Why Don't Young Children Like Wearing Coats?

By Author: Ellie Dixon
Total Articles: 21
Comment this article

Sometimes you'll find it's difficult to get your toddler into his or her coat, no matter how chilly it is outdoors. Though having to put on clothes at someone else's instruction may initiate resistance from a young child, a coat or snowsuit is probably the worst offender for wardrobe rebels. This is most likely because no other item of clothing restricts their freedom of movement so much. Additionally, whilst there's usually scope for individual expression in other areas of dressing, there usually isn't with a coat - when it's cold you have to wear one! So, how can you make getting your child into that coat less of a struggle?

Make sure it's made of the right materials

Some thick winter jackets make it almost impossible for the wearer to move. Avoid coats that are too tight, bulky, itchy, heavy or too restrictive. Choose light-weight insulating materials over heavier ones such as wool.

Offer your child some choice

Obviously you probably won't want to stuff your toddler's wardrobe with a range of costly outerwear. But you can make the next coat you buy a reversible one. That way he or she will be ...
... able to choose which side will be on the outside on any particular day. And if it's not too cold, perhaps you can dispense with the coat and give them the option of wearing an additional sweater or fleece.

Add interest

A despised old coat can become a number one choice when it's been decorated with appliques, colored patches, braid, bobbles - whatever takes your (and your child's) fancy! But remember, never ever add your child's name to the visible part of any outdoor clothing - you don't want to give strangers the means of attracting his or her attention. Scruffy's Bookshop has loads of great illustrated books - why not transfer one or two of our pictures onto fabric and apply them to the coat? You could tell a whole story around the hem maybe?

Take their mind off the coat

Speaking fast or drawing attention to other things can take your child's mind off resistance when you approach with the dreaded coat.

Offer the unexpected

Do something silly with the despised garment before trying make your child wear it. Put it on yourself (which should be quite comical!) and say that you're ready to go. Or drape it over the dog, play hide and seek with it .... there are loads of possibilities. With any luck your young child will find it all so funny that there won't be any protests when it's time to actually put the coat on. Try explanations

It can work occasionally! Before a tantrum has developed, after which there will be no point in trying to discuss the matter sensibly with your toddler, explain why you want them to wear a warm coat, that it's chilly outdoors, everyone else is dressed for the weather. Perhaps fake a few shivers.

Of course if all else fails, you're the boss and you'll simply have to put the coat on your child anyway. Be firm but empathetic, "I know you don't like to wear this, but it's cold outside today so you must," and quickly distract him or her once they're ready.