back to school for outdoor play
I know many of the more traditional preschools are moving more towards outdoor play because of the current COVID situation. Knowing my boys go to nature-based preschool definitely made me feel at ease about sending them back this fall. Last year they probably spent 50/60 percent of their day outdoors, and this year that is moving to 80/90 percent. Yes, that includes pouring rain and snow. The only time they will not be able to be outdoors is if there is thunder/lightning. I’m sure more of the traditional based programs might not go from 10 percent to 80 percent of time outdoors, but I know many will spend significantly more time outdoors. Whether it’s 10 percent or 70 percent, your child needs the right gear to feel comfortable and have fun. After researching what the Finland, Sweden brands and parents are doing, I picked up on things American parents might not know. Some might include layering is essential, but with the RIGHT materials, the fit is so important to make sure their gear is not restrictive, and rain gear is key! It’s not all about the snow. I will be doing a post on winter gear in a few weeks when the new lines are released, but let's start with fall gear. When I pick Charlie up from school many times, he is covered in mud head to toe. Making sure he can explore but still stay dry and be comfortable is critical.
This is the typical list all Scandinavian parents get when signing their kids up for pre-school:
Base layer (merino wool) (Base layer)
Tubes leggings (mid-layer)
Fleece Jacket or a thick wool sweater (mid-layer)
Polyester wind pants or rain suit (rain jacket + rain paints w/straps) (top layer)
Wind jacket (top/shell layer)
Down jacket (top/shell layer)
Snow pants or snowsuit (top/shell layer)
Balaclava/or neck warmer
Hat
Mittens
Rain mittens
For base layers I love Ella’s wool. I’ll share more in my next post but the boys wore Ella’s wool base layers and tube leggings last year. They will fit for a few years, are great quality, and are great for mobility. Here is a link to the base layers and tube knit leggings, HERE . You can use code MrsNipple for 10 percent off through Dec.
FALL GEAR PICKS for kids
For everything rain gear + snow we are going with Reima, HERE. (Also love their base layers) MRSNIPPLE20
Reima has been around for 75 years. “Having an active, happy childhood isn´t about sport or achievement, but the simple joy of movement, of exploring, discovering and asking, where next? This is why, for 75 years, we’ve had our hearts set on one thing: to create clothes for that let kids live curiously, whatever the weather.”
I wanted a company that understood what kids need for gear when it comes to outdoor play and Reima had it ALL from rain to snow gear and everything in-between. Reima is that brand!! I will share more in stories but here is what I am using for the boys for the fall from Reima in bold but any of the below are perfect.
raingear:
Layering guide for babies
winter update
WINTER GEAR PICKS for kids
I've been so impressed with the Reima Fall gear that I also ordered the boys their winter gear from Reima. Last year we ordered from a US-based company, and I was not impressed. I think the countries where outdoor schools have been the way of life forever really know what kids gear should offer.
Here are my picks for winter gear from:
Reima code: MRSNIPPLE20 for 20 percent off. Click HERE to shop
Ellas Wool: MRSNIPPLE for 10 percent off. Click HERE to shop
Widgeon fleece jackets: MRSNSP25 for 25 percent off. expires 10/25 Click HERE to shop
ONE PIECE SNOW SUIT: I ordered the Stavanger snowsuit (CLICK HERE) for the boy's snowsuits in Cinnamon Brown. Not only do I love the look of this suit, but I did research around five mom's opinions on winter gear for kids, and this was the fan-favorite. These moms all lived in cold weather climates, and their children were very active outdoors. They pointed out quality, movement, but most importantly, warmth without ever sweating or becoming wet. If this was the pick for super adventurous families from Alaska and Colorado, I know it will work for us too!
GLOVES/ MITTENS : I love the Otte mittens; click HERE. They come in multiple colors and are warm, breathable, and stretchy. If you want the gloves version, click HERE.
WINTER JACKET & SNOW PANTS: I prefer the one-piece for kids. Yes, even during potty training. That being said, there will be times you need a winter jacket. For those times, I prefer THIS Sydkap jacket. It is a 3 in 1 jacket which I love for kids. It gives you the option for versatility and not spending on multiple jackets. They also have matching snow pants HERE.
MY ACCESSORY PICKS
BALACLAVA FOR VERY COLD DAYS: HERE and HERE
DON’T FORGET THE SOCKS!: I have all of these HERE
BASE LAYERS & FLEECE JACKETS: I have not tried the Reima Fleece jackets, but we do have THIS base layer and THIS base layer and love both. For all base layers, click HERE, and for all fleece jackets, click HERE.
I also love Ellas Wool base layers, but they are all sold out at this time. We layer our base layers with the Ellas Wool Tube knit leggings HERE. They offer warmth and movement!!! For a discount at Ellas Wool, use MRSNIPPLE for 10 percent off. This is a small Scandinavian born Brooklyn run brand by a mom!
For fleece jackets, we have always LOVED THIS brand. From the newborn stage, HERE and HERE and on to the toddler age with the jackets. For a fleece 2nd layer, I prefer THIS Fleece turtleneck or THIS fleece crewneck sweater (vellow fleece).
OTHERS: Some other picks I love, but I could not order it all :( was THIS super cute snow suit (full piece in the grayish green or warm yellow) , THIS puffer jacket, THIS super sharp jacket (navy or bubble gum pink), THIS really cute girls jacket, THIS sharp full snow suit or THIS retro kids suit.
Reima also has big kids gear as well!
Some Examples of how my kids dress
Rainy cold fall day : Base layer, tube leggings, fleece jacket, rain jacket, rain hat, rain mittens with liners, rain boots , wool socks.
Mild rainy fall day: Base layer, tube leggings, fleece sweater, rain jacket, rain hat, rain mittens, rain boots, wool socks.
Warm rainy fall day: Regular pants, t-shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, rain pants, rain jacket, rain hat, rain boots, wool socks.
Dry cold fall day:(no moisture on ground): Base layer, tube leggings, fleece or wool sweater, fleece jacket, mittens, winter boots, wool socks.
Dry warm fall day (no moisture on ground): Sneakers, pants, t-shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, wool socks.
Dry Mild fall day: (no moisture on ground): Base layer, tube leggings, fleece sweater, rain boots or sneakers, wool socks.
Dry Cold winter day: base layer, tube leggings, fleece sweater or fleece jacket, snow suit, snow mittens, hat, winter boots, neck warmer, wool socks.
Snowy cold winter day: base layer, tube leggings, fleece sweater or fleece jacket, snow suit, snow mittens, hat, winter boots, neck warmer,wool socks.
rainy cold winter day: base layer, tube leggings, fleece or wool sweater, fleece jacket, rain jacket, hat, rain hat, neck warmer, liners and rain mittens, winter boots,wool socks.
Freezing cold winter day: Base layer, tube leggings, fleece or wool sweater, fleece jacket, neck warmer or wool balaclava, snow suit, snow mittens, hat, winter boots,wool socks.
RUN DOWN ON THE LAYERS
How to Dress for Winter BASE LAYER STARTS NEXT TO THE SKIN VIA Christina Boucot
In cold weather, your body still sweats. And sweaty clothing in cold weather is not a good thing. Sweaty, wet clothes will make you cold. The job of your next-to-skin or base layer is to wick moisture. Look for labels that wick moisture, natural fabrics are wool and silk. Polypropylene & Polyester are the most affordable material. Try to avoid 100% cotton as a base layer which absorbs sweat but holds it close to your skin.
INSULATION IS THE NEXT LAYER
The function of your mid-layer is to insulate you from the cold, and continue to move moisture outward. This layer could consist of a wool, down or fleece. Merino wool provides the same benefits as regular wool, without the scratchy, itchy feeling. Merino wool garments make excellent base layers and mid layers. Down offers warmth, but is best for dry climates (since it loses its insulating abilities when wet). Nylon is a lightweight, breathable, quick-drying material. Nylon is more durable than polyester and is sometimes blended with other materials to enhance durability.
OUTER LAYER IS YOUR PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS
There are winter jackets and winter shells that serve all types of snow sports; skiing, riding, hiking, and all- around winter fun. Today, your typical shell is often non-insulated (or very lightly insulated). The shell's main function is to repel water, while remaining breathable. Without breathability, sweat builds up and your clothing loses its insulating ability.
As mentioned above, all of your layers need to be breathable, allowing your perspiration to escape and your body to regulate its temperature. Many shells also feature zippered vents (such as underarm "pit zips"). With vents, you can let out the heat you have built up - while working hard at having fun.
WATER-RESISTANT, BREATHABLE
Jackets and pants labeled water-resistant and breathable provide good protection in mild to moderate weather. Most have a DWR (durable water repellent) coating to shed light rain and snow. Soft shells and waterproof jackets that are not fully seam-sealed fall into this category.
WATERPROOF BREATHABLE
In order to qualify as waterproof, a shell must have a membrane and be fully seam-sealed. However, no waterproof breathable shell is going to be “completely waterproof.” With enough water pressure, even the best jacket will leak eventually. For more info on our waterproofing standards, check out the Waterproof Guide.
Warm winter socks are important in keeping warm dry feet. Wool is best, although good synthetic "fleece" socks are often quite good. One pair of good quality socks is all you need. Layering of socks is not recommended, this could make your feet sweat making them wet and cold.
Gloves or mittens, hats, scarfs and eye wear are also a must in cold weather.
