The Importance of Kids’ Headwear When Riding in Wet and Cold Conditions

 Hey Guys, Chris here,

Let’s be honest, getting kids outside for a bike ride on a warm, sunny day is usually a breeze. But throw in a bit of cold, rain, and wind, and suddenly it’s like you’ve asked them to trek to the North Pole. “I’m colllld,” they’ll moan, or, “My ears are freezing,” and, before you know it, you’ve turned into the human radiator and all-around jacket-bearer on a walk back to the car.  I know this because that’s my life 😅

The key to avoiding these miserable, cut-short rides? Keeping their heads, ears, and necks toasty warm and dry.

While a good jacket is a no-brainer (we’ll come back to that), often the head and neck get overlooked when it comes to cycling in cold or wet weather.

You might be thinking, “They’ve got a helmet—what more do they need?” Well, plenty! That helmet may be great for safety, but it’s not doing much to stop the wind from blasting into their ears or rain dripping down the back of their neck. 🥶

So, grab a cup of tea, or stronger if its been type of week, and let’s chat about how to keep the kids warm, dry, and (most importantly) happy when they’re out cycling in less-than-ideal weather. Trust me—once you’ve cracked the headwear game, getting them outside will be a whole lot easier, even when the clouds are threatening. 🌧️

Why Headwear Matters for Cold and Wet Rides

When kids are riding in cooler weather, a few key areas tend to suffer the most: their hands, feet, and heads. And while gloves and warm socks often take centre stage (because, let’s face it, no one likes cold toes), keeping their heads warm is equally important.

The windchill factor when cycling is no joke. Even if it’s just a little breezy out, the faster they go, the more that wind feels like it’s cutting straight through them—especially around the ears.

Helmets are designed for protection, not warmth, and they’ve got all those vents that work brilliantly to keep kids cool in summer, but in winter? Not so helpful. Throw in a bit of rain, and suddenly the helmet becomes more like a rain funnel, delivering icy water right down their necks. Delightful, right?

How to Keep Kids’ Heads, Ears, and Necks Warm and Dry 

Let’s break down the simple but effective options to make sure your little cyclist stays comfortable, no matter how gloomy the weather.

1. Thermal Headbands: Keeping Ears Snug Without Helmet Hassles

One of the first things to get cold when cycling in chilly weather is the ears. Wind, rain, and low temperatures can make ears sting within minutes, and once the kids are uncomfortable, that’s usually the end of the ride. Enter the thermal headband.

A thermal headband is a brilliant solution because it slips under their helmet without adding bulk. It keeps their ears warm while still allowing airflow, so they won’t overheat. Plus, it’s snug enough that it won’t interfere with the helmet’s fit.

The great thing about these headbands is they also help wick away moisture. So if they do get a bit sweaty during the ride, it won’t sit there and turn cold on their forehead—something kids tend to find extremely uncomfortable (cue the “I’m wetttttt!” whines).

Ti-GO Tip: Our Thermal Headbands are designed with extra ear coverage and are thin enough to wear under a helmet without any fuss. They come in fun colours too, so it’s one less battle to get them to wear it! 

2. Neck Warmers: The Unsung Hero of Cold Weather Riding 

Now, let’s talk about necks. We’ve all seen it—kids bundled up in jackets, but somehow that little gap between the helmet and collar becomes a funnel for freezing wind. Keeping that area covered is a game-changer, and that’s where the neck warmer comes in.

 

A neck warmer (thingy) (or a buff, as some like to call it) is super versatile. It’s like a scarf, but without the trailing ends that get caught in bike wheels or flap dramatically behind them like mini superheroes. You can pull it up over their chin, ears, or even the lower part of their face if it’s really biting out there.

And, because it’s flexible, it works with the helmet and jacket—no faffing about with awkward tucking or constant adjustments. Plus, most neck warmers are moisture-wicking, meaning they won’t get all damp and clingy from a bit of sweat or drizzle.

Ti-GO Tip: Our Ti-GO Neck Warmer is perfect for chilly rides. It’s lightweight, kids sized but keeps necks and ears toasty without any complaints of “it’s itchy!” or “it’s too tight!” from the kids. You can thank us later.

3. Waterproof Helmet Covers: A Rainy Day Saviour 

While a helmet is fantastic for safety, it’s not exactly waterproof. This is where a waterproof helmet cover can save the day. It’s a simple, stretchy cover that slips over the helmet, blocking out wind and rain while keeping their head dry underneath.

No one likes a soggy head (or hair that looks like they’ve just gone through a car wash), and a helmet cover prevents those “I’m getting wet!” complaints that can turn a fun ride into a rapid retreat home. Plus, it’s easy to stash in your backpack when the weather clears up. 

4. Layering Is Key 

It’s not just about what they wear on their heads; layering up underneath the helmet is also important. On those particularly cold days, consider adding a thin thermal hat under the helmet. It’s important to make sure it’s not too bulky so it doesn’t interfere with helmet safety, but there are plenty of lightweight, warm options designed for cyclists.

Also, make sure their jacket has a high enough collar to overlap with the neck warmer. It’s all about creating a seamless layer of warmth around their neck and head, so no sneaky draughts get through.

The Challenges of Getting Kids to Bundle Up (And How to Tackle Them) 

Now, as every parent knows, getting kids to wear anything beyond the absolute minimum required clothing can sometimes feel like trying to wrestle a squirrel into a tiny jumper. It’s not fun, and it usually involves a lot of bargaining. But when it comes to cycling in cold or wet weather, the right gear can mean the difference between a joyful outing and a “never again” ordeal.

“I Don’t Like Wearing That” 

This is probably the number one complaint. Kids don’t like anything that feels restrictive or unfamiliar. The trick is to choose gear that’s comfy, soft, and doesn’t make them feel bundled up like a walking duvet. Opt for stretchy, lightweight materials that are easy to pull on and off. And remember, the fewer complaints you get at the start, the more likely they are to enjoy the ride.

Ti-GO Tip: Keep a couple of headwear options handy and let the kids choose which one they want to wear. Giving them the option to decide often makes them more willing to wear it without complaints. 

“It’s Too Hot!” 

Yes, even when it’s cold, kids will somehow manage to complain they’re too hot after 10 minutes of pedalling. The trick here is breathable layers. Don’t overdo it with thick materials; instead, opt for items that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and lightweight. That way, they can stay warm without overheating.

“My Head’s Wet!” 

Once kids get their heads wet, it’s game over. Wet hair and cold air do not mix well for a child’s comfort. Helmets are great, but adding a thermal hat or helmet cover helps keep their head dry, and they’ll be much more willing to keep going.

Keeping Their Cycling Spirit Alive 

Cycling is one of the best ways to keep kids active through the winter months, but the key to keeping their enthusiasm alive lies in making sure they’re comfortable. Cold ears, wet hair, and draughty necks can quickly turn the fun into a whinge-fest, so a little preparation with the right headgear can go a long way.

By keeping their heads, ears, and necks warm and dry, you’ll not only avoid the dreaded “Can we go home now?” but also help them enjoy the ride, even when the weather’s less than perfect. 

So, grab those thermal headbands, neck warmers, and helmet covers, and let’s embrace those winter rides. With the right gear, the kids will hardly notice the cold—and you might just manage to get a few peaceful moments of cycling bliss before the next snack break!

Don’t forget to use the code BLOG5 for a little discount on us 🧡