Your Fool-Proof Guide To Getting Your Family Out the Door This Winter

I’m from Wisconsin and though we’ve had a warm winter so far, winter usually means lots of snow, cold temps and short days. I’ve been an avid hiker for much of my life and thought I knew what I was doing out there, but then, I had a kid! Making sure a toddler is warm and dry on the trail is something I never accounted for and frankly don’t wish on anyone, but if you are like me and want to take your tiny lunatic out on the trail, here are some helpful tips I’ve learned along the way.  Layers Are Key First things first. LAYERS! I cannot stress this one enough. It’s almost impossible to tell what combination of clothing is going to work on any given day until we actually hit the trail. A sunny patch of trail and a cooperative toddler may mean we are both working up a sweat. However, a damp day with a slight wind may require that extra weird sweatshirt from your in-laws that got stuffed into the bottom of the backpack for “emergencies”. Well, this is an emergency. Break that bad boy out! Specifically, I suggest a pair of insulated and waterproof snow pants and a jacket. A hat, scarf, waterproof boots and gloves. Along with sunhat and sunglasses for those extra sunny days.  For more information on layering for chilly outings, check out this article. Conquer Your Enemy: Gloves Next, since we are on the subject of gloves already, let me be blunt. They are the nemesis of toddler winter wear! Toddlers hate them because they are restricting and keep them from picking things up. Mothers hate them because toddlers hate them. They are constantly pulling them off, losing them in the snow and exposing those cute, tiny fingers to the elements ...which is the whole point in wearing gloves in the first place!  Am I yelling? I feel like I’m yelling. *takes a deep breath* Anyway, one solution I’ve found is to bring several pairs of gloves and, in the event that they get lost in a snowbank, not to get too emotionally attached. I have found that Snowstopper gloves are great for staying on and keeping the cold and snow out. However, they do not have fingers which is a major source of frustration for my toddler, depending on his mood, so I recommend keeping a pair of those knit gloves on hand. We called them “magic mittens” growing up. They are usually sold at places like Target or Shopko in a 12 pack. Use them like tissues my friends and when those little fingers get too cold to handle it put the Snowstoppers back on or have a third pair (yea, that’s right...a THIRD pair) of big, dry, fluffy gloves to slip on over those cold fingers.  Whew! Who knew there was so much to say about gloves?! Toddlers. That’s who.  Snacks, Snacks, Snacks Lastly, and possibly most important, I’d like to talk about snacks. Beside, trucks and trains, this is the single biggest motivator for my kid. Having enough fuel on the trail on cold and windy days is especially important to keep everyone warm and functioning.  At this point, my son has the vocabulary to tell me if he’s hungry, cold, tired, whatever, but not necessarily the wherewithal to express it. Usually by the time he notices we are already deep into a meltdown. Being proactive with snacks on the trail tends to keep us out longer. I have found that having enough food on the trail and for the car ride home makes the difference between a day where we just managed to get out and a day where we got out and really enjoyed ourselves. On that note, foods that can be easily held with a gloved hand are best. Things like long carrots sticks, bananas and pretzel rods are great. Also, fruit bars. Not because they are easy to hold but because they are relentlessly sticky! They can’t drop what won’t fall, I say. Last, pro snack tip, if you have the energy and forethought, tea is an amazing addition to any winter hike! My toddler loves everything about it. It’s warm, he can pour it himself, our thermos comes with a tiny toddler-sized cup and it’s delicious. Plus, it provides the perfect opportunity to take a break, sit down and enjoy the scenery. These are my best tips to prepare for your next winter hike but I am certain there are other tricks out there I don’t know about, so please, in the name of toddlers everywhere, share them in the comments! Toddlers are happy when they have friends to hike with. Connect with a community of parents and caregivers that are happy to hike with you and your toddler, no matter the situation (because they get it!). Find a Hike it Baby Branch in your area today! About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Images courtesy of Stephanie Jacobson and Deanna Curry.

Winter is upon us, and as much as this weather makes us want to hibernate and never leave the house again, at some point, we have to venture out in the cold. And that might mean bringing baby with us, too. Babywearing is a great way to keep babies safe, dry, and warm in winter weather. Here's everything you need to know about layering when babywearing in the cold. Basics of Layering The most important thing you need to do is to maintain a normal body temperature for both baby and you. For the same reason you must put your own oxygen mask on first in a plane emergency, you need to have all your faculties to properly care (or wear) a child. So take care of yourself and make sure you are bundled up before you get baby ready. In the winter, both the cold and sweat are your enemies. Too cold and you risk health issues like hypothermia, frostbite, extreme dry eye pain, even trench foot.  Too many layers can cause you or your baby to overheat, leading to sweating (your body’s natural cooling-off mechanism). Once the sweat touches the cold air, you'll begin to cool down even faster, speeding up the cold risks mentioned above. The key to keeping both you and baby warm is layering. Wearing layers help trap in heat, keep the sweat away, and can be removed/added as needed to keep you both at the optimal temperature. Here is a wonderful infographic from an Antarctic travel site. In a nutshell, you and baby need a base layer to keep you from sweating, an insulation layer to keep you warm, and a waterproof layer to keep you dry and cover all your extremities. The layers can vary depending on the weather outside. For example, a raincoat would be perfect for a typically cool, drizzly Portland winter day but not warm enough for snow at Timberline. Here is an infographic from an outdoor sports retailer on layering for different temperatures. Now that you get the basic layering idea, you may be wondering how to apply this to your baby. The most important thing to remember when wearing in the cold is that the carrier counts as a layer. And, if you are using a wrap, multiple pass carries count as multiple layers. You need to adjust your layering accordingly. Less clothing or a different carrier may be necessary to keep a normal body temperature. For example, if it’s cool and rainy, a base layer, jacket, and a waterproof SSC is a good combination. If it’s snowing and windy,  base, insulating, outer, hats/gloves and a thick woven wrap in a double hammock would be a great option. Below are some examples of layering for a baby in different winter weather types. Cool When it’s above freezing, but not warm by any means. ​Or maybe it is freezing, but you aren’t going to be outside long; for example, running into the store. First photo: Base layer of a thicker long sleeve onesie and thick pants. Wool pants are a great choice. Second photo: Add warm gloves and socks. Third photo: Warm, but not bulky coat. Fleece and wool work well. Add a hat if no hood. Fourth: Carrier, no need for multiple passes. For a quick babywearing up, try a ring sling if you're just taking your baby out of the car seat and into a store. Total: 2 clothing layers, plus extremities covered, and one carrier layer. Cold When it’s cold, closer to freezing, and no precipitation. Making sure extremities are well covered will keep baby warm. First photo: Base layer of wool socks and a long-sleeve onesie. Second photo: Warmer layer, I did overalls, but a shirt and pants would be great as well. Wool is a great fiber for this layer. Third photo: Leg warmers/more socks over feet and legs to keep ankles from being exposed. Fourth photo: Outer layer of a fleece one-piece suit. Make sure it is on the bigger side so it doesn’t pull on baby’s feet in the spread-squat position. ​Fifth photo: Carrier, with multiple passes, as needed for warmth. Total: 3 clothing layers, extremities covered, and 1-3 carrier layers. Colder When it very cold or just above freezing, layers under a snowsuit are a great option. First photo: Base layer of a thicker onesie. Second photo: Warm pants and a long-sleeve shirt. Wool is a great fiber for this layer! Third photo: Leggings or long socks and gloves. Fourth photo: Warm, waterproof one-piece suit. Hand and feet covers. Make sure it’s a little on the bigger side for baby to move freely in the spread-squat position. Fifth photo: Carrier with multiple passes. Total: 3 clothing layers, plus extremities covered, and 2-3 carrier layers. Below freezing or snowing: When it’s below freezing and/or snowing. An extra insulation layer keeps baby warmer and a waterproof layer keeps you dry. First photo: Base layer long shirt, long pants, and socks. Second photo: Thermal shirt, warm pants, and thick socks. Wool is a great fiber for this layer. Third photo: Wool or fleece jacket. Fourth photo: Waterproof jacket, hat, boots (or covered feet for non-walking child), and gloves.  Waterproof pants are also a great addition if your child will be out of the carrier to walk. Fifth photo: Carrier that you don’t mind getting damp. A waterproof SSC is a great option, especially if your toddler might be getting out to walk occasionally. A woven wrap with multiple passes will add layers of warmth. Total: 4 layers of clothing, plus extremities covered, and 3 carrier layers. Now that you've learned how to layer for the cold, stay warm and wear those babies! Read more: Hard-framed carrier: improve the quality of your hike 5 Comfy and cozy winter carriers for babywearing How to carry supplies when hiking with a soft-structured carrier ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org    EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. 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