.
You are doing the best you can to raise your child. With these ideas for winter clothing materials, you are sure to keep them happy and show them you want the best for them. There you have it, merino wool and silk combined will give your little ones comfortable and durable pieces of clothing for many winters to come.