How do you dress children for Canadian cold?

Children are more exposed to the cold than adults, so they need layers that come off easily and covered heads, ears and hands. A baby needs extra bundling because they cannot tell you they are cold.

1. Dress them in layers that go on and off easily, and cover as much skin as possible. Layers let you add or remove according to the weather, and indoors at school or in the car.
2. Use a hat that covers the ears, and mittens instead of gloves; fingers kept together stay warmer.
3. Choose warm, waterproof boots with a little room for an extra pair of socks and for the toes to move. Toes that can wiggle stay warmer.
4. Use a neck warmer instead of a scarf, and mitten clips instead of a string. A scarf or string can catch on something and choke a child.
5. Take off wet clothing and boots as soon as they come in. If the temperature or wind chill reaches -27 or lower, consider keeping them indoors; exposed skin freezes quickly at that level.
6. In the car seat, do not dress them in a bulky jacket or snowsuit. Thick clothing stops the harness from tightening properly against the body, and a loose harness does not protect.

Caution: If a child’s skin turns white and waxy or goes numb, contact a doctor right away; rewarm with warm, not hot, water and do not rub it.

Bottom line: Children are more exposed to the cold than adults, so they need layers that come off easily and covered heads, ears and hands. A baby needs extra bundling because they cannot tell you they are cold.

Last reviewed: 29 September 2026