How long is your outside time in winter?

[Daycare123]

Thanks Reggio I was thinking around there too. I have worked with different guidelines myself-but they all were all too cold for this age group in my opinion.

[angelina]

i am active mom and i love being outdoors.
I am MEC member, so I got all the winter gear covered.

Toasty waterproof mitts for the young ones and me, and for my daycare kids, I require 2 extra mitts, one waterproof ( for making snow angels) and one fleecy/soft when taking breaks. i wore my snow pants daily, and I got 2 -3 pairs. I ski and ice skates myself so, I really do have the gear part covered. I take my own kids skating at Rideau Canal too for Winterlude.

My youngest is 2 years and 4 months, and i have 2 toddlers ( both 3 and 1/2 years old). We are are average 3-4 hours a day, as we are out 9:30-11:30 am then the afternoon is 3-5pm.

During peak of winter [dec -march], we have a big hill in our area and we are out as early as 8:30 am, then we sled, we come in to have snack at 9:30am, then we are out again. I think we stay out much longer on these months when there is enough snow to make snow man, or snow angels. Nowadays, snow comes and go, and if we don't have snow, we go out to library, airport, or OEYC playgroups.

Last year, my youngest was only 1 year old and he still enjoy his sledding time. I bought him a one piece suit from Mountain Equipment Coop, and boots and mitts from Stonz(www.stonzwear.com/). These were all water proof and kids were having fun.

My stroller last year was a BOB Revolution Dualie - it glides over snow, no problem.
This year, since i have 3 kids, plus maybe one 16 month old to join us in December, I bought the Runabout Quad, so we will be set to go out anytime.

Summer and Winter are my fave season. Fall is sickie time, and spring is too muddy!

Personally, I think as long as you get out once a day, that should be good enough, especially if you got baby in your care. There is no requirement for us to stay out for 2 hours, right???

And oh, invest in Stonz boots and mitts to use for your outings. Mine is now 3 year old and insulation is so good and easy to slip on babies. MEC has toasty boots too - if it is a matter of convinience for you. Some parents love their brands, but what really works is Mountain Equipment Coop winter gear or Stonz for me. Even Osh Kosh winter coat did not impress me much and that is expensive brand.

Sorry, if i blah too much, I am a winter person and I also enjoy winter sports myself. The kids in my care plus my own also are excited of our snowman in the front yard and sledding and tobogganing days.