Tomorrow it’s going to rain. This is no big deal in my part of the country. It rains most of the time in the winter here. Oddly enough, in my townhouse complex very few of the kids play outside in the winter rain. Snow, yes…they all go outside in the snow. But rain seems to drive us indoors into nesting mode, with a cup of hot something or other in our hands.
Why enjoy a rainy day with your baby? I have one answer: it gets you out of the house. I go stir-crazy without fresh air and exercise, even if I need to find that fresh air and exercise somewhere in a downpour. I also find that heading outdoors resets my daughter’s biological clock and my own. That’s a must if you want to develop a healthy sleep schedule!
What do you need to stay warm and enjoy a wet, cold day? Start with a sturdy rain jacket, with a layer of fleece or even wool if it’s really cold. I confess to living in woolen long underwear from about October onwards. My daughter does the same. A good pair of nylon pants will see you through more than a year of puddle jumping. Use a rain hat with a wide brim to allow your child to look in all directions. Add a pair of lined rain boots to keep a walking little one’s feet warm as she runs through the puddles.
For babies and tired toddlers, carriers like the Ergo pack snugly into your backpack. They’re a good backup plan for lengthy winter hikes. Use baby leggings to stop your child’s legs from getting cold. If you’re walking in areas that could harbor black ice, invest in pair of ice grippers like Icer’s or Yaktrax to prevent yourself from slipping while baby wearing.
While we’re at it, how about nontoxic rain gear as well? Now I know you don’t eat your rain gear, though your baby may chew on it a little. Soft plastics have long been used to make rain gear, children’s toys, and drinking bottles. Recently, parents have become more concerned about the chemicals used to make soft plastics. Polyvinyl chloride or PVC is a plastic that releases dioxins when it is made or burned. There are concerns that it can cause cancer and damage the immune system.
If this is a concern for you, there are a number of rain wear alternatives. Polyurethane is frequently used in rain jackets instead of PVC. It’s much more inert than PVC. This material is watertight and is often used in wind-resistant shells. A Canadian company called Puddle Gear makes polyurethane rain wear that is certified phthalate-free. Calunaloves.com, Lands End, and LL Bean all carry rain wear that is made of nontoxic plastics. Hatley is a fabulous source of rain boots made of natural rubber – I wish that I could find their Fun Frogs boots in my size!
Go out and enjoy the rain with your baby, and let me know how it goes!