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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]A lot of you have been very helpful to me, so I thought I would give a little insight on a subject I have a little bit of experience on and this is keeping your kid warm in extreme conditions. First of all a lot of it is the kid, my son always has a good attitude; my daughter on the other hand, well lets put it this way I hope global warming does not lead to another ice age. Number one I do not have a shelter; this of course is the best solution with a heater. For those of you like me who doesn’t have this well purchased luxury I give you the following suggestions:[/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]1. (main body) Dress your kid in several layers. My son wears a long sleeve turtle neck, two hooded sweatshirts, a Columbia goose down coat, and I usually drag along my wife’s goose down jacket. Put it this way he loves it, because it is impossible to tickle him. [/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]2. (legs) I have my son wear four layers on his legs. First standard sweats, two pairs of athletic pants, and finally padded butt and knee snow pants (waterproof)[/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]3. (feet) I highly recommend buying your kid Smartwool socks! My son wears two pair that don’t constrict. Yes they are expensive and hard to find at $15.00 a pair, but if we can spend that much on gas to get to the ice we should pay this much to keep our kid’s feet warm. I even carry an extra pair for him and myself if he steps in a hole. Finally a good pair of Sorels to top it off, and sometimes I have him put his feet on a flat object that keeps direct ice contact away from the feet.[/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]4. (hands) I always take mittens and gloves. My son wants both for the morning cold and afternoon fishing. I also have a good supply of hand warmers for cold moments. [/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]5. (head and face) A good bank robber mask/hat topped off with another wool cap. Remember 40% of all body heat is lost through the head. Even if it warms up I usually have him put a hood on for both sun protection and warmth.[/size][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"][size 3] [/size][/font] [ol] [li][font "Times New Roman"][size 3](full body) I always keep my kid hydrated; this defiantly works. Of course I bring hot chocolate, which is defiantly a necessity of many purposes. I also always carry a -20 ratted sleeping bag. If the wind-chill is -30+ this is the saving grace. I also have this for any emergency of falling in—heaven forbid, which I will always hope to be smart enough to avoid. I also have a big enough sled to create a windbreak.[/size][/font][/li][/ol]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]I have experienced the distant cries of many children on the ice, and I know I heard a few in my own learning experience with my children. My goal is to always have my kid’s warmer than me, and I go to great measure to make sure I do not get cold. If you have any other suggestions for other individuals or me please feel free to comment. Lets make ice-fishing enjoyable for all ages.[/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]OvidCreek [/size][/font]
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Do not forget those handwarmers you can buy at Sportsman's Warehouse. They warm up when exposed to air. I always keep one in each pocket for ice fishing and others handy (unopened).
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Good thoughts. I know that I enjoy icefishing with my kids more than anything. While I am hardcore and always start at first light, Sometimes it is better to wait till the sun comes up over the reservoir walls to bring the kids out in extreme temps. I often get started drilling holes setting poles etc.. and then my wife brings the kids out when the sun comes up. I have usually found the fish by then so the kids are happy with some action. Anyway I liked this post and second the need for really good socks and boots that do not constrict the feet.

Windriver
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ReelLady .... welcome to the board.

Great info folks.
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