How to keep your kids warm without battling over wearing winter coats

ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — Parents might be all too familiar with the winter coat battle: trying to get kids to wear their jackets when the snow falls or temperatures drop.

7News Health and Wellness Reporter Victoria Sanchez spoke with a pediatrician about how to keep your kids safe in the cold weather, and his tips might surprise parents.

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"As a parent of a 6-year-old and 3-year-old myself, it is a daily struggle," said Dr. Omar Jabar.

Dr. Jaber is a pediatrician at Children's National Hospital and said big puffy coats for kids aren't a must. He said it's all about layers, which keep kids warm without the bulk. When they start to get warm, they can shed some pieces of clothing while staying safe.

1. Start with a base layer that covers their chest and arms
2. Grab some heavy socks and let them pick out a hat and gloves
3. Get a wool, down, or fleece middle layer

If your kids are determined to leave the coat at home, those layers will make all the difference.

“So, if the child isn’t showing paleness or blueness in their fingers or the tip of their nose, or if they’re not like really shivering from the cold, then it’s actually OK," said Dr. Jaber.

“When I drive past high schools and I see kids in hoodies when it’s 23 degrees outside, I just look at that and say, ‘Oh my gosh, where is their jacket?’” said Sanchez.

“Yup, I look at that and say the same thing," he said. "But with teenagers, I think the other component would be hormones. Hormones also make you a little bit warmer.”

Dr. Jaber said sometimes the winter coat battle isn't about the clothing at all but about your child's need for autonomy.

He suggests giving them choices that work for you and give your kids a sense of independence.