How to dress your child for skiing?
To enjoy the pleasures of the snow with your family, it's important to choose children's ski clothing that will protect them perfectly from the cold. We guide you to find the perfect ski outfit for your kiddo.
Winter clothing for your child: the 3-layer system or rule
The 3-layer rule is a classic for grown-ups that also applies to little ones. To keep them warm on their upper body, their children's ski outfit should have 3 layers. The first, the so-called "second skin layer," will be made up of a long-sleeved thermal underwear. Made from polyamide or polyester, it should be both warm and breathable, allowing it to wick away perspiration, dry quickly and thus maintain body heat. Avoid cotton, which does not provide good insulation.
The second layer is the insulating layer. It retains warm air and prevents the cold from creeping in. For a child's ski outfit, a fleece jacket will be perfect. The third layer, the protective one, is the ski jacket. You want it to be waterproof and breathable to keep outside moisture out without preventing perspiration from evaporating.
Ski clothing for a child: the ski suit for the little ones
When children start walking and up to the age of 6 or 7, it is recommended to choose a ski suit. After all, winter sports holidays are then synonymous with introduction to skiing, which involves many falls. And then there are all those snow battles that require a child's ski suit to have flawless waterproofing.
The ski suit ensures that your little one will be dry and warm, even when rolling around in the snow. Choose one with built-in gaiters to prevent snow from getting into the boots. And if you're still helping your child get dressed, it will be easy to put on. On the other hand, you have to admit that when it's time for a pee break, it's a bit of a headache.
Trousers and jacket, the perfect duo when they grow up
As they get older and more independent, kids can wear a "classic" ski outfit of trousers and jacket. Dungarees, which ride up nicely in the back and provide extra waterproofing assurance, are also a popular children's ski outfit. Once again, gaiters are a must, and a jacket with a snow skirt is highly recommended.
There are also ski sets consisting of trousers and a jacket that can be assembled at the waist with a zip. Your child will thus benefit from all the advantages of a ski suit without having the disadvantages.
Waterproofing, a key issue
To keep your family from getting cold on the slopes, it's essential to opt for children's ski clothing that is perfectly waterproof, but also breathable. It is therefore best to choose children's ski clothing made of Gore-Tex, at least for the ski suit, trousers, jacket, and gloves.
How to dress a baby for skiing?
Babies are entitled to their snow holidays too! To protect them from the cold, simply apply the three-layer rule to them too. A woollen bodysuit and thermal tights as a first layer, with some fleece trousers and top. The whole thing will be warm and breathable at the same time. Add, depending on the temperature, a fleece-lined ski suit and you're good to go.
But to keep baby perfectly warm for his first walks in the snow, you will also need to equip yourself with a carrying system. A baby sling or physiological baby carrier is admirably suitable, but if the temperatures drop very low, opt for a carrying all-in-one jacket. In fleece or softshell, it allows you to carry your baby against your body and cover him with an extension of your jacket. So it's your warmth that acts as a radiator!
Take care of your extremities
No kid's ski outfit is complete without the trio: socks, gloves, helmet.
The gloves: they're going to be put to the test and waterproofing is not an option. Equipped with a Gore-Tex membrane and a down or technical liner, they will keep your children's hands safe from the cold.
Socks: as for adults, choose thin synthetic fibre socks that will wick away perspiration and dry quickly. Do not overlap pairs, as this compresses blood circulation and makes the feet much more sensitive to the cold.
The helmet: it is compulsory and that's good timing, as it prevents heat loss and is unrivalled in protecting your little one. Equipped with air vents, it allows good evacuation of humidity and prevents heat stroke.
Accessories to complete a child's ski outfit
Choosing a child's ski outfit is one thing, but, to combine comfort and safety, you must not forget the following accessories:
- The neckwarmer: prefer it to the sling, which is easily lost and can be dangerous if it gets caught.
- The ski goggles: more practical and protective than glasses, it is essential to protect the eyes from reverberation. Choose one with a double screen to avoid fogging. For babies, you can easily find headband glasses for a good fit.
- Snow boots: they should be lined for warmth and waterproof to prevent snow from soaking your child's feet. It is best to choose children's après-ski boots that rise up and have a non-slip sole.
- Sun protection: no less than an index 50 for the sun cream, and this even when the weather is cloudy.
To make mountain holidays a pleasure for the whole family, it is important to know which ski clothes to choose for a child. Well equipped, he will be able to discover the joys of snow and gliding in complete safety and warmth.
The three key points to remember about which children's ski clothes to choose:
- The ski suit is the most practical clothing for the little ones.
- For a child's ski outfit that protects from the cold, adopt the 3-layer system.
- To complete your child's ski outfit, don't forget the essential accessories.