When winter comes around, it’s time to consider how to keep homestead kids warm. Especially when there are chores to be done, it’s important that our little ones are comfortable and safe and warm. Plus, it’s way more fun when your little ones aren’t complaining of cold fingers!
This has been one of the coldest winters in a decade in NE Missouri, and certainly the coldest one for my kids, who spent their first years in the more mild, rainy Oregon climate. We have not been able to get outside every day – particularly when the wind chill is -25 degrees! But most days, we all head out as a family to bring water back from the pond, collect chicken eggs, ski, or just get some fresh air and exercise.
So how do I keep the kids warm in winter?
Three ways: 1) Fuel their body with nutrient-dense, whole foods, 2) Layer them in natural fiber clothes, and 3) Have a warm place to come home to.
When my kids were babies, it was actually pretty easy to keep them warm. We dressed them in warm layers, and wrapped them up in a Moby Wrap, or other baby carrier. My body heat helped keep them toasty! As they got older, I had to rely more on their clothing to keep them warm.
Start with Wool
High Quality Kidswear
I love to knit, so I make the kids sweaters and vests when I can. I also make a point of buying high quality gear for them. I purchase wool socks, down jackets, and ear-covering hats (these ones were made by my friend Randi of Randi Jo Fabrications). I also love the super warm and ultra fashionable kidwear by Ducksday, which I get from Ollie and Stella Outfitters. Again, some of this is second-hand, but some I buy new because it’s important to me to buy gear that will actually work to keep my kids warm. We love Bog or Muck brand boots because they are super-insulated and waterproof.
The hardest body part to keep warm has been fingers. Striking a balance between warmth and mobility is tricky, particularly with kid mittens, which tend to be bulky. Everett seems content with a double lined pair of fleece mittens, but I’m still working on finding a perfect pair for Ella.
After playing outside and helping on the homestead, we head indoors, warm up next to our wood stove, and re-fuel for our next adventures!
If you’re homesteading with young kids, check out my book, Family Homesteading! It’s chock full of projects, recipes, and how-tos for homesteading with the whole family, without overwhelm!
Just curious, I could only find Ruskovilla products sold to EU countries but no where else. Where do you get yours from?
Nova Naturals sells Ruskovilla for kids. Also, Green Mountain Organics.
Look for woolens in military surplus too. I wore Army wool/polyester blend pants when I was a woodsman; they are tough, resist snags, easy to clean and quite warm. I have a German military wool sweater that makes a nice layer under a wind breaker. They do not come in child sizes, but the pieces could be altered and the fabrics reused to make little woolens for your kiddies.
True. Kid pants in particular can be made from sweater sleeves. My kids have both worn a great pair of wool pants made from a beautiful print sweater.
As a Finn, I was pleased to notice that something good is coming from my country 🙂 In our climate, people know how to dress. But in our coutry we have had the warmest winter for a long time. We got snow in January. Usually it comes ti my part of land someties in november. But the normal time is october to december. This winter, it was just raining water. We had one week in January when temperature was around -20-25 celcius, but it’s normal here in January.
Yes, I guess you must know how to dress for cold when it normally gets that cold! It seems as though we have gotten your cold for the year.
I think this is great we are currently living in washington state and we moved here from florida . We came out here to give our 16 month old daughter the best life we could . Since moving here we purchased and rv and we are trying to do some homestead living. Its been and adventure . I have one question since now we have to layer more . And i am starting to knit i want to bw able to make some wool things to layer for the baby . Whats the best yarn to use?
Sounds like a great adventure for your family, Kat. I really love knitting for babies and toddlers because it goes so quickly, but sometimes wool can be scratchy on their skin. I usually use Merino if it is going to be touching their skin, but if it is a layering piece like a vest or a cardigan, I often use wool such as Cascade 220 because it is durable, nice color selection, and inexpensive. The merino I like is Malabrigo and really gorgeous fine yarn is MadeleineTosh (but that is only for VERY special items!)
Great thanks so much 🙂 and it has been a crazy adventure . We moved here bought five acres and want to get a small farm going . So the adventure is just starting in florida we had ducks and rabbits and bought a whole cow once a year so this is a great experience for us.
Everett? We also have an Everett who is 11 and has an issue with dressing for the weather. -11F this morning in CO and taking care of the chickens and rabbits was a challenge. I just found your blog and still going through all the great info.
Devin
Yes, my 3 year old is an Everett. Not a name you hear often! Hope your Everett stays warm in that kind of cold!
great posts! can you share the facebook groups you use to find used natural fiber clothes? I just bought Birch a pair of woolies this year and Bliss is in his pair almost every day (Hocosa). They are so warm and soft. I want a pair for myself!
Hi Tatiana, I have not seen as many adult woolens on these Facebook sites, but I am part of Waldorf Tag Sale and Wholesome Natural Clothing B/S/T. I bet there are others, I would search for wool or waldorf!
As a sheep farmer of course I think there is NOTHING like wool for warmth!!! It has kept me snug this winter during the Polar Vortex! Wool sweater, socks, hat, and scarf…keep me toasty! And a nice fire!.
Yes! We are all covered in merino underlayers, and then wool hats, sweaters. I forgot to write that even my pants are wool! I buy them from Ibex, and they are like yoga pants made of wool. They are my annual birthday treat to myself.
Can you link/share some of these Facebook groups? I’ve been on the hunt for used wool for a long time and have never found any
Sure Connie! I am on my phone, so i can’t seem to link easily, but the Facebook groups I am currently on are: Waldorf Tag Sale and Wholesome Natural Clothing B/S/T. If you search for anything related to Waldorf supplies and clothes on FB, I bet you would find something.
I am also a part of a Yahoo group for Waldorf Curriculum and supplies, and there are occasionally wool listings, but mostly books and curriculum for homeschooling.
Best of luck!