“Put on your coat.” These four seemingly innocuous words can send some kids into a huffy-puffy tailspin, regardless of the windchill outside. And for parents and caregivers who want to keep everyone safe and healthy, pushing can be crazy, not to mention confusing.
“The question ‘why don’t kids wear coats’ comes up every year during the winter,” said Dr. Sara Siddiqui, a pediatric and adolescent medicine specialist at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital in Huntington Station, New York. “Always, all parents love that their children continue to dress as they see fit. But at some point in the preteen years, children begin to see the world through the eyes of their peers rather than parents — and this is often the time when this question arises from many parents and family.”
Can a child get sick from not wearing a coat? Is it worth the fight? Experts weigh in on these questions and more.
Can you get sick from not wearing a coat?
The million dollar question on a parent’s and caregiver’s mind: Can kids get sick from going out in cold weather without a jacket? (And in some cases, no pants — we’ve all seen the “shorts kid” walking around in February.)
No, say that both Siddiqui and Dr. Jen Trachtenberg, a board-certified pediatrician in New York City. “Wearing a coat won’t prevent a cold or respiratory illness,” says Siddiqui.
“Cold weather does not cause pain,” Siddiqui continued. “Some winter viruses such as influenza, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spread in the colder months, our immune systems do not work well in fighting cold weather diseases and the mucosal secretion thickens in winter, making it easier to have nasal congestion or colds. But having a jacket or not in these instances will make no difference.”
“Wearing a coat won’t stop a cold or respiratory illness.”
—Dr. Sara Siddiqui, pediatric and adolescent medicine specialist
How long can children stay in the cold without a coat?
OK, so a quick run from the toasty car to the heated school is one thing, but what about extended periods of time in the cold without a jacket? is that ok
Yes and no. Again, being out in the cold won’t make a child sick, but “extended time in freezing temperatures without warm gear, especially on the hands and face, can lead to frostbite,” Trachtenberg said.
Additionally, Siddiqui added, “Hypothermia can occur when it’s below freezing temperatures for a long time.”
“Extended time in freezing temperatures without warm gear, especially on the hands and face, can lead to frostbite.”
—Dr. Jen Trachtenberg, board-certified pediatrician
That said, the odds of kids wanting to go out in sub-degree weather without a jacket are pretty slim. “Obviously, things can be more dangerous the longer kids are outside and the temperatures are colder, but when the weather is really cold, certainly most kids want a warm jacket and are indoors. ,” said Trachtenberg.
Also, consider the child’s activity. To Trachtenberg’s point, children probably won’t want to stand still in the cold for long periods of time. However, if the child is running with friends on the playground or playing football (that will do they want to stay outside longer), they warm themselves to an extent.
“During periods of activity, our bodies produce less heat to keep us warm,” Siddiqui explains. “As long as the child is comfortable, playing outside without a jacket is fine. Just watch for shivering and cold fingers or toes.”
If a child is sick, will going out in the cold make them sicker?
You may think your child is out of their mind, walking to the bus stop with a runny nose and no coat, but the truth is, it won’t make or worsen anything they already have. “Being outside while having a respiratory illness is not harmful and does not make a cold worse,” says Siddiqui. He added, it might even help.
“During a cough or cold, taking deep breaths outside can help improve airflow in the lungs. Improved breathing and air intake while outside can really help.”
Why do children refuse to wear coats?
There are several reasons why children avoid winter coats. Among them, says Trachtenberg, are: children “really don’t catch colds; worried that it’s not (stylishly) cool; dislike the bulk of a coat; laziness; and/or don’t have room in their locker and don’t want to carry it all day.”
To really get to the bottom of your child’s coat aversions, says Siddiqui, just ask them. “Keeping an open line of communication with kids is key, and it will lead to a better understanding of why they might choose to do certain things,” she explains. “It’s important as a parent and as a caregiver to try and understand without passing judgment.”
Note: I asked my jacket-hating 9-year-old son the reason behind his general disdain for outerwear, to which he replied: “It annoys me and makes me hot.” Enough.
Should you force a child to wear a coat?
It’s a battle no parent or guardian wants to fight, and in the end, Siddiqui and Trachtenberg both note, dying on the hill of “put your jacket on” isn’t worth it.
“Parents should continue to have discussions about when to wear or not wear a jacket when outside,” Siddiqui said. “Conversations with children can be very eye-opening, and there may be very good reasons why your child does not want to wear a jacket. In the case of wearing a jacket or not, it is best for parents to choose another battle and continue the conversation later.”
Trachtenberg also adds that when the weather is cold and your child isn’t moving in his coatless stance, you can also encourage him to wear layers, like a long sleeve shirt and sweatshirt.
“Conversations with children can be very eye-opening, and there may be very good reasons why your child doesn’t want to wear a jacket.”
—Dr. Sara Siddiqui, pediatric and adolescent medicine specialist
The bottom line
It may seem strange to bundled-up adults, but refusing to wear a coat is both normal and generally safe for children – even if they have a slight cold. “Being in cold air won’t make a respiratory illness worse or prolong it,” says Trachtenberg.
Also, remember, this is just a phase. “As a pediatrician and mother of three older children who have all gone through the ‘no coat’ phase, it’s not worth it,” says Trachtenberg. “If they go out without a jacket and it’s too cold, you bet they’ll get a coat next time.”
