It's winter, 35 degrees on a sunny day, and the preschoolers arrive bundled in heavy coats, hats, scarves and mittens. Once they put away all their outdoor clothing, is it really worth spending the time to bundle them up again to play outside? Yes, of course!

"Young children need time to run around, expend their energy and get fresh air," said Tracey Owate, RNC, health coordinator for CCCC. "Playing outdoors refreshes children physically and emotionally. And cold weather will not cause a child to get sick!"

Tips for Outdoor Play in the Winter Months

1. All children should be properly dressed with warm coat, mittens and a hat or hood. Layering clothing is a good idea and allows children easier movement than one large bulky coat. A good rule of thumb for infants and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear.
2. Set up individual cubbies for children's clothing and label all clothing to avoid mixing clothes.
3. Keep a drawer or box for extra gloves and hats.
4. Windy, rainy or snowy weather keeps everyone indoors.
5. Temperature alone is not the only consideration for outdoor play. Keep children indoors during heavy winds or on blustery days and when it's raining or snowing.
6. Make sure children change clothing that is wet.