With the cold weather setting in up and down the country, it’s important to keep warm and safe when out walking with your little ones. Our very own Laura, who loves hiking with her family in Cumbria and runs The Hiking Household, has some top tips.
1. Layer up
Dress in plenty of layers. Remember, you can always take layers off if you get too warm, but you can’t add layers that you don’t have if you get too cold.
2. Cover hands and ears
There’s nothing worse than cold hands and ears! And a child who gets cold will never enjoy the walk! Gloves, mittens, hats and even balaclavas – we have it all when we head out.
3. Check their shoes
Warm toes are a must! Wellies aren’t always the cosiest – my kids wear Warm Wellies, which are fab and keep toes really warm. However, most wellies don’t offer much warmth, so perhaps look at investing in some warm, woolly socks.
4. Using a carrier/sling in cold weather
If you can, do your coat up over your baby so they’re close, as they'll get the benefit of your body heat. You could use your normal coat with a zip-in panel, leave it open with a carrier cover or a spare fleece/coat tied around the carrier, or wear an oversized/baby-wearing coat to enclose you both. However, avoid putting your baby in a snowsuit if you’re carrying them, as they can overheat.
5. Prepare your route well
Consider the weather when picking your route. Perhaps use a route that you know your family will find easy and enjoyable. Remember, these winter months get cold and dark very fast! The importance for these cold weather walks isn’t to cover a large distance, it’s to get outside and enjoy the fresh winter air.
6. Check the weather forecast
This is particularly important if you’re taking your family on a hike. The weather can change drastically within seconds on the fells. Don’t forget to look at the wind chill, as well as the weather forecast. Also take care if you or your family have certain medical conditions. The crisp air can often aggregate my son’s asthma, so we’re always a lot more vigilant when the air changes.
7. Keep warm once you’ve completed your walk
This is something I’m notoriously bad for. When you stop walking, you may feel warm, but you’ll soon lose your heat. So, always carry a warm flask of something with you and remember to have plenty of warm layers ready for you in the car. One of my children’s favourite winter walk pastimes is to stop halfway and enjoy a hot chocolate with marshmallows!
What are your top tips for walking in cold weather? Let us know.