Keeping kids warm

Why keeping kids warm after a swim is so important

As a parent, I’ve spent plenty of time by the pool, wrapped in towels, trying to coax my kids into warm, dry clothes after a swim, school gala or water polo match. I also love a refreshing morning dip myself, so I know firsthand how that post-swim chill can linger. Luckily, I have a built-in layer of insulation, but for kids, staying wet and chilly isn’t just uncomfortable—it can actually be harmful.

Why Staying Cold is a Problem for Kids

Children lose body heat faster than adults, and when they’re wet, it happens even more quickly. If they don’t warm up properly, their little bodies work overtime to regulate temperature, leading to exhaustion, shivering, and even mild hypothermia. While hypothermia sounds extreme, even mild cases can leave kids feeling drained and miserable.

Another issue is afterdrop, a phenomenon where body temperature continues to drop even after exiting cold water. This occurs because blood vessels constrict during cold exposure to preserve core warmth, and upon rewarming, the return of cold blood from the extremities can further lower core temperature (Source: PubMed). The key to preventing this in kids? Dry them off quickly and bundle them up in warm layers.

How to Keep Them Warm and Happy

• Wrap them up fast – Have a towel or Octohoodie ready as soon as they step out of the water. The quicker they dry, the better.
• Dress in warm, easy layers – It’s a lifesaver for staying warm without the hassle.
• Warm them from the inside – A cup of hot chocolate works wonders (and keeps them still for a moment!).
• Skip the super-hot shower – Warming up gradually prevents that deep post-swim chill.

A little extra warmth (and a warm hug) goes a long way in keeping kids comfortable and happy after swimming. So next time you're at the pool or beach, keep that Octohoodie handy—you’ll thank yourself when you see their big smiles instead of shivers!

Stay warm (and stylish),