My toddler won’t wear mittens. What should I do?
You’re trying to head out the door with your toddler appropriately dressed and your sanity intact. After many protects, shrieks and meltdowns you’ve manged to get on the jacket, boots, hat and mask. But your toddler won’t wear mittens! As an exasperated and tired out parent what should you do?
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Living in Canada with squirmy, winter wear hating kids, I’ve had to experience this struggle one too many times. So I know how frustrating it can get, especially on days when you’re in a rush to leave the house.
So here are some tried and tested hacks that I’ve used myself along with other ingenius hacks I came across when scouring through mothering forums on this topic.
Let’s look at some of the best ways you can quickly and easily get your toddler to wear mittens.
Toddler Won’t Wear Mittens – 7 Hacks You Should Try
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1. Get mittens with straps for tightening
One of the reasons it’s so hard to get toddlers to wear mittens is because they’re yanking them off every two seconds.
If that’s the case with your toddler then a great solution can be to get long mittens with straps for tightening.
These ones are really popular with parents because they are specifically designed to stay on. The hook and loop closure allows the mittens to fit on securely without dangling off. Also the extra long cuff prevents snow from getting in at the wrist and also makes it harder for toddlers to yank the mittens off.
2. Let them experience the cold
If youre dealing with an older toddler, then one effective method is to let them experience the result of their actions.
Sometimes it’s best to let children experience the natural consequences of their own behaviour. This helps them learn that their actions have consequences. They might learn to take responsibility for what they do.
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So if you’re about to leave the house and he refuses to wear his mittens then simply agree. Just take the mittens along with you.
Once you get outside your toddler will experience the cold for himself and start whining that his hands are freezing.
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Then tadaa – you whip out the mittens from the bag and save the day! The next time your toddler complains about not wearing mittens you can remind him about how cold his hands got without them. I’ve tried this out with my two and a half year old and it works like a charm.
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3. Use consequences
If you’re at a place where it’s absolutely freezing and leaving hands bear isn’t an option then try using consequences.
For example you can tell your toddler that going out to play in the snow won’t be possible until and unless they wear their mittens. It’s important to stick to your word and follow through with consequences to get the message accross.
4. Replace mittens with socks
One hack that many exasperated parents resort to is to use socks in place of mittens. Socks are easier to put on and kids seem to mind them less than mittens (this hack works when your child won’t be playing in the snow).
It’s best to to use fleece material socks that come up halfway till the elbows. Also, the trick is to put the socks on FIRST and then the coat/jacket on which makes it really hard for kids to yank them off.
5. Use mitten clips
If you have a superhero toddler who still manages to squirm out of mittens no matter what kind you’re using, then miten clips are your best bet.
These ones are made from elastic with stainless steel metal clasps. Parents love how strong the grip is. Simply attach one clasp to the mittens and the other to the sleeve – no more worrying about toddlers yanking off or losing their mittens.
6. Choose mittens that fit the occasion
When trying to get toddlers to wear mittens, it’s important to make sure the mittens you’re using are appropriate in the first place.
If your little one is going outside to play in the snow then the mittens should be waterproof material with long cuffs that prevent snow from getting in at the wrist.
But if you’re going for a walk in the park on a chilly day then soft fleece material mittens are a lot more comfortable and less bulky for your little one to handle.
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Similarly, if your child is dealing with zippers or putting on their shoes then they will need hand dexterity in which case toddler gloves are actually a better option than mittens. I find with my kids that they seem to mind gloves less than mittens because they’re able to play outside without feeling constrictive the way they do with mittens.
7. Use duct tape
If all else fails, there’s always duct tape! If you’re going to be spending an entire day in the snow and won’t be needing to take the mittens off frequently then this is a hack that gets the job done.
FAQs
Why do toddlers hate mittens?
The biggest reason why toddlers hate mittens is because their hands feel constricted. Mittens reduce hand dexterity and that makes toddlers feel a loss of control.
How do you keep your toddler in mittens?
Toddlers love yanking off mittens, but there are some hacks that work to keep them on. Try using mittens that have straps for tightening. Mitten clips are also very helpful. Putting the mittens on first and then putting the coat on afterwards also makes it harder for kids to pull off their mittens.
Should toddlers wear gloves or mittens?
Mittens are easier for toddlers to wear so most parents choose them over gloves. However it’s also important to consider what your child will be doing when wearing them. For activities that require more hand dexterity like playing at the park or pulling up zips it’s best to go for gloves. However mittens keep hands warmer so for activities like snowboarding that require less hand dexterity mittens are more suitable.
How do you get a toddlers thumb in mittens?
One way to get your toddler’s thumb in mittens is to ask your child to spread out all their fingers. Then glide the thumb in first and then the remaining fingers. You can also get mittens that open up entirely with a zip so toddlers can slide their fingers in easily before zipping up the mittens.
What are the best toddler mittens on Amazon?
Thinsulate Winter Waterproof Mittens – these have a hook and loop closure strap for a secure fit. The long cuff also prevents snow from getting in
Easy-On Sherpa Lined Fleece Mittens – these have a soft and fleece fuzzy lining along with a tightening strap for a secure fit
Easy-On Wrap Waterproof Thinsulate Winter Mittens – these ones are great for first time mitten wearers. With a grippy area on the palm and thumb, it allows for easy play in the snow
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