winter in Indiana, what to possibly expect?

[marlne]

I havent lived anywhere where it snows in over 13yrs and my kids have never lived anywhere like so.
We've found ourselves in Indiana (close to Indianapolis) for the next few years on a military move and I havent a clue on what to really expect here weather-wise.
I know there will be some snow and cold, my biggest worry is how to keep the kids warm and dry without going overboard.
Ive got two daughters fourteen and twelve who walk down the street to catch the school bus and then I have a toddler who will be home with me but I hope to take outside and play.
What clothes and accessories would be absolute must haves for everyone?

[blue butterfly]

waterproof gloves, a good winter jacket, waterproof boots. warm hat, a scarf is a good idea if they are going to be outside for an extended amount of time.

welcome to indiana

[Ellen Griswold]

I agree. You might want to think of long underwear for your toddler for when you play outside. Boots and a snowsuit for the little guy too. I have no doubt that your older kids will be able to figure out exactly what they need. Welcome!

[marlne]

Thank you for replying. I know my post mst have been kind of dumb but we've been living in all warm climates. The llast three years we were in Hawaii with us just wearing shorts and flip flops year-round.
This is a big change for us! So much is different and now I need to re-figure our whole budget with us now having to pay all kinds of utilities and winter wear.

I appreciate your responses, thank you!

[bluets]

one thing to note is that central Indiana doesn't stay cold all the time - it snows, melts, rains, freezes - ad nauseum. It gets super duper cold for about a week or so in January (sometimes late December) but otherwise, it generally is just "cold". not freeze-your-face-off cold, as in Chicago. just cold.

snowsuit for the toddler, hat and mitts and maybe scarf to go with the boots. underclothes would be 1-2 layers of leggings/sweatsuit. certainly no need for more than 2 layers under the snowsuit. for the older ones, tights or leggings under jeans. warm jacket/coat, hat, mitts, scarf. again, 2 layers under the jacket would be sufficient. [i grew up in Canada and would go skiing where we needed THREE layers underneath outer clothes.] if the older ones plan to do romping in snow (e.g., sledding, tobogganing, skiing), they might need some sort of windbreaker pant - i have a pair i bought for winter jogging that are waterproof and windresistant, lined with flannel for some of the leg.

[Peppamint]

Originally Posted by bluets

one thing to note is that central Indiana doesn't stay cold all the time - it snows, melts, rains, freezes - ad nauseum. It gets super duper cold for about a week or so in January (sometimes late December) but otherwise, it generally is just "cold". not freeze-your-face-off cold, as in Chicago. just cold.

what she said. esp the ad nauseum part!

[marlne]

Thank you Bluets and busybusymomma!
Bluets~ I'm betting any weather cooler than Hawaii and California will practically be face freezing for us for this first year.: Especially since we've spent the past 3yrs in a place not needing any kind of jackets.lol

I've heard the weather here in Indiana can be a bit odd.. Does that include all the warm days we've recently had? We've been thinking a bit of Hawaii weather followed us over.

[bluets]

when i was growing up, we called the hot spell in late September/early October "Indian Summer". but that was before one needed to be sensitive about such phrases.

it'll cool off and get rainy and yucky any day now and it'll stay yucky for a long long time. if we got heaps and heaps of snow that stuck around, it wouldn't be so bad but here in bloomington, we get snow, a day or so of pretty, then it is gray and melty and then it is gone. winter nights are pretty dark and dismal without the snow.

[Peppamint]

Yeah, Indiana weather is odd.

I can handle winter much better when it's snowy with some sun than the constant dreariness of Indiana winters.

In fact, we're thinking of getting one of those SAD lights... you might consider it, esp since you guys are so used to more tropical weather.

[bluets]

or invest in high quality cod liver oil (we use Blue Ice brand).

[Peppamint]

Originally Posted by bluets

or invest in high quality cod liver oil (we use Blue Ice brand).

My favorite treatment is to hop a jet to the beach.

We do have CLO, Garden of Life brand as of now.

[marlne]

Cod liver oil.. Okay, I'll get that. I will have to say that I have been thinking a lot about the lack of Vit. D during the upcoming months.
What about for kids?
I'll have to figure what to do for my toddler.

[bluets]

you can get flavored CLO and mix it in smoothies. the mamas in the Traditional Foods forum can offer loads of hints in this regard.

[marlne]

Thanks for the tip Bluets!

[sparkly]

I've found that it doesn't snow so much (near Lafayette), but there's a lot of very cold rain, and it's very grey. So wear layers, have shoes with good traction for icy sidewalks, and don't get your hopes up for a picturesque snowy winter--I think you have to go farther north for weather like that.

[kellykins]

I just wanted to respond and say HI!!!! from another warm-weather (FLORIDA) transplant to Indianapolis!! :::

[Arielsmama]

We live in Texas now, but were in Indianapolis the past 4 winters. My daughter is now 3YO. The past 2 winters she REFUSED to be outside for more than several minutes at a time, after I had spent a half hour getting us both ready (and she did not even enjoy herself for those several minutes). My advice: brace yourself for the possibility of no outdoor play for 3-4 months straight (December-February). Good luck.