Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to ask you how to do the school run in wet weather!

101 replies

200thousand · 29/01/2018 16:56

Posting for traffic.

No car. School run takes 30mins with my 5yo walking v slowly. For me, it's 15 mins on my own. That's twice a day 5 times a week back and forwards.

Buses are getting expensive. I hate the cold, I hate the wet, I think I would be better off living in a desert!

I get cold really easily and the wind stresses me out.

I've just bought some walking shoes but what do you wear when it's cold / wet? For me two pairs of trousers isn't enough!!

Ideally we'd do the school run come rain or shine but I can't face it at the moment...

OP posts:
Strummerville · 29/01/2018 18:58

I don't understand this Who is doing the school run for you at the moment?

I think the OP means she currently takes the bus when the weather is bad, but as we've had a lot of bad weather this is getting expensive.

I have a similar length school run and have been walking it in all weathers since DD started in 2008 (and for one year of that it was 3x a day as DS was on half-days). I quite like wild weather so it doesn't bother me...just get togged up and go. Waterproof coats are not hard to find. Decent boots. Collection of hats, gloves, scarves etc to choose from. The only time I hate the school run is when it's hot.

CoraPirbright · 29/01/2018 19:08

Lots of thin layers (to trap heat more efficiently rather than one or two big layers) underneath some waterproofs. Hats are a must - wear it under the hood which needs to be a decent size and actually cover your head and not just three-quarters which many, annoyingly, do. I also like to heat up my coat on a radiator before I leave the house which is extra toasty. Sheepskin lining or insoles for boots are helpful if you suffer from chilly feet.

Re the wind - no advice here, just need to get a grip. When my dd was tiny, it was a really hot summer and I was moaning to my fantastic MIL about it. She said “well, there are babies born in India you know” ie 26 degrees compared to 40 + in Mumbai doesnt really compare so stop your bloody moaning. It really made me think.

lampygirl · 29/01/2018 19:13

If you have a decathlon near you pop in there and look at their ski range. I use their salopettes for skiing and honestly if hey can do -17 plus windchill up a mountain they can do a walk. I can get them reasonably cheap by ski wear standards so each year I recycle the old pair into dog walking trousers. Also look at something like the Sorel snow boots which are waterproof and lined to keep you warm.

Sarahh2014 · 29/01/2018 19:15

That was me this morning holding an umbrella over ds who had on a waterproof coat but i didnt want his legs to get wet.Hate doing school run in the rain it's hell

TheHungryDonkey · 29/01/2018 19:21

I have never seen adults or children for that matter doing the school run in the type of outdoor clothing suggested here. I see them in normal coat and clothes perhaps with an umbrella.

Is this like normal UK rain? Sounds more like preparation for hiking Exmoor.

Delatron · 29/01/2018 19:24

I know TheHungryDonkey! It's never occurred to me to get some waterproof trousers out every time it rains. I just put my hood up, my legs seem OK?!
My youngest is still in shorts. He wears a waterproof coat, hood up. All good.

Tipsntoes · 29/01/2018 19:36

Proper waterproofs make a world of difference.

Definitely money well spent if you spend any time outside. I love my waterproof trousers, they mean I can be comfortable outside even in the worst weather, they keep the wind out too.

Tiddlywinks63 · 29/01/2018 19:41

I used to wear a mid-calf length riding mack and wellies. I could wear as many layers as I liked underneath (it was a voluminous mack 😊), and had a hood.
Completely waterproof and wind proof can you tell fashion means little to me?!

TheHungryDonkey · 29/01/2018 19:47

Delatron I’m with him on the shorts. I hate the feel of a wet coat so only wear a jumper when it rains. I do buy a sturdy pair of walking boots every two months because wet feet isn’t fun.

ApocalypseNowt · 29/01/2018 19:54

I don't believe in umbrellas.

Skowvegas · 29/01/2018 20:08

God bless American school buses. I used to sit at the end of the drive in my car, waiting for them to get off.

arethereanyleftatall · 29/01/2018 20:32

My outfit this morning In the pissing rain was thus; running legs (no intention of running), trainers, no bra as still had pyjama top on, cagool with hood up. This really isn't worth thinking about, worrying about, starting a thread about, or discussing.

Fishcalledlola · 29/01/2018 20:37

Piggyback for the kid, dry back for you!

SandunesAndRainclouds · 29/01/2018 20:37

I have a pair of fleece lined trousers from Decathlon. I wear those with thermal tights, thick socks and proper waterproof boots. I’ve got a good waterproof coat too which comes down below my bottom with a good hood. 5yo in full waterproofs and I’d have him / her on a scooter with a high handle so I can pull along too to get a bit quicker!

Heartofglass12345 · 29/01/2018 20:42

I would have to learn to drive or move closer to the school lol. Probably not very helpful (except maybe learning to drive Grin)

Cavelady67 · 29/01/2018 20:43

Put dc on a scooter and invest in some bloody good waterproofs for both of you.

BrawneLamia · 29/01/2018 20:44

5 year old on a scooter, and you can pull them along if they are going too slowly.
Wellies, waterproof coats, trousers, gloves, hats (I also have a toddler in a buggy, so can't carry an umbrella too).
Promise of a warm milk / hot chocolate when you get in.
Worst comes to the worst, you won't melt if you get a bit wet.

BrawneLamia · 29/01/2018 20:49

Hungrydonkey where I live people tend to walk a lot (there's no parking around our school), and it is often too windy for umbrellas. So it is usual to see a lot of people in waterproof clothing. I carry on from the school run to work, if I get soaked I will be wet all day.

Tipsntoes · 29/01/2018 20:50

It's disturbing how all the adds around this thread are for wet weather gear.

PurpleCrazyHorse · 29/01/2018 20:53

I second Decathlon as a shop to try for reasonably priced waterproof items.

timtam23 · 29/01/2018 20:55

Mountain Warehouse does really good fleece-lined trousers which protect against the wind and don't soak up the rain too much

TheHungryDonkey · 29/01/2018 20:58

Yeah people tend to walk a lot around here too. School run is about 45 minutes on foot. Still not convinced it means dressing up for coastal camping in winter.

Original poster
200thousand · 29/01/2018 20:58

oh wow, so many amazing responses, thank you - it will take me a while to read through!

someone commented about didn't I do the school run on bad weather days - sorry I meant of course I do it, I just bus it, and it's too expensive!

what are good waterproof shoes for kids (apologies if anyone has mentioned already - still need to rtft and will later!!) - any brands recommended?? I'm on a real budget!! Do wellies work or are they cold on feet and / or uncomfortable?

OP posts:
Tipsntoes · 29/01/2018 21:00

Lidl quite often have good waterproofs for children.

Delatron · 29/01/2018 21:05

Lots of people walking here. Never seen anyone in waterproof trousers....

But yes I guess it's one way to stay dry. If you can get your child to speed up on a scooter you're only out in it for 15 minutes so seems a bit overkill...

Swipe left for the next trending thread