How Cold???

[DBug]

I don't think I could handle it if we stayed inside all winter -- I'd go stir-crazy ::.

We go outside twice a day, technically for an hour each time, but after getting everyone ready it's more like 30 minutes each time. The temp cutoff for the schools is about -20C (-4F) either real or with the windchill, and although we haven't gotten too cold since I've been doing daycare, I think it would probably be around -15C (5F)that I wouldn't even bother taking them out.

Anything up to that, even if they get cold while we're outside and we end up coming early, I'd still take them out. We have to go to the bus stop, so we'd be doing that anyway, and I'd like to keep them in the routine of getting outdoor clothes on.

I have had parents surprised that I take the babies out, but I can't leave them at home while we meet the kids at the bus .

[SandeeAR]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm also the only one here with 2.5 y/o, 1 y/o, 9 mo and 5 mos. I just moved and now have better access to my backyard. I think I will start trying to take the 2.5 and 1 y/o's out during morning nap time. I feel bad that we don't go out more, but until I got the babies sort of on the same schedule, I really just couldn't.

[daysofelijah]

You inspired me to take the kids out yesterday. It was about 15 degrees F windchill about 5*. I think the one dcd was annoyed when he saw we were outside upon pickup, but I told him how much fun the dc baby had (9.5 months) and he seemed to lighten up.

[momma2girls]

I did not suggest that it was child abuse to take a young child outside. I just said that I as a parent would not like it if my provider did it. Just my preference as a parent and as a provider.....Once my own kids hit 3 and up, they absolutely loved to play outside when we got home from work/daycare.

I agree, it is way too cold here in Iowa for outside time. I would be upset as well, if my infant, toddler was outside everyday in very cold temps!