We're traveling to the cold and I don't know what to pack

[thedevinemissm]

We live in southeast Texas. It doesn't really get that cold here. We're a pretty toasty bunch even in Jan or Feb. Plus, b/c everyone is so used to the heat, if its cold outside all stores, churches, buildings have the heat cranked so high that you don't dare wear a sweater.

Anywhoo... we're traveling to Ohio the week after Thanksgiving. Driving and camping (I know, we're either brave or nuts! ) 4 days up, 5 days there, 4 days back. We have a few jackets, but not much else winter related. I don't have a lot of money to spend on clothes that we're only going to need for two weeks.

Can you guys help me with how to bundle my kiddos, some cheap basics, and any tips on combining keeping the kids warm with making things somewhat easy to change diapers (they are both still in FuzziBunz).

Thanks!!!

[Plaid Leopard]

Hi -

I'd suggest tights for boys and girls. It's an extra layer to keep them warm, but if they get too hot in the car or inside they can take off pants but still be covered. Of course, that doesn't really make it easy to change diapers I guess. Although if you just pull the tights down enough to change the diaper, the legs are still covered.

My kids prefer fleece sweaters and jackets they can layer, instead of coats. WHile I certainly prefer natural fibers, i have to admit that the polar fleece my MIL sends the kids every year really does keep them warm, and is easy to wash and dry. And it gets COLD here where we live. So usually in the winter, my kids have on tights, a pair of pants, a t_shirt or long sleeve shirt, a fleece sweater, a fleece jacket, hat and gloves. IF it is really cold they will wear a coat.

Have fun on your trip!

[ASusan]

layers

cotton doesn't stay warm when it's wet. Wool and fleece are best. wool socks. mittens (not gloves) for little hands. Make sure you have something to keep their feet dry.

[chel]

What type of camping? (tent, cabin, RV)
It's really cold that time of year and most likely snow. We moved from the SE to the Midwest last year and it's brutal.

[Zach'smom]

Where in Ohio are you camping? I am outside of Cincinnati and it is generally warmer here then in Cleveland. Winter is not very brutal here. It does get cold , but not at like in Wisconsin where I used to live. When we get snow it usually melts pretty quickly.

[thedevinemissm]

Originally Posted by chel

What type of camping? (tent, cabin, RV)
It's really cold that time of year and most likely snow. We moved from the SE to the Midwest last year and it's brutal.

We have a camping trailer, often referred to as a popup. It has a heater and we have solar covers for the bunk beds (one direction it reflects sun and keeps cool, flip it over and it keeps inside warm).

We would love to see snow! It snowed Christmas right after DD was born, but it didn't even stay on the ground. DS saw it, but didn't really enjoy it, KWIM??? Before that, I don't think I've seen snow since I was in 3rd grade!!!

When DH was younger, my IL's used to make the trip from TX to Ohio: 12hrs drive, night in a hotel, then 12 hrs and arrive. Once DH was 16, they started going 22hrs straight! : We don't think that's really fair to two small children. So we're allowing for lots of stopping, play time, and hanging out at the campgrounds/RV park or wherever we stop. Keeping a list of local children's museums and other points of interst along the way.

I'm hoping to hit the resale shops in the next few weeks. Most are just beginning to put out winter items b/c it is just now dropping into the low 80's/high 70's here. Loving the suggestions so far! Hopefully I'll be able to find lots of fleece here.

[thedevinemissm]

Originally Posted by Zach'smom

Where in Ohio are you camping? I am outside of Cincinnati and it is generally warmer here then in Cleveland. Winter is not very brutal here. It does get cold , but not at like in Wisconsin where I used to live. When we get snow it usually melts pretty quickly.

We'll really be camping on the way to Ohio. (Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, etc.) Technically we expect to "camp" in DH's grandma's driveway in Toledo.

[chel]

Well that sound fun! I got concerned at the thought of you guys out in the woods.
Sounds like your main concern is keeping everyone warm at night. Fleece blankets feel warmer than cotton sheets. Heating pads (water bottles, rice, corn, etc) are nice for the adults but your dc are probably too young. My dd has used them since she was 4yrs.
Once you're at grandma's, you can put your blankets in the dryer before bed.
The only other real must haves are hats and mittens.
long-johns and footie PJ would be nice.

[Zach'smom]

The average daytime temps in Arkansas, Tennesse, Kentucky, and southern Ohio during mid to late November is low to mid 50's. During the day you could wear jeans and a sweatshirt. Add a turtleneck or a fall jacket if it is a bit chilly. At night you are looking at lows on the 30's to low 40's. I'd go with warm fleece footie jammies or sweats and socks.

Have a great trip! It sounds fun!

[roomformore]

We zip two sleeping bags together and then we all jump in! It's very cozy. My boys prefer layers to the really big jackets that restrict movement. Don't forget warm hats. Also, especially if there is snow, bring sunglasses.

[LynnS6]

Layers, layers and more layers.

If you are going to be outside in the snow or rain, try to get a bottom layer that stays warm even when it's wet, i.e. wool or one of the new synthetics.

For driving in the car, I would have a fairly lightweight layer (pants/long sleeved shirt), and then put on a sweatshirt/fleece if you're taking a quick trip out of the car, say from the car to the house or into a store (though to be honest, I often don't bother when we're visiting my folks in MN). What you don't want is everyone getting overheated in the car, sweating and then stepping out into the cold with clothes damp from sweat. That used to happen to me all the time as a kid (I grew up in MN) and it made me miserable.

When you're going to be out longer, then put on a sweatshirt AND a fleece jacket, depending on how cold it is. Add a hat and mittens. Do warm socks too. Water is the major source of getting "cold" -- so if you can keep your kids dry, you'll all be warmer. Bring lots and lots of extra socks. (They can double as mittens if the mittens get too wet.)

Take the shoes off when you get into the trailer. Zip the sleeping bags together. Tuck your clothes into the bottom of the sleeping bag to keep them warm.