We’ve had some interesting weather here in Stockholm this week. We woke up on Wednesday to a snow storm. In the middle of October. I don’t think any of us here in the office were ready for that. Luckily, the snow didn’t stick around long and by Wednesday afternoon it was bright and sunny again. Today we have rain.

All this crazy autumn weather got us thinking though, as much as we’d like for the summer sun to stay around, winter is just around the corner.

Even though the calendar says it is only October, Mother Nature doesn’t seem to care, and we have had some cold temperatures. When it gets cold outside, it’s incredibly important to keep your child warm. Here in Sweden it is often said that there is no such thing as poor weather, only poor clothing. There is something to be said for that. We know; we’re just a few hours away from the Arctic Circle.

Keeping your child warm starts, very simply, with dressing them properly. Dress your child in multiple, thin layers. This can start with a layer of long underwear under a shirt, add a sweater and finally a coat and your child will have a good layered approach to braving the elements. By layering you will be able to watch your child’s temperature so that they don’t get too cold. Or too hot for that matter.

Remember, your child just won’t be able to handle the cold as well as your average adult, so a good rule to live by is to add one extra layer of clothing than you would wear yourself. You’ll always be able to take that layer off if need be.

Enjoy the waning days of autumn and be sure to stay warm!