Slush, wet snow and rain

Damp makes children colder, and wind and damp raise the risk of frostbite. That is why a wet day around zero can feel colder than a dry minus five. In slush, it is all about keeping your child dry.

Outside: waterproof

Waterproof fabric is good when kids play in snow, and in slush it makes a big difference to how long they last outside. Choose an all-in-one or rain gear roomy enough for warm layers underneath. In rain, a sou'wester helps, since the brim covers the neck and face.

Inside: wool, not cotton

Cotton gets damp and chills the body. Wool stays warm even if a little moisture gets in. That goes for socks too.

Change whatever gets wet

• Swap wet mittens and socks for dry ones. That's 1177's advice, and it makes a big difference.
• Pack a change. Our advice: a spare pair of mittens and socks in a bag, ideally two pairs of mittens for little ones in slush.
• Boots with removable insoles can be dried by the next day. Take the insoles out as soon as you get home.
• Wellies with wool socks work well in slush around zero. Once it's colder than that, lined winter boots are warmer. That's our advice.

Go in and warm up

If the kids have been out a long time, it's good to go inside to warm up now and then. Loosen their clothes indoors, or they'll get sweaty and colder when you go back out.

Dark and wet

In the winter half of the year it gets dark early. Use reflectors or clothes with reflective fabric, and put reflectors on the pram.

Read next

How to dress kids for the temperature and indoor things to do on rainy days.