Often you'll find it's difficult to get your young child into his or her coat, no matter how cold it is outside. Though having to dress in clothes at someone else's instruction may prompt resistance from a young child, a coat or snowsuit is probably the worst offender for wardrobe rebels. This is probably because no other piece of clothing restricts their freedom of movement so much. Additionally, whilst there's usually scope for individual expression in other areas of dressing, there usually isn't with a coat - when you need one, you need one! So, how can you make getting dressing your child in that coat less of a struggle?

Choose the right materials

Some thick winter coats make it almost impossible for the wearer to move. Avoid coats that are too snug, bulky, itchy, heavy or too restrictive. Choose light-weight insulating fabrics over heavier ones such as wool.

Offer your toddler some choice

Obviously you probably won't want to fill your toddler's wardrobe with a range of expensive outdoor wear. But you can make the next coat you buy a reversible one. That way he or she will be able to choose which side will be on the outside on any particular day. And if it's not too cold, perhaps you can dispense with the coat and allow them the choice of wearing an additional sweater or fleece.

Add interest

A boring old coat can become a number one choice when it's been adorned with appliques, colored patches, braid, bobbles - whatever takes your (and your child's) fancy! But remember, never ever add your child's name to the outside part of any outdoor clothing - you don't want to give strangers the means of attracting his or her attention. Scruffy's Bookshop has loads of great illustrated books - why not transfer one or two of our pictures onto fabric and apply them to the coat? You could tell a whole story around the hem maybe?

Take their mind off the coat

Chattering quickly or drawing attention to other things can take your child's mind off objecting when it's time to put on the dreaded coat.

Offer the unexpected

Do something silly with the despised garment before attempting to put it on your child. Put it on yourself (which should be quite comical!) and announce that you're ready to go. Or drape it over the dog, play hide and seek with it .... there are so many of possibilities. Hopefully your young child will find it all so amusing that there won't be any problems when it's time to actually put the coat on. Try reasoning

It can work occasionally! Before a tantrum has developed, after which there will be no point in trying to talk sensibly with your child, explain why you want them to wear a warm coat, that it's icy outside, everyone else is dressed for the weather. Perhaps fake a few shivers.

Of course if everything else fails, you're the boss and you'll just have to put the coat on your child anyway. Be firm but understanding, "I know you don't enjoy wearing this, but it's cold outside today so you have to," and quickly distract him or her once they're ready.