When is it too cold outside for a 14 month old?

[bobby2step]

The in-laws (childcare bubble) are looking after my 14 month old son today. They have intimated that they will not be going outside with him today because it is too cold (2 degrees C). Today's started off as a beautiful day, and I would have hoped he could go out at some point - he loves birds and trees and all that nature stuff.

Is it too cold?

@yankeedoodledandee

It just made me feel irresponsible because I would've taken him out today.

This is a really weird take on the situation.

What can I say, this is my first child and I don't want to do the wrong thing. Learning you shouldn't be doing something because it might affect the safety of your toddler, kinda makes me feel irresponsible, yeah.

It isn't too cold for the child. I expect that is their way of saying they don't want to go out today.

Ar 14 months the love and attention the child gets from being with grandparents is worth more than the education from nursery (my children have done both, as grandparents not available for dc2). Also you benefit financially.

Baby will come to no harm spending time indoors just take them out plenty the days you are off. Book some AL during winter months if concerned.

No such thing as inappropriate weather, only inappropriate clothes.

What can I say, this is my first child and I don't want to do the wrong thing. Learning you shouldn't be doing something because it might affect the safety of your toddler, kinda makes me feel irresponsible, yeah.

You are over reacting.

Your in laws are taking care of your child and don't want to go out in the cold.

It's that simple. Your toddlers safety is not and never was at risk.

@yankeedoodledandee

What can I say, this is my first child and I don't want to do the wrong thing. Learning you shouldn't be doing something because it might affect the safety of your toddler, kinda makes me feel irresponsible, yeah.

You are over reacting.

Your in laws are taking care of your child and don't want to go out in the cold.

It's that simple. Your toddlers safety is not and never was at risk.

I am certainly not over reacting. I think you've misinterpreted this post.

Is it possible they are a little anxious? Is there a way of saying if they would like to take him out he’d be absolutely fine. Let them know it’s their choice?

the older you get the more likely you are to feel the cold & if the ground is icy (from the night before) or muddy or slippery they may feel the risk of falling over & all that entails for an older person.
Its not just the dc

@bobby2step there’s nothing wrong or unusual about doubting yourself as a first time mother! It’s good to ask... normally baby groups would be the place to share all these worries, I feel for you having a little one in lockdown

No I had my babies in Scotland, Norway and Canada. All winter babies. All went outside in temperatures alot lower than 2 degrees. Proper kit but at 2 degrees you don't need special kit just warm clothes properly and wrapped up.
Obviously a moving child will.leep.warmer longer than one sat still in a pushchair/bike seat/back pack.
Very sad that they have this attitude.

I’m northern with a whacky internal thermostat.

2 degrees is only just considering Big Coat weather, and I’d have a t-shirt underneath

I was skiing in Sweden once in temperatures of at least -10c. We stopped off at a hut in the forest and were surprised to see a baby sleeping in a sledge out in the snow (parents were inside the hut). Baby was snuggly wrapped and nestled in a sheepskin.

It's the Uk - it's never too cold. There is inappropriate clothing for the weather although once running around mist dc strip that off anyway but short of gale force winds presenting a risk they can go out if suitably dressed. Maybe the gp's don't fancy going out in the cold though - it's their choice really. It's far colder if you are sedentary/unable to run about

It’s probably too cold for them but are too embarrassed to say that. They might not want to be outside in the cold, my parents stay home when cold.

I can’t see why you’re feeling irresponsible - unless you don’t actually need the childcare (ie you’re not working)? In that case I can see why you might feel a bit guilty that he’s been kept indoors just so you can have a child free day. But even so, if they love seeing him and it gives you a chance to have a rest... it won’t do him harm to have the odd indoor day.

I can’t see why you’re feeling irresponsible -

OP was feeling irresponsible because they would have taken the child out and because the in laws said it was too cold to go out OP now thinks taking their child out in the cold is irresponsible.

A huge over reaction to nothing.

Oh I see - she’s feeling bad about the times she took him out in this weather? Ok makes a bit more sense but still think nothing to feel guilty about!

No wed take ours out in this weather here and its -4. Snowsuits, hats, gloves etc maybe even in a buggy with snowsuit. Sounds like its them it's too cold for. You need to suck it up though unfortunately if they are providing free childcare or pay for it.

OP now thinks taking their child out in the cold is irresponsible.

I did not say this.

Maybe the word "irresponsible" is too strong of a word.

What has happened is that I just felt bad, because the inlaws (someone's opinion who I respect) didn't think taking my son was the right thing to do - and I questioned my judgement.

Surely you see countless other toddlers out having fun in all weathers OP and that your dc has not been distressed due to cold on other occasions? It's fairly typical for older people to be less keen (and also believe that being cold means you get sick, that's my in-laws favourite line)

@Scbchl I have no problem with them choosing to do whatever they want to do...I just wondered what people thought was too cold for a toddler.

I don't think it's too cold to take children out as long as they're wrapped up. Your in-laws don't want to as they don't enjoy the cold. I wouldn't worry about it. Just appreciate the child care they are doing for you. You can take your DC out in your next day off. I'm sure they'll enjoy playing in the house for a day.

Ultimately what's cold and unpleasant for some is bracing snd invigorating for others... It's cold and windy here today and I have no interest in taking my children for a walk. The grandparents probably feel the same.
Unless my parents stuck my kids in front of the tv all day, I can't say I worry about what activities they do with my kids. My mum's particularly good at inside activities such as cooking, crafts and playing games. I find looking after kids, particularly young ones, can be a bit arduous on occasions so I'm very grateful whenever my parents have my kids, irrespective of how they entertain them.

Forgot to add that it's clearly not dangerous to take kids out in this type of cold weather, but perhaps a bit miserable for some adults