What to dress child in to go skating

[wolfyj]

I am just wondering what is the best way to dress a toddler to go out on the ice at an indoor ice rink. We have taken him many times outdoor where he had to be alll bundled up with snow pants and winter jacket and all but when he falls he cant get back up due to the amount of restriction from the outer clothing.

At the arena I have taken his coat off with just alight pair of splash pants and he was able to get up on hisown and move a bit better

Just wondering what some suggestions are for dressing kids for the ice.

Thank you in advance

[Clarice]

Totally agree with you about dressing more lightly indoors! I see kids in my tots classes who are as you describe - so bundled up the poor little things can barely move, let alone get up if they fall!

I recommend layers - sweatshirts and fleece jackets are good. Gloves are a must, and I like if the little ones wear knit hats with rolled brims because it cushions the fall if they bump their heads (unless, of course, they're already wearing a helmet). No double-layer socks inside the skates, but they should wear full socks - not the little "footie" kind.

Check out how "slippy" different fabrics are, because it can make getting up more difficult. Kids seem to have trouble if their pants and gloves, in particular, are made of fabrics that slide too easily. Knit gloves and sweat pants get wet quicker, but provide more traction. This is mostly a concern for the tots - older kids don't seem to have so much trouble.

Make sure the pants aren't so long or baggy that the blades can get caught. Little girls who insist on skirts can wear double layers of tights.

Basically, the idea is to keep warm but still be able to move freely.

[londonicechamp]

Hi wolfyj

Well, for your kid, you can dress him/her in t-shirt inside, fleece jacket outside, and some light trousers, such as track bottoms. Socks definitely must be full.

londonicechamp

[sk8tmum]

It depends on the arena, too - some arenas are really cold, some are warmer, adn outside in the winter ... add and subtract based on the conditions. Some suggestions, though (and pre-warning of a rant at the end):

Thermal underwear under splash pants work well - add some warmth without bulk.

Avoid those nasty little nylon socks that some kids wear under their skates. They slide down in the boot, aren't warm, don't absorb perspiration. At the same time, avoid bulky socks that squish toes, or that have those hard seams across the toes at the front. A toddler may not be able to explain to you "what hurts" in terms of discomfort, but, he will definitely feel it.

Mittens, not gloves (gloves don't keep fingers warm enough) with grippers on the palms are good for getting up.

Avoid bulky snow pants that prevent them moving!

Now, as to helmets: for me, a properly certified helmet is critical. Head injuries in little kids (big kids too) are serious, and can result in life-long damage. They have to be properly fitted - not sitting at the back of the head, they have to sit at the eyebrow level; not old and banged up; not sliding around the head. Bicycle helmets and ski helmets do NOt adequately protect a skater's head, they weren't designed for the purpose, and don't protect the rights areas.

It's not just the kid themselves that I worry about for protection, it's the other kid - for example, the "showing off" skater who knocks your little one into the boards!

Face masks can be good too once they start moving more, they do give good protection to the face - my kid didn't wear one, and we can still see where he took a chunk out of his upper lip when he went for a fast stop and didn't ... and hit the boards with his face ... sigh.

[herniated]

My son (he just started skating) wears sweat pants or the nylon type sweat pant a fleece jacket a knit cap and gloves. He does wear cotton socks in his skates and the long kind. I don't wear any and he thinks that's gross. lol. And under his jacket he has on an undershirt, and long sleeve t-shirt.

When the weather gets warmer we'll adjust the layers.

[sk8ergalgal]

Sorry to change the subject a bit but thought that my question kind of fit here. What would you suggest to a parent their son wear for a small competition? Like the little guy is only doing a minute solo and they dont want to spend much?? The arena is on the warmer side thankfully.

[sk8tmum]

Sorry to change the subject a bit but thought that my question kind of fit here. What would you suggest to a parent their son wear for a small competition? Like the little guy is only doing a minute solo and they dont want to spend much?? The arena is on the warmer side thankfully.

We headed to the local department store and bought a dress shirt with a little bow tie and a pair of dress pants. Ended up putting the elastics on the bottom of the pants because I hated to see the white sport socks popping out when he did a spiral or a jump. Adding in a little waistcoat/vest can look nice, and in cold arenas, can be a layer of warmth.

Other things I've seen: bowling shirts, haiwaiian shirts, etc depending on the number, worn over dress pants. Halloween costumes have been used if it's thematic.

Can you give us more idea on what the music is? Guys stuff tends to be more expensive and harder to find, it's more of a challenge than it is for little girls.

Also, if there are other "guys" at the club, ask the parents - they may have stuff about.

[Skate@Delaware]

I've also seen the little ones wearing turtleneck tops, either for lessons or for competitions. They look nice and put together and come in many colors (and are inexpensive). Not sure about where you live, but I've seen sport socks in black where I am-might be an option for the little boys, they can wear them and fold them over the tops of their skates (holds the laces in place).

Slacks are good, as are track pants, either for lessons or for low-level competitions. Most comps don't care if they wear them. Just no sweats!!!

[sk8ergalgal]

The solo he is doing has no music. I was going to suggest to the parents nice black pants but had no idea what to say about the top..

[sk8rdad59]

I've also seen the little ones wearing turtleneck tops, either for lessons or for competitions. They look nice and put together and come in many colors (and are inexpensive). Not sure about where you live, but I've seen sport socks in black where I am-might be an option for the little boys, they can wear them and fold them over the tops of their skates (holds the laces in place).

Slacks are good, as are track pants, either for lessons or for low-level competitions. Most comps don't care if they wear them. Just no sweats!!!

Buy some black dress socks, this is all my DS has ever worn in his skates.