Kids have lots of fun doing all kinds of outdoor winter activities. Whether skiing, snowshoeing, sledding or making snow forts in the backyard, a key to ensuring that kids do have fun – and safe – outdoor winter adventures is that they maintain a proper body temperature. This requires finding a delicate balance of enough clothes to keep your child warm and protected and not too many that she becomes overheated and her movement restricted. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to use layers of clothing. Layers allow for adjustments to be made throughout the activity to match changes in the weather or levels of exertion.

The importance of the first layer or base layer should not be underestimated. The base layer is what goes against the skin and serves to keep cold air from contacting the skin. It should also move moisture away from the skin and out to the next layer. Cotton fabric clothing should be avoided. Cotton soaks up moisture and does a poor job of transferring it out away from the skin. Polyester thermal underwear is available in several weights of fabric and a full range of child sizes to ensure a proper fit. Go for the light or medium weight – leave the primary job of insulating to the other layers. Resist buying it too big – a close fit reduces cold air pockets. The addition of Lycra to the polyester allows for a comfortable close fit while providing for uninhibited movement.

A light to medium-weight sweater and close fitting pants made of wool or polyester fleece work great for the second layer. Again, it is important to avoid cotton fabrics as the second layer needs to continue the transfer of moisture from the base layer outward. If this layer has a wind stopping shell, make sure it is breathable. Kids fleece clothing is available in a wide range of sizes and lots of fun colors and sizes.

A third layer can provide extra insulation for your child's upper body on particularly cold days. A heavier weight fleece vest or one insulated with down or a synthetic fiber works great to keep the core of the body warm without restricting arm movement.

The final layer should be a water resistant shell which will keep snow from clinging to it and help block the wind. This layer also needs to be breathable to enable the complete transfer of interior moisture to the outside where it can evaporate. There are many good breathable and water resistant fabrics used to make kids' jackets and pants in a variety of styles and colors. A light layer of insulating material incorporated into the shell can provide some additional warmth while zippers in the jacket armpits and the pant legs can provide better venting. Be sure the shell layer is big enough to fit over the under layers without restricting your child's movement.

Using layers on the hands and feet is also a good idea. A first layer of lightweight polyester/Lycra socks and glove liners will wick moisture away from the skin. Then separate heavyweight fleece gloves and a waterproof/breathable mitten shell provide the greatest versatility on the hands. Insulated gloves or mittens can work fine as long as they are made with good quality waterproof/breathable material. The use of disposable hand warmers are also a great way to provide additional heat. Kids socks are available in a variety of polyester and merino wool blends. Unlike cotton, these blends do a good job of insulating even when wet. For the best comfort and warmth, be sure the sock length extends beyond the top of your child's boots.

It is very important that your child's final foot layer fits properly. Whether it is a ski boot, snow boot, or skate, if it is too small it will restrict circulation and cause your child's feet to be come colder much quicker. The same goes for the foot bed. Boots without a good insulating foot bed will allow the transfer of cold directly from the ground through the plastic or rubber sole to your child's foot. For infants and toddlers who will be mostly riding in a sled, stroller, or pack, fleece booties are a great way to go.

A warm hat or helmet can play a key role in keeping you child's entire body warm. The amount of heat lost through the head might not be as high as your grandmother may have led you to believe, but it is nonetheless very important. Keeping the ears covered is also important. Soft wool or fleece hats with ear flaps are a good choice. For snowy days, a hat with a breathable/water resistant shell will keep the hat from getting wet. A fleece head band and beanie style hat used in combination can provide the greatest flexibility although some kids might think it looks goofy. If wearing a helmet, a lightweight fleece beanie under the helmet can provide additional warmth. All kinds of fun and functional hats and helmets are available for kids.

In temperatures below 14 F skin is particularly susceptible to frostbite, but frostbite can occur at warmer temperatures with the introduction of wind. On very cold days it important to make sure your child does not have any exposed skin. Fleece neck gaiters can do a pretty good job of covering up the face, but a fleece balaclava or fleece-lined face mask is a safer bet. When used with goggles, a face mask or balaclava helps protect 100% of the face. Kids balaclavas come in different weight fabrics and at least a couple different sizes. For use with a helmet, look for a balaclava with a light-weight micro fiber hood.

When on adventures such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing be sure you or your child carries a pack big enough to carry clothing layers that are removed.

In addition to proper clothing it is essential that kids keep their internal furnaces well fueled with food. Packing a small thermos of hot chocolate can not only help warm-up your child, but it provides a nice incentive along the way. And don't underestimate the importance of drinking plenty of water. While your child may not feel thirsty when out in the cold, staying well hydrated is also essential to maintaining proper body temperatures.

Teach your child to regularly wiggle his toes, flex his fingers, stomp his feet, and move his arms to keep the blood circulating to his extremities. This should also be done at the first hint of numbness in the extremities and if the numbness persists he should go indoors as quickly as possible. Also be on the lookout for patches of yellow-grey exposed skin. If detected, cover the area and get the child indoors immediately. Teach your child and her friends to regularly check on each other when playing outside together and to come indoors at the first sign of a problem.

Dressing children in multiple non-cotton layers, keeping them well fueled and hydrated, and teaching them how to properly regulate their own body temperature will ensure they stay warm (but not too warm) and have lots of fun outside this winter.