Outdoor clothing articles

Guidance: Looking after children and those in early years settings before and during cold weather: teachers and other educational professionals

From the UK Health Security Agency, published September 2023.

How to dress for the weather

Useful infographic showing a sliding scale of appropriate layers for the temperature, plus tips for each season. PDF download from Get Outside & Play (US), December 2022.

How to sit in the cold

Sitting in the cold: Why would you want to do it and how you can make it work. Wilderness Awareness School (US), 25 March 2020.

Drying and Managing Wet Clothes in Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Settings

“How can we manage wet clothes and gear when we work in places not geared up to coping with the aftermath of outdoor activities? I’ve been rummaging through my collection of photos and here’s some ideas.” Juliet Robertson of Creative Star Learning, 24 November 2022.

A practitioner’s guide: What to wear for children

Being outside is so exciting, there is just so much to explore! But what should a mud-exploring little adventurer wear for outdoor nursery/forest kindergarten? This guide takes a closer look at what a child might need to wear to be prepared for being outside. From Thrive Outdoors & Inspiring Scotland, August 2020.

Best kid clothing for learning outdoors

'This post may be helpful for families looking for recommendations for the best kid clothing for learning outdoors in all seasons.' Tips & recommendations for fall (sic) and winter, including layering. Megan Zeni (US).

What To Wear Teaching Outside

Another useful article from Megan Zeni (US), this time for the adults - outdoor clothing tips & recemendations for fall (sic), winter and spring, plus a What To Pack in All Seasons list.

Forest School Risk Assessment

This readable & thoughtful blog post considers the risks of summer sunshine and the importance of appropriate clothes, then goes on to look at risk assessments in the time of Covid, finally sharing the Risk Assessment document used at this Forest School. Mama Beech, 13 August 2020.

Footwear for All-Weather Players

"Keeping feet warm and dry is not as easy as popping a hat on, so we have brought you some ideas to help, making it possible to keep feet warm while playing for hours outside, especially on those wet, cold days." Lovely cheerful article with sections on warmth, size, soles, barefoot, cold, recycling, and some practical suggestions for different ages, from babies to toddlers. Nature Play, 13 November 2015

How to keep warm outside: 5 science-based tips

The Week, 8 January 2015.

Going Outdoors in the Winter: How to Dress

Using layering to protect head, hands and feet. Nature Play, 29 October 2013

The Forecast Calls for Play: Feel Confident Outdoors No Matter the Weather

Barring truly threatening conditions, children are safe to play outside in most kinds of weather. Connecting Kids & Nature: special report from the National Wildlife Federation (US), 2013

Cold Weather Safety

Tips to keep children safe, healthy, and warm in the winter. National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness (US) (pdf)