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Family Holidays and Weekends

A Winter Day out -Your Packing Checklist

Being able to enjoy days out as a family is important, Trips out provide you with the chance to catch up with each other and have some fun. During the summer, organizing days out is relatively easy. In the winter, there is a little more to think about. You need to be more prepared, so you are ready the variable weather that is normal, at this time of the year. However, as you will see, when you read on, this is easier than you may at first think.

The right clothing

Top of the list has to be making sure that everyone has the right type of winter clothing to wear on days out. These could include anything from Wool Hoodies to cute sweaters. Provided you and the kids are wrapped up warmly enough, you can enjoy a trip out almost regardless of the weather. For men, having proper layers are the key to stay warm and comfortable during the cold winter months. Start with thermal underwear and socks to help insulate the body. Then add a long-sleeve shirt, sweater or fleece for extra warmth.

When it comes to outerwear, women have some great options for staying warm, stylish, and comfortable in winter. Leggings and thermal underwear add an extra insulating layer underneath pants and jeans. A long down parka with a hood is a classic choice that provides plenty of coverage from the elements. For extra warmth without bulk, battery heated jackets for women are a clever solution. These jackets allow you to stay toasty outdoors without compromising on style. With the right combination of winter coats, jackets, knits, and boots, women can take on cold weather while looking and feeling great.

Footwear is important

It is very important that everyone is wearing the right footwear. You need to choose boots that are practical and easy to walk in as well as stylish.

The kids need good quality shoes or boots that have been properly made to keep the rain out and their feet warm. Ideally, the soles should be non-slip. This greatly reduces the chances of them falling over and hurting themselves. Also, make sure that the soles are not too thin. Thicker soled shoes tend to keep the feet a lot warmer. They are better at keeping the cold out, especially in situations like standing to wait for a bus. When shopping for the shoes, look for reputable brands that use high-quality materials and construction methods. The shoes should have adequate traction and tread depth to grip slippery surfaces. For warmth, look for insulated boots or shoes with full lining coverage. The fit should allow for thick socks while still being comfortable. Getting the right size is important to prevent blisters or soreness. Take the kids with you when shopping so they can try on different pairs. Make sure there is enough toe room to accommodate growth between seasons. Proper winter footwear will keep them safe and comfortable all season long. Investing in quality now pays off in the long run.

Warm coats

Everyone also needs a warm coat that is big enough for them to wear a jumper underneath. Ideally, you also want it to be waterproof. If this is not possible, be sure to buy everyone a lightweight raincoat that is big enough to be worn over the top of their normal coat.

It is usually a good idea to have a hood. Just make sure that your child can still see clearly with the hood up. You do not want one that obscures the face too much. It is all too easy for a child ´s field of vision to be dangerously limited by an oversized hood.

When getting coats for children, you’ll want to make sure the hood is adjustable so that it can grow with them from year to year. Some coats come with removable hoods which can be handy as well. The coat length should fall below the child’s hips for maximum coverage and warmth. Look for zipper pulls and buttons that are easy for little hands to grasp. Reflective strips can aid visibility on winter days when it gets dark early. Finally, choose coats made of water-resistant fabrics like nylon or treated cotton that can withstand snow, rain and mud while keeping your child nice and dry.

Hats and gloves

You should also check that everyone has a good hat and a pair of gloves. Try to buy the type that enables you to continue to be able to use touch screens when you are wearing them. That way everyone is kept happy because they can continue to use their gadgets and devices without having to remove their gloves. Having touchscreen compatible gloves means your child is less likely to end up losing one glove because they took it off to use their phone or tablet. It’s a good idea to get gloves that work with touchscreens for the whole family so you can all stay connected and avoid losing gloves this winter. Proper winter gear like good hats, gloves, and touchscreen friendly gloves will help keep everyone warm and happy this season.

Prepare the car properly

As well as making sure that everyone is properly prepared to face the elements you need to check that your car is too. Get it serviced, top up the antifreeze and windscreen washers and make sure that the tyres have enough tread. Be sure to fill up with petrol before you leave. That way, should you get stuck in traffic, you will be able to keep the engine running and the heating on. Also check your tire pressure and make sure you have good wiper blades that can handle snow and ice buildup. Pack an emergency kit with warm clothes, blankets, flashlight, jumper cables, shovel, sand or kitty litter, snacks, and water. Let someone know your travel plans and route in case you get stranded

These are the most important steps you need to take. However, if you would like a more checklist to help you to prepare your car for winter days out, you will find this article very helpful.