Bundle Up: Dressing Children for Fall and Winter Play
Outside is where the good stuff happens
At the Y, outdoor play isn’t a bonus. It’s part of every single day. Whether children are running, exploring, imagining, or simply enjoying fresh air with friends, time outside supports their well-being, confidence, and learning in meaningful ways.
Children in our full-day early learning programs spend up to two hours outdoors, while children in our before and after school programs enjoy at least 30 minutes outside. Time outdoors encourages exploration, active play, meaningful connections, and opportunities to learn through discovery.
This means from October through March, the question isn’t whether your child will be outside. It’s whether they will be comfortable while they are out there. As many of us know, clothing can make all the difference, and our goal is to help every child take part comfortably.
Here’s our simple guide to layering so your family can head out the door ready for whatever the day brings.
The golden rule: layers, not bulk
One heavy coat sounds warm, but it doesn’t adapt. Layers do. They trap warm air between them, allow your child to shed a piece when they get warm running around outside and help educators add a layer back on when everyone settles in to dig in the snow.
Think of it as three jobs, three layers:
Layer | What it does | Recommended options |
| Moves sweat away so your child stays dry | Polyester, merino wool or silk long-sleeve top and leggings. Skip cotton, as it holds moisture. |
| Traps warm air and does the insulating | Fleece or wool sweater and pants. Two thin layers beat one bulky one. |
| Blocks wind, snow and rain | For fall: a waterproof, wind-resistant jacket and splash pants, or a rain suit.
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For winter: a waterproof, wind-resistant insulated jacket with bib-style snow pants and a hood, or a roomy one-piece snowsuit.
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A helpful tip from the Canadian Paediatric Society: dress your child in about one more layer than you’d wear yourself in the same weather. And if their hands and feet are warm, you’ve usually got it right.
Fall: the tricky season
In fall, mornings are often damp and cool, while afternoons can be warm and sunny. Puddles can also be irresistible. A few things that help:
Send a light fleece or hoodie that can come off and go back on easily.
Pack a waterproof jacket and splash pants. Rain gear means puddle season stays fun instead of soggy.
Rubber or waterproof boots plus a warm pair of socks beat running shoes almost every day from late October on.
Start the hat and mitten habit early. It’s much easier than starting it in January.
Keep sunscreen in the routine. The sun still counts, even when it’s cloudy and cold.
Winter: the full kit
Once the snow flies, children need a complete set every day. Our educators’ rule of thumb is simple: if it’s on the list, it comes to the centre.
Warm waterproof jacket and bib-style snow pants
A hat that covers the ears (a lot of body heat escapes through the head)
Mittens. Fingers stay warmer bunched together, and mittens are far easier for little hands.
A neck warmer
Waterproof boots with room for an extra pair of socks and wiggly toes
A full set of spare clothes, including extra socks and mittens
Getting out the door (without the battle)
Snowsuit standoffs are a rite of passage. A few things that work:
Lay everything out the night before, in the order it goes on.
Let your child pick their toque or mittens — a little ownership goes a long way.
Teach the sequence: snow pants, boots, coat, hat, neck warmer, mittens last.
Build in five extra minutes. Rushing is what turns getting dressed into a struggle.
Let them do what they can themselves. Zippers and boots are real skills, and practicing them is learning too.
We’re in this together
Every centre stocks a little extra, but the best day outside starts with a labelled bag packed at home.
If your family needs support getting winter gear, please talk to your centre supervisor. We want to ensure every child has what they need to participate comfortably.
Now bundle up. There’s a whole season waiting out there.
Helpful reading
Canadian Paediatric Society: Winter safety: Advice for parents and kids (caringforkids.cps.ca)
AboutKidsHealth / SickKids: Dressing for the cold
