As temperatures drop and snow blankets Alberta and the rest of Canada, childcare providers face the annual challenge of ensuring that children are dressed appropriately for the cold. Winter weather brings plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, but it also requires preparation to keep kids safe, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the winter season.
This guide covers the winter gear must-haves for children in Canada. We’ll share practical tips for daycare centers, and how to manage and communicate with parents about proper winter attire.

Outdoor play is vital for children’s development, even during the colder months. It encourages physical activity, stimulates creativity, and builds resilience. However, without the right winter gear, outdoor play can quickly turn uncomfortable—or even unsafe. Hypothermia, frostbite, and wet clothes can all be avoided with adequate preparation. Take necessary precautions by dressing in appropriate clothing, layers, and outdoor winter gear. Not only is it more comfortable, it’s safer, and lets kids have more fun playing, allowing them to have fun without getting cold and wet.
To ensure that every child is winter-ready, make sure they have the following items:
Thermal layers help retain body heat, acting as a critical first defense against the cold. Think about layering up with the following outdoor layers.
Snow pants are essential for keeping legs warm and dry during outdoor play. When it comes to playing in the snow, tobogganing or building snowmen, a good pair of snow pants is a must-have essential outdoor item for kids in Canada. Look for:
Cold, wet feet can ruin any winter adventure. An insulated and waterproof pair of winter boots is a crucial Canadian winter item for all, especially kids! Ensure boots:
Accessories often make the difference between a fun day in the snow and an early retreat indoors. When it comes to little ones playing outside, it’s important to protect those hands, necks, and heads with warm and waterproof accessories. Look for the following when shopping for kids winter accessories.
Childcare centers should always have extra winter gear on hand. Along with asking parents to include extra clothing and layers for kids, try to also always have items on hand. These include:

To avoid mix-ups, ask parents to label all items with their child’s name. This is especially important in daycare settings where items can easily get misplaced, or where items often look the same.
Establish a designated area for winter gear, such as labeled cubbies or hooks. This keeps everything organized and easy to access. Try to place items closer to a heat vent or somewhere they can easily dry. You may find you have a lot of very wet clothes after a good outdoor winter play!
Before heading outdoors, do a quick check to ensure every child is properly dressed. This includes checking zippers, ensuring hats cover ears, and making sure gloves are secure.
One of the biggest challenges for childcare providers is ensuring that parents send their children with the proper winter gear. Using a parent communication tool like ChildFriendly’s Parent App, you can:

Despite reminders, there may be days when a child comes without the necessary clothing. Here’s how to address this:
Pro tip: Partner with local organizations that provide winter clothing assistance to families in need. Programs like the Coats for Kids & Families initiative by United Way Alberta Capital Region offer support to ensure children have access to warm clothing during the winter months.
Winter play can be magical, but safety should always come first. Keep these tips in mind:
Winter in Canada offers incredible opportunities for outdoor exploration and play. By equipping children with the right gear and these winter gear must-haves, creating organized systems for storage, and leveraging tools like ChildFriendly’s communication features, childcare providers can ensure that winter is a season of joy—not stress.
ChildFriendly’s childcare management platform simplifies parent communication, helping you keep families informed about seasonal needs like winter gear. Ready to streamline your operations and enhance parent engagement? Learn more here.
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