Cold weather can put people off from playing outside, and less children than ever are spending enough time in nature. However, with the right prep, the vast majority of us can still enjoy some time in nature on extra cold days.
🧥🧣I have put together this Instagram reel on how to dress little ones affordably to enjoy an icy playdate safely (this was when I was trading as ‘Mudder Nature’; still me 🙂
It includes:
– A base-layer- doesn’t need to be something fancy like a ‘ski thermal’; a vest and tights/leggings works at the temperatures forecast
– A second layer, e.g. a long-sleeved top, leggings &/or tracksuit bottoms
– A chunky jumper – wool is great
– Chunky socks – again, wool is great (2 pairs if thinner)
– A waterproof, lined outer layer – e.g. a snowsuit or ski suit, or a proper winter coat and waterproof trousers. If yours are too thin, you can double up – e.g. add a fleece under the waterproof layer or a coat on top of it.
– A proper winter hat, scarf/snood/balaclava, gloves – waterproof best (but appreciate littler ones may reject);
– Bring a spare pair of gloves or socks to use as gloves if you don’t have waterproof ones (so littles have an option if they get their first pair soggy with ice)
– Grippy warm footwear. Snowboots are ideal. Wellies are not warm enough on their own for days like this. As above, two pairs of socks/proper wooly ones will help make a real difference, but I do recommend investing in snowboots if you don’t have them for future sessions – they start around £5 for good condition secondhand on Vinted
👩👧👦Dress yourself in a similar way to the above advice (PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT WHEN PREGNANT, OR IF YOU HAVE A LONG TERM HEALTH CONDITION) e.g. leggings & tights under other trousers, gloves & hat vital, waterproof layer.
Parents so often forget themselves (don’t we!?), and in my experience, it’s often adults who therefore struggle more at cold sessions.
🤰Extra advice for pregnant participants:
– Remember that your centre of gravity is really different in the third trimester of pregnancy – I’m sure I don’t really need to tell any of you that as all at least second time mums, but it’s different when chasing toddlers isnt it 
If there is ice, I run the sessions on non-slippery grassy areas. However, paths into the park and pavements and roads on your way to us will likely still be icy, so please consider this when making your decision on whether it is safe for you to attend with your children.
🚰😊🏃♀️Other tips for playing outside on icy days:
– Skin dries out faster in the cold. Using a thick moisturiser on faces or any other areas that may be temporarily exposed, e.g. hands, before you leave the house helps. I use the nipple balm on my littlest and my own sensitive moisturiser on older children.
– Drink lots of water before and during the session. It’s strange but it’s easy to get dehydrated in such weather, particularly when pregnant
– Keep moving! – applies to parents moreso than children, as they don’t really stay still anyway!
⚠️If the Met Office issues any warnings or guidance against short periods of non-essential outdoor activity, or I otherwise deem it to be unsafe for everyone, then I will always cancel for our safety, and offer to roll your booking forward, or issue you a full refund.
Stay safe, stay adventurous ❄️✨️🧊🙌💜🤎
Mudder Earth 