Whether you’re a new or seasoned mom, getting through winter can be a slog. If you prefer the warmer months and find yourself staying inside during the colder days, this is your sign to get outside more. Fresh air is good for everyone, and having the right winter gear for your LOs can make all the difference.
To help get you outside and start actually enjoying winter, we’ve put together some tips and the best gear to keep you and your kids warm, cozy, and active even as the snow is falling. Plus, many items are on major sale after the holiday shopping season!
Tips for Getting Outside on Cold Days
Even though it can feel like a major hassle to bundle up your littles, it’s worth it to get out of the house for a little while. Do it often enough and it will seem normal to your kids to be outside on chilly days.
Resist going overboard with layers
The general rule for going outside with your baby is to dress them in one more layer than you would need to be comfortable. One-piece snowsuits and stroller bunting can be great options to add a second layer they can’t kick off.
Accept the time commitment
For toddlers and kids, we understand the whole cold-weather outfitting process often takes longer than the actual time they spend outside, but it’s probably best to accept that the bundling up will take time (and maybe a tantrum). The promise of a hot chocolate treat afterward can always sweeten the experience for everyone. Don’t forget to ask your potty-trained toddlers if they need to use the potty before committing to all the layers.
Avoid puffy coats or snowsuits in the car seat
Puffy coats or too many layers can leave the harness too loose to be effective in a crash. Consumer reports provide a good way to test whether your child’s coat is too bulky for the car seat: Buckle your child in with their coat and tighten the straps. Then, without adjusting the strap, have them sit in the seat without wearing their coat. If you can pinch the webbing between your thumb and forefinger, then the coat is too bulky to be worn under the harness.
Remove extra layers as soon as you’re inside
When you’re inside and warm, it’s important to quickly take off all extra layers and blankets to ensure your baby doesn’t overheat (even if they’re sleeping). This goes for in the car, as well—once the car is warmed up and the heat is blasting, they won’t need the extra blanket or bunting.
Shop Our Favorite Cold Weather Gear for Babies, Kids & Moms
Below, check out some of our favorite gear for babies, kids, and moms to get you and your little ones outside this winter.
Baby Gear
The coziest suit to dress your baby up in before heading out of the house.
Layer this cozy fleece bunting on top of baby's outfit to keep them extra warm.
When they're ready to play in the snow, this thin yet warm puffer with open feet works perfectly for their first pair of boots.
Use these adorable, warm overalls as a base layer for your baby.
This furry jacket is perfect for chilly days (bonus points for the cute bear ears!).
Get this one in time for Valentine's Day, but use it all winter long for your little one.
A great hat for babies with a velcro closure to help it stay on.
These booties from Zutano are a great go-to because they stay on better than socks that babies tend to pull off.
These mittens are easy to put on your baby's hands for the coldest days out.
Toddler Gear
This luxe snowsuit comes in sizes for 1-year-olds all the way up to 7-year-olds.
This 3-in-1 jacket is great for super cold days, but the arms and hood also zip off for a vest to be used on slightly warmer days.
This super cute dino jacket will keep your toddler warm in the winter and dry in the rain as well.
This cute beanie will keep your little one warm this winter—plus, the customization might make them less likely to lose it at daycare or preschool.
This water-resistant puffer jacket is reversible, so little ones can show off their style.
This classic snow bib suit is perfect for a toddler's day of sledding or ski lessons.
These gloves stay secure and keep your little one's hands warm.
Got a kid that loves scootering? Don't let cold days keep them inside. These scooter "warmmuffs" will keep them on their scooter with warm hands.
Inexpensive mitten sets are perfect for school days, since some are sure to get lost throughout the season.
We buy a pair of these every winter, and my kids affectionately refer to them as their "cozy boots." These highly-rated boots are perfect for chilly walks.
These basic boots are perfect for a toddler's day out, and they can pull them on by themselves!
For Moms
Invest in a cute, high-quality winter coat as motivation to get yourself and your family outside.
This stylish hat will keep you warm and looking cute all winter.
Color is in this winter, so consider a bright puffer to make the winter a little more fun!
Use these warm leggings as a base layer under snow pants or alone if you're going for a wintery run.
Bombas Merino socks are a comfy and well-made product to wear throughout the winter (and the rest of the year).
These Sorel boots are great for wet winter days or rainy days throughout the year. They're comfy and will keep you dry; plus, they have solid traction to help avoid falls.
Stroller & Carrier Gear
If you love a long stroller walk, these gloves that attach to your stroller handle are an absolute must.
Keep you and your baby warm with this poncho that slips over your baby carrier.
This blanket that attaches to your stroller allows you to easily plop your child inside before walks.
This jacket is a multi-use product that works both while you're pregnant and in the postpartum days thanks to the panel that allows space for baby carrying.
This water- and wind-resistant cover for BabyBjörn carriers is a great accessory to add to your winter gear, plus it's machine washable.
