? on how to dress a 5 year old just learning to ice skate

[AnnetteF]

I am taking DD5 ice skating at a local indoor rink tomorrow. It will be her first time, so I expect there will be a lot of falling. I haven't been ice skating myself in years and I'm just wondering how I should dress her. Since I expect her to be down on the ice a lot, should I put her in her snowpants? How about a jacket? Or would it be better to have her wear jeans or stretchy pants with a couple of layers and maybe a heavy sweater? Is it very cold in the indoor rinks? I do plan to have her wear a helmet, but I'm just not sure about the rest. Thanks.

 

[mjkacmom]

Jeans are fine, a jacket (not super heavy), and GLOVES! Don't overdress her, because she will get sweaty as she's trying to learn. Rent a walker if they have them.

 

[coneeny4]

My kids always wear nylon wind pants/track pants so when they fall they dont stay wet. And a sweatshirt instead of a winter coat.
And heavy high knee socks so they dont get blisters.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

 

[mefordis]

My 6 year old takes lessons. Here is how she and just about everyone at the rink dresses:

- Helmet (all the kids in the first levels wear these. Bike helmet. If you don't have one they have them there I'm sure).
- 2 pairs of leggings (make sure they are not too long so they don't get caught on the blades
- Winter coat -- it is freezing in there. All the kids wear them.
- Gloves

Bring a clean pair of socks for her to change into.

Have fun!!!

 

[MinnieMe87]

Love it!

 

[kimblebee]

I would suggest knee pads as well. If you have knee pads for bike riding those will be fine. Expect her to get a few bruises but hopefully she will have fun.

 

[SandrA9810]

I find after a couple times around the rink I'm taking my jacket off. Generally a long sleeve shirt should be fine. You can put a heavy sweatshirt to walk in, and then bring a light jacket if the long sleeve shirt isn't quite doing it.

Gloves a really good thing to have, especially leather or something that won't suck up the moisture when she puts her hands on the ice.

 

[abdmom]

I've hung around the rink a lot these past 7 years. Helmet, mittens, winter coat - and for beginners, snow pants. Once someone is skating with some vigor, the helmet can come off and then they can switch to a lighter coat.

 

[mickeyboat]

I would definitely start with snowpants. They will provide a little padding, and will keep her warm and dry. She will fall A LOT when she is first learning. Leggings or sweatpants will be more comfortable than jeans.

If you choose to have her wear knee pads, make sure they are under at least one layer of her clothing, or it might make it hard for her to stand up when she falls.

Dress her top in layers that she can remove if she gets too warm, including a winter coat. I am sure her lesson is not so long that she will swelter, and it is cold on the ice.

She will need some waterproof gloves, too, to keep her hands warm and dry.

I doubt they will even let her on the ice without a helmet.