Keeping your children warm, without turning up the heating 8

With the price of fuel going up and up and up, it is important to me that we make savings where we can and with this in mind I wrote a post at Ready fro Ten about helping to stem the cost of soaring fuel prices.  The thing for me is I am happy to try and save money, but I would never put the boys at risk by being too cold, however, you can make changes which mean you can leave the heating off for a little longer.

Layer up

I am a big fan of lots of thin layers, which trap the warn air.  We do this with thermal vests and long johns (bought from Aldi), then PJ’s and then dressing gowns.  The boys were soft bedsocks to keep their feet warm when in bed.

Pajamas

Maxi has some fantastic pajamas from Vertbaudet which are toweling with feet in the bottom and they do these in up to age ten, which is perfect as it stops cold feet when in bed.

Slippers

The only way to get some kids to wear slippers is to opt for character or fun ones and I adore these Dinosaur Slippers.

Neither of my boys have ever got on with slippers, they always seem to slop off or they just do not wear them, however, not any more.  The boys were sent a pair of babies in sheep’s clothing ethic boots and they have not had them off their feet.  Mini said the “Sheep fluff” keeps his feet toastie and they have even wore them outside too.  They look fab and are so soft inside, I want some for myself!  They are 100% pure New Zealand sheepskin and are just so well made.  They are the last thing they take of their feet on a night and the first thing they pop on in the morning and if I let them they would wear them to school too.

Slanket

I bought both the boys a Disney cars cruise sleeved fleece blanket from Play.com and they love sitting on the sofa with them on.  They are currently £5.99 with free postage, so are great value.  Maxi even wears his in bed.  MadDad has even asked for one for himself for Christmas.  There is no size on the website, but they are very generous and there is plenty of room in Maxi’s and he is six.

Beds

Both the boys have a hot water bottle and they love for us to fill it up so they can pop it in to their bed.  We also use flannel sheets (both bottom and top) in the winter, in addition to duvets and blankets too.  Maxi’s room is above the garage and can be cold so he also has a heated blanket.   I use the same ethos as the layers for clothing with the beds.

Snuggle together

After 6pm for us is always screen free time and we like nothing better than all snuggling up together on the sofa with our extra large blanket.  It is big enough for us all to fit under without fighting for more.  We make hot chocolate and read books together before bed.

If all else fails get moving

There is nothing like a good obstetrical course or race to get the blood pumping and get everyone warm.  I saw on the television the other week that James Harriet’s children were made to jump up and down when they got out of the bath to get warm and to also run races in the hall.

How do you keep your children warm?