Keeping children warm and cozy in the wintertime is a goal of all parents and caregivers. However, kids with disabilities and/or neurodivergence have extra needs in cold weather for their safety, comfort, and mobility. This post serves as a compass through the world of adaptive winter gear, offering insights for kids with special needs. From cozy adaptive mittens to wheelchair and stroller friendly outerwear, we’ve generated a selection that extends beyond warmth to functionality and accessibility.
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Kids on a snowy path. Image by FatCamera from Getty Images Signature.Sensory Friendly Winter Clothing
Many kids experience sensory differences, such as aversion to rough textures or sensitivity to temperature changes. These items are designed with sensory needs in mind:
1. Compression Base Layers
Compression base layers have elastic fabric for a snug fit. They offer dual benefits by providing insulation and simultaneously calming kids’ nervous systems. Kozie Clothes Sensory Compression Pants have 4-way stretch fabric providing gentle, deep pressure that can be worn alone or layered. Sens-ational Long Sleeve Hug Tees provide deep pressure with their snug fit. Tagless and made of breathable cotton, they’re an excellent choice for layering.
2. Weighted Scarves
For warmth and deep pressure in a cozy scarf, check out the Weighted Pocket Scarf from Fun and Function.
3. Warm Weighted Vests
Kids can stay cozy and calm all winter long with a cozy weighted fleece vest from Enabling Devices. The removable weights provide adjustable deep pressure to help kids stay relaxed, while fleece fabric keeps the chill out.
4. Seamless Winter Socks
Seamless socks are a winner for sensitive kids. Look for options with merino wool, like Merino Wool Kids Socks from Q for Quinn or Youth Merino Wool Blend Calf Socks from Bombas.
5. Sensory Friendly Hats
Blusss offers a soft, itch-free beanie and scarf made from organic cotton, designed for sensitive children and adults. Their reversible beanie and tube scarf have no seams or labels, providing a comfortable winter accessory option for those tactile sensitivities.
Coats and Jackets for Kids with Disabilities or Neurodivergence
6. Coats with Adaptive Closures
There’s no one-size-fits all jacket type for kids with special needs. Thankfully, there are a variety of adaptive closure options for jackets like magnetic zippers, hook and loop fasteners, and rear or side openings. Tommy Adaptive has excellent choices for jackets and coats with magnetic closures. You can also find a variety of adaptive closure jackets at major retailers like Target and JCPenney.
Kids lined up in winter gear. Image by Shannon Fagan.7. Wheelchair and Stroller Compatible Jackets
Wheelchair and stroller using kids benefit from jacket designs that are slim fitting and tailored for full arm movement. Extra coverage in the back is also a plus. Rolling Buddies makes two-piece jackets that are designed to work well for kids who use wheelchairs and strollers, including around shoulder straps, positioning supports, and medical tubes. For cozy head to toe warmth, X Ability Store makes a body coat for kids who use strollers or wheelchairs. Ponchos and Capes work especially well for kids who remain seated most of the time in strollers or wheelchairs. Insulated versions with waterproof shells are best for winter weather. The Kids’ Honcho Poncho by Therm-a-Rest meets those criteria. For custom wheelchair capes in all sizes, check out Adaptations by Adrian.
Adaptive Mittens and Gloves for Little Fingers
8. Split Finger Mittens
Kids can enjoy the benefits of mittens which are easier to put on than gloves, while maintaining some dexterity for grabbing tasks. A great example is the Gauntlet CZone Jr. 3-Finger by Hestra Gloves.
9. Convertible Mittens
Fold back the finger covering for easy access to controls or touchscreens, perfect for wheelchair-using kids who need to operate levers or joystick controls. Convertible mittens can be easier to manage than pulling your whole glove or mitten off. We like the Kids’ Fitness Fleece Convertible Mittens by L.L.Bean.
10. Thumb-less Mittens
Mittens without thumbs are simple to slide on and off. These are a great option for children with finger weakness or deformities. Adaptive Mittens by Produits Adaptés Handy are thumb-less with a zip up side closure. Phair Made makes thumb-less, waterproof mittens in cute designs. Looking to DIY a pair? Try this easy tutorial by the DIY Therapist!
11. Zip Up Gloves and Mittens
Zip-up gloves and mittens feature a zipper along the back or side, allowing you to easily slip fingers without the struggle of pushing them through individual compartments. This makes them ideal for people with hand weakness or coordination issues. Polartec Thumbless Mittens from Adaptations by Adrian have dual benefits of being thumbless and having a zipper closure. If gloves are preferred, check out ZipGlove.
Zip-up style mittenHats for All
12. Hats With Earflaps
Instead of tugging at a standard winter hat, try a hat with earflaps. Look for trapper or bomber hats to provide all-around coverage. They are easier to pull on thanks to the long ear flaps. Check out the Kid’s Shasta Trapper by The North Face. For kids at higher risk of injuries or seizures, check out the protective headgear hats by Crashe with their impact resistant protective inserts.
Boy wearing a trapper style hat. Image by 100 files from Pexels.13. Hat and Gaiter Combos
Instead of trying to wrangle an unruly scarf, hats with integrated gaiters keep the face and neck warm without blowing around in the wind. L.L. Bean Kids’ Mountain Classic Fleece Hat and Gaiter Combo is a nice option in four cool color combinations.
Kid-Friendly Accessible Boots
14. Easy-Entry Footwear
Wide openings, zipper closures, elastic features, and adjustable closures make slipping into boots a breeze, even for kids with limited hand or leg mobility. Zappos Adaptive has a large collection of adaptive footwear for kids, including boots. Orthotic-friendly kids boots brands include The Macaroni Boot by Oliberte and Billy Footwear. For non-walking boots for wheelchair or stroller kiddos, check out KoolBoots from Koolway Sports.
Zip up boots. Image by grapix.Accessible Snow Pants
15. Zip Up Style Snow Pants
Stepping into snow pants isn’t possible for all kids, so full side zip styles are a great alternative. Check out the full side zip version from Arctica.
16. Leg Covers for Wheelchair and Stroller Users
Don’t forget that kids who use wheelchairs and strollers need leg protection too! Produits Adaptés Handy Inc. offers a 2-in-1 wheelchair cover for children, teenagers, and adults, providing warmth in temperatures between 10 and -30 degrees Celsius. The adaptive cover, with removable liner, is easy to put on and features adjustable ties for a secure fit, making it a preferred choice for families, caregivers, and schools due to its unique design and durability in various seasons. KoolKozy Legs from Koolway Sports is another great leg cover for wheeled mobility users.
Best Adaptive Winter Gear Retailers for Kids
Boots
The Macaroni Boot by Oliberte
KoolBoots from Koolway Sports
Gloves and Mittens
Adaptive Jackets
JCPenney Thereabouts and Okie Dokie Adaptive Jackets
Adaptive Snowsuits and Leg Covers
Wheelchair or Stroller Compatible Capes and Coats
Sensory Friendly Cold Weather Wear
Weighted Pocket Scarf from Fun and Function
Cozy weighted fleece vest from Enabling Devices
Conclusion
Navigating the winter season with children who have disabilities or neurodivergence is a journey that requires careful consideration of their unique needs. This blog has served as a compass through the realm of adaptive winter gear, emphasizing safety, comfort, and accessibility. By exploring adaptive mittens, hats, boots, snow pants, and more, parents and caregivers can make informed choices that keep their children warm and enhance their overall winter experience. Special needs kids can sled, ski, and roll easily with adaptive gear catered to their diverse needs.
What About Adaptive Winter Gear for Adults?
We have that covered on our post Conquering Cold Weather: The Best Winter Gear for People with Disabilities
