[Stormster]

It is around 27 with wind chill. I am desperate to get DS outside but not sure if it's too cold for park. He won't wear mittens.

I could also bundle him in the stroller with blankets but even that worries me in this cold.

I'm def. going to do one of the two. Which do you think is "safer' for my still mostly bald 15 month old?

[saxxxy]

I take my kids outside year round, regardless of weather conditions. It is good for them.

I put beanies on their head that attach under the neck so my 20 month old can't pull it off. I also check their toes. Little ones can't tell you when their feet are cold. Once the feet are cold it is time to go inside.

That is hard that your little one won't leave mittens on, hands need to be kept warm. If you can figure out a way to keep them on then you should not have any worries about enjoying outdoor time. If you can bundle him up good in the stroller then don't hesitate to go for walks. He will most likely love it.

[nikkianni]

As long as DD is healthy- which she isn't at the moment- we play outside for about 20 minutes at a time.
Keeping gloves on: Pin those puppies to his coat sleeves. Seriously. DD is a major glove puller. I tried the ones attached to a string: She got them off. Tried the ones with the super elastic at the wrist: She got them off and they left marks. So I went to safety pins. She threw a honking fit the first couple of times but now she knows that she's about to go outside and sits right there while I pin.

[Saya]

I don't know the answer to this - but reading it reminded me to make an appointment to get a flu shot, so thanks!!

I worry sometimes that I'm too lax about the dressing for cold weather thing. Anabel REFUSES to wear gloves for more then 2 minutes, for example, and I'm just like "Look - I'm not going to force you to do this, but you know what? Your hands are going to be cold. It's up to you - if you want to have cold hands, go for it." I guess I'm thinking of the whole natural consequences thing - but does this make me a bad mommy?

[sbaglio]

I think even going out with him bundled in the stroller for a few minutes, will do him some good. Do you have a footmuff? We have the Quinny one to go with our stroller, and DD loves it. If she's been cranky or bored, just going for a quick stroll around the block does wonders for her. We only take her for a few minutes, then go inside and maybe sit by the window for longer. She loves being outside.

[crick]

27 with wind chill? Ah shoot...until you hit zero, kids are fine. It's us parents who have problems!

If he won't wear gloves and he doesn't need his hands (stroller walk etc.) you might try getting a pair of youth size warm/wool boot socks. (maybe kids size 1-3 shoe/sock size) Since boot socks are longer they go up more towards the elbow and then you put the coat on. Hard to get off.

I used to do that with my little ones when we'd be going out and OF COURSE I couldn't find the 210398520985 pairs of mittens and gloves we had because one was lost here and there and everywhere....sigh.

[aclee]

I would say bundle him in the stroller...who ever gave you that idea is SO SMART!

[Stormster]

Aclee i wrote that before I emailed you but yes I did follow your advice as usual!

We took a walk....about a 20 minutes each way and in the middle stopped off at the library and played there for about 40 minutes.

Yes we have a foot muff, a puffer jacket with a great hood but his hands were out. He was very warm and I feel great for getting that fresh air!

[aclee]

Originally Posted by Stormster

Aclee i wrote that before I emailed you but yes I did follow your advice as usual!

I guess great minds think alike.

I still take half the credit. Sorry...