There is no better way to raise future adventurers than getting them outside when theyโre little. Itโs not always easy, but it is always worth it. We never regret a day spent outside with our childrenโbut we will definitely take help when we can get it. Thatโs why quality kids’ snow gear and apparel matters so much.
Not only is this gear for kiddos the first line of defense protecting our children from the bitter cold, but also it enables parents to get outside more, too.
And now, kidsโ snow gear is better than ever before. Instead of shrinking down adult ski jackets, outdoor brands are specifically designing gear that caters toward our kidsโ movements.
End result: happy kids, happy parents, and more days outside.
If youโd like to learn what differentiates each product from another, be sure to check out the buyerโs guide, FAQ, and comparison chart at the end of this article. Otherwise, read our full gear guide below.
Editorโs note: We updated our Kidsโ Snow Gear guide on February 13, 2024, to include more freshly tested products including the Reima Stavanger Snowsuit, Namuk Crusade Snow Pants Upcycled, and Weedo Ohdeer Deer Snowsuit.
The Best Kidsโ Snow Gear of 2024
- Best Base Layers: Iksplor Kid Iksplorer Set
- Best Bunting Suit: Patagonia Bunting Sweater
- Best Midlayer: Patagonia Baby Down Sweater Vest
- Best Winter Jacket: L.L.Bean Kidsโ Down Jacket
- Best Snow Pants: Namuk Crusade Snow Pants Upcycled
- Best Snowsuit: Reima Stavanger Snowsuit
- Best Mittens: Gordini Easy-On Mittens
- Available sizes: 2T-12 years old
- Materials: 100% merino wool
- Waterproof: No
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Machine washable
- Merino naturally regulates body temperature
Cons
- Wool always costs more than synthetic fibers
Patagonia Infant High-Loft Down Sweater Bunting
- Available sizes: Newborn โ 24 months
- Materials: Recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and recycled down insulation
- Waterproof: No
Pros
- Made from recycled materials
- Plenty of room to grow, no matter the size
- Extreme warmth
Cons
- Not truly waterproof
Patagonia Baby Down Sweater Vest
- Available sizes: 3 mos.- 5T
- Materials: Recycled nylon, recycled taffeta, and recycled down
- Waterproof: No
Pros
- Adds mobility compared to a puffy
- 700-fill power makes it super packable for parents
- Elasticized arm cuffs donโt pinch skin
Cons
- Fairly pricey for a vest
L.L.Bean Kidsโ Down Jacket
- Available sizes: Little kids 4 – Big kids 18
- Materials: Ripstop nylon, polyester fleece, and down insulation
- Waterproof: No
Pros
- Great mobility for kids to play and run
- Plenty of warmth for most winter adventures
- Wide range of sizes
Cons
- Puffy jackets arenโt very durable
Namuk Crusade Snow Pants Upcycled
- Available sizes: 2T – 13 years old
- Materials: Upcycled polyester; recycled synthetic insulation
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Biodegradable insulation
- Loose, freerider fit that pleases most kids
- Machine washable
Cons
- Pricey for just snow pants
Reima Stavanger Snowsuit
- Available sizes: 2T – 10 years old
- Materials: Regular and recycled polyamide, regular and recycled polyester, Fellex insulation
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Unparallelled warmth and waterproofing
- Unique, kid-specific features
- Plenty of fun colors for kids
Cons
- Pricey
- Kids have complained that itโs too warm
Gordini Easy-On Mittens
- Available sizes: XXS-XL
- Materials: Ripstop nylon, Megaloft synthetic insulation, Dri-Max waterproof insert
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Easy on-off for kids
- Grippy palm that makes mittens less cumbersome
- Incredibly warm
Cons
- Some testers had a hard time keeping them on
WeeDo Ohdeer Deer Snowsuit
- Available sizes: XS- L
- Materials: Polyester and recycled polyester
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Cutest design on the ski hill
- Internal suspenders are a great feature for snowsuits
- Toilet zipper for bathroom breaks
Cons
- Very expensive
- Available sizes: XS-XXL
- Materials: Recycled polyester
- Waterproof: No
Pros
- More affordable than wool
- Recycled polyester is less reliant on fossil fuels than virgin polyester
- Smooth surface is great for layering
Cons
- Not a ton of fun colors for kids
- Available sizes: XXS-XL
- Materials: Polyester
- Waterproof: No
Pros
- Super warm during high-output activities
- Affordable
Cons
- Definitely stink after a few use
- Available sizes: 12 month โ 15 years old
- Materials: Nylon and polyester
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Waterproof one-piece keeps everything out
- Wide range of sizes to fit a swath of kids
Cons
- Requires hand washing and air drying, which can be time consuming
- Available sizes: XXS-XL
- Materials: Polyester
- Waterproof: No
Pros
- Extra cozy while wearing
- Large kangaroo pocket to keep hands warm
Cons
- Some testers say the fit runs small
- Available sizes: 2-14
- Materials: Merino wool
- Waterprooof: No
Pros
- Versatile enough to be outdoor midlayers or indoor jammies
- Soft fleece interior is ultra cozy
Cons
- Pricey for a full set
- Available sizes: XS-XXL
- Materials: Recycled polyester and recycled polyester taffeta
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Completely weatherproof
- Fully recycled materials throughout
Cons
- Some testers found the sizing to run small
- Available sizes: 3 mos. โ 5T
- Materials: Recycled polyester and recycled polyester taffeta
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Reversible so you get two styles
- All recycled materials
Cons
- Some kiddos claim itโs โtoo warmโ for moderate temperatures
- Available sizes: XXS โ XL
- Materials: Polyester
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Adjustable suspenders work for most kids
- Two types of insulation make these pants extra cozy
- Omni-Heat Infinity liner helps to reflect and retain body heat
Cons
- Can run long on some children
- Available sizes: 1-8
- Materials: Polyester
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Quick-release shoulder straps
- Plenty of color options for kiddos
Cons
- Younger children may struggle with the design while using the bathroom
- Available sizes: XS-XL
- Materials: Polyester and elastane
- Waterproof: No
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile enough for tons of activities
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Sizes: 3-7
- Materials: Polyester and Primaloft insulation
- Waterproof: No
Pros
- Great dexterity-to-warmth ratio
- Very breathable
Cons
- Not waterproof or warm enough for sedentary activities
Kids’ Snow Gear Comparison Chart
Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Sizes, Materials, Waterproof.
Kids Gear | Price | Sizes | Materials | Waterproof |
---|---|---|---|---|
Iksplor Kid Iksplorer Set | $109 | 2T-12 years old | 100% merino wool | No |
Patagonia Infant High-Loft Down Sweater Bunting | $169 | Newborn โ 24 months | Recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and recycled down insulation | No |
Patagonia Baby Down Sweater Vest | $99 | 3 mos.- 5T | Recycled nylon, recycled taffeta, and recycled down | No |
L.L.Bean Kidsโ Down Jacket | $109 | Little Kids 4 โ Big Kids 18 | Ripstop nylon, polyester fleece, and down insulation | No |
Namuk Crusade Snow Pants Upcycled | $149 | 2T โ 13 years old | Upcycled polyester; recycled synthetic insulation | Yes |
Reima Stavanger Snowsuit | $195 | 2T โ 10 years old | Regular and recycled polyamide, regular and recycled polyester, Fellex insulation | Yes |
Gordini Easy-On Mittens | $30 | XXS-XL | Ripstop nylon, Megaloft synthetic insulation, Dri-Max waterproof insert | Yes |
WeeDo Ohdeer Deer Snowsuit | $282 | XS- L | Polyester and recycled polyester | Yes |
Patagonia Midweight Capilene Crew & Bottoms | $35-39 | XS-XXL | Recycled polyester | No |
Columbia Kidsโ Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer Crew & Bottom | $30-20 | XXS-XL | Polyester | No |
Oaki Rain/Trail Suit | $79 | 12 mos โ 15 years old | Nylon and polyester | Yes |
Columbia Rugged Ridge Half-Zip Sherpa Pullover | $60 | XXS-XL | Polyester | No |
Chasing Windmills Merino Sweatshirt & Fleece Sweatpants | $59 | 2-14 | Merino wool | No |
Patagonia Everyday Ready Jacket | $159 | XS-XXL | Recycled polyester and recycled polyester taffeta | Yes |
Patagonia Baby Reversible Tribbles Hoody | $109 | 3 mos. โ 5T | Recycled polyester and recycled polyester taffeta | Yes |
Columbia Powder Turner Suspender Pants | $90 | XXS โ XL | Polyester | Yes |
Obermeyer Snoverall Bib | $100 | 1-8 | Polyester | Yes |
Columbia Kidsโ Cloudcap Fleece Gloves | $25 | XS-XL | Polyester and elastane | No |
Hestra Junior Tracker Gloves | $50 | 3-7 | Polyester and Primaloft insulation | Yes |
How We Tested Kidsโ Snow Gear
In addition to extensive research and knowledge of the category, we loaded our own children up with various apparel items last winter. They wore this gear downhill skiing, during family adventure trips, and every day to forest school, a type of outdoor preschool where the kiddos spend all day outsideโno matter the weather. This meant the kidsโ snow ski clothes were put through the wringer while walking through streams, hiking winter trails, cruising the local Nordic skiing loop, and riding bikes down snowy trails.
Based in Carbondale, Colorado, Heather Balogh Rochfort is an avid outdoorist with decades of experience in mountain snowsports like backcountry skiing, downhill skiing, uphilling, and cross-country skiing. She is also a mom to a vivacious kindergartener who logged more than 50 days at the local ski hill during the 2022-23 ski year. Her daughter is also learning how to cross-country ski and enjoys sledding after school, making her a prime tester for any and all kidsโ gear and apparel. Contributor Chelsey Magness was also a lead tester with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
For this guide, we first looked at the essential items needed to safely get children outside in the snow: base layers, midlayers, jackets, snow pants, snowsuits, and gloves. From there, we looked at the overall quality of the item, durability, affordability, fit, and sustainability in regard to renewable fibers. We also considered kid-specific factors like ease of use and functionality since kids prioritize different components than adults do. We tried to look at each item from an adult perspective to evaluate everyday features like washability or easy-to-use buttons.
Finally, we considered style. While toddlers donโt really care about what theyโre wearing, older kids definitely have opinions. Itโs important for children to like their snow gear, so we took style and trends into consideration.
Buyerโs Guide: How to Choose the Best Kidsโ Snow Gear
Choosing kidsโ ski clothing is daunting because youโre looking at a number of items and factors. However, here are the most important criteria to consider no matter what type of item youโre considering.
Waterproofness
Contrary to what you may think, not all kidsโ gear and apparel is waterproof, nor does it need to be. Items like the L.L.Bean Kidsโ Down Jacket are only water-resistant, which means that a light rain for a short period of time wonโt cause any problems. However, a jacket like the Patagonia Everyday Ready Jacket or kits like the Oaki Rain/Trail Suit are completely waterproof. This means that water resistance is enough to keep out driving rain or โ in this case โ total saturation when a child is sitting in a snowbank for 2 hours.
If you know youโre looking for waterproofing, itโs good to know that there are varying levels of water resistance. These are called waterproof ratings, and they are measured in millimeters. During this testing process, a one-inch by one-inch cylinder is placed over the tested fabric. The cylinder is then filled with water. The height that water reaches before the fabric leaks โ known as the water column โ is where the waterproof rating comes from.
- 0-5,000mm: Minimal to no water resistance.
- 6,000-10,000mm: Rainproof and waterproof under light pressure.
- 11,000-15,000mm: Rainproof and waterproof unless under high pressure.
- 16,000-20,000mm: Rainproof and waterproof under high pressure.
- 20,0000mm+: Rainproof and waterproof under very high pressure.
For most external kidsโ snow gear, youโll want waterproof ratings that minimally fall between 6,000-10,000 mm.
Itโs also a good idea to understand where waterproofing comes from as most fabrics aren’t naturally waterproof. To get this waterproofing, most apparel uses either a laminate or a coating. A laminate is similar to wallpaper in that it provides full coverage with the best level of waterproofing. It costs more and is frequently made from polyurethane (PU). Unlike wallpaper, a coating is painted on in a similar fashion to how we paint a wall. While this is more affordable, it doesnโt offer as effective waterproofing.
Most outerwear uses Durable Water Repellent, or DWR. This is an added chemical finish that allows the moisture to bead up on the surface of the garment. Historically, DWR was a toxic concoction packed with โforever chemicalsโ called polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAs. These days, many brands like REI and Patagonia are taking a stand against these toxic chemicals and using PFA-free DWR that is better for the environment.
Final note: while most outdoor brands would disagree, there really isnโt such a thing as โwaterproof-breathableโ fabric. The more waterproof a fabric, the less breathable it will be; thatโs the inherent tradeoff. Materials like rubber are 100% waterproof, but we donโt often wear them skiing because we would overheat immediately. Thatโs why most kidsโ snow gear uses โwaterproof-breathableโ materials like GORE-TEX. They breathe better than impermeable materials like rubber, but still offer decent waterproofing.
Insulation
Insulation is the ingredient that keeps you warm, but it comes in a variety of forms and fibers.
Down
Down insulation comes from ducks or geese, but itโs not the feathers. Instead, it comes from the plumage, that soft and fuzzy layer that sits beneath. This plumage lofts up inside the garment and traps heat in the air space between all of the fuzzy stuff.
Found in items like the Patagonia Baby Down Sweater Vest or the Patagonia High-Loft Down Sweater Bunting, down is often considered the gold standard since it provides the highest amount of warmth with the lowest amount of weight. But itโs not without its drawbacks. Down doesnโt dry quickly so when it gets weight, it loses its loft and thus, its warmth. It also costs more than synthetic insulation.
Synthetic Insulation
Synthetic insulation goes by a number of names since many brands make their own proprietary version. In general, synthetic insulation uses some type of man-made, compressible fibers to warm us up. Unlike down, these are water resistant which makes synthetic insulation a better choice in wet environments. Synthetic insulation is often heavier and less packable than down, but it often costs less money. It can be found in a ton of kidsโ ski and snowboard clothing like the Patagonia Everyday Ready Jacket, the Patagonia Baby Reversible Tribbles Hoody, or the Reima Stavanger snowsuit. Itโs also the common choice for mittens and gloves like the Gordini Easy-On Mittens.
Alternative Insulation
While down and synthetic insulation are the most popular forms of insulation, there are many other alternate options for fibers that keep us warm. For example, the Columbia Sportswear Powder Turner Omni-Heat Infinity Insulated Snowpants, Columbia Sportswear Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer Crew and Tights, and the Columbia Sportswear Cloudcap Fleece Gloves both use the brandโs proprietary thermal reflectivity, a series of silver dots inside the clothing that reflect your body heat back at you to maintain warmth.
Windproofness
Windproofing may not immediately be something you consider when buying kidsโ snow gear, but itโs an important factor. If an item has low windproofing, wind can rip through the warmth.
In general, kidsโ ski and snowboard clothing will fall into one of two categories: windproof or wind-resistant. Any item that is waterproof will also be fully windproof since the barrier blocking the rain and snow is also blocking the wind. Simultaneously, a water-resistant item will also be wind-resistant.
The tradeoff with wind-resistant items is that they are more breathable than windproof gear, making them great choices for high-output activities like cross-country skiing. Thatโs why the Hestra Junior Tracker Gloves are only wind-resistant; they are very breathable for Nordic skiing.
Breathability
As we mentioned before, breathability is the game changer when it comes to water or windproofing. While itโs great to be dry and safe from the snow and rain, no one wants to go skiing inside a portable sauna. Thatโs where breathability comes in.
In science terms, breathability is the transfer of water vapor from the inside of the fabric to the outside. This happens because opposites attract: Your warm, sweaty body heat is drawn to the cold and fresh outside air. The more efficient this process is, the better you feel without getting cold or clammy. However, breathability is much easier when there isnโt a waterproof or windproof barrier blocking the path of the vapor transfer.
Thatโs why non-waterproof items like the Chasing Windmills Merino Sweatshirt and Sweatpants or the Columbia Sportswear Rugged Ridge Half-Zip Sherpa Pullover are so breathable; they donโt have any type of waterproofing. Snow gear like the WeeDo Ohdeer Deer Snowsuit or the Obermeyer Snoverall Bibs will have less breathability but perform far better against wet and snowy weather.
Reinforcements
Itโs no secret that children are tough on gear. Thatโs why kidsโ snow gear often has reinforced sections to add durability in high-wear areas. For kiddos, these areas are often the knees, elbows, butt, and hem of snowpants or snowsuits. The fabric of the reinforcement varies but is often a high-denier polyester, Cordura, or ballistic nylon.
Adjustability and Growth System
Kids grow like weeds, and itโs the parents who have to shell out cash every year to buy the next size. Thatโs why adjustability and growth systems are a key element to most kidsโ snow gear. Brands like Columbia Sportswear, Obermeyer, and WeeDo all have similar systems that allow parents to remove some stitching or undo a snap to release 1-2 inches of added length in the arms or legs. This allows kids to wear items longer and get more use out of them.
Other brands like Reima intentionally make a roomy product so that it lasts longer. If your child wears a size 4T in the Reima Stavanger, he will likely find it big at first. This is intentional because Reima wants the snowsuit to last for more than one season.
Hood and Collar
The vast majority of kidsโ snow jackets have some type of hood. Thatโs because we lose the majority of our heat through our heads, and a hood is a great way to keep your kiddo warm.
However, there are various types of hoods depending on how you plan to use the jacket. A fixed hood is one that is permanently attached while a removable hood (like the L.L.Bean Kidsโ Down Jacket) is one that is attached via a zipper or snaps. This means your child can take it off during a warm day or if they are wearing a beanie and donโt need it. Hoods can also be lined, unlined, or insulated.
Insulated hoods are warmer and are best for sedentary activities in cold weather. A lined hood has a second layer of fabric sewn into the interior which adds a little more warmth but is mainly a nicer aesthetic.
Kidsโ snow gear doesnโt have as many collar options as adults, but youโll still see options varying from unlined to fleece-lined. When possible, opt for a fleece-lined collar since that warm coziness goes a long way toward keeping your child comfortable.
Pockets
Pockets are equally important for adult ski jackets and kids’ winter jackets, but zippered pockets are especially crucial for our littlest rippers. At a minimum, look for kidsโ gear and apparel that has at least two zippered hand pockets for children to use for warmth or to stash away secret treasures.
Snow pants like the Namuk Crusade Snow Pants Upcycled go above and beyond by adding Velcro cargo pockets on the side of the leg. Butt pockets are less essential for kids โ especially toddlers โ since they spend so much time sitting on their rears.
Sustainability
Gone are the days when we donโt pay attention to the fibers our children are wearing. When possible, opt for natural fibers like the Merino wool found in the Iksplor Kid Iksplorer Set. While they are more expensive than synthetic options, natural fibers are not derived from the fossil fuel industry and degrade at the end of their life cycle.
If you canโt swing the cost of natural fibers or it doesnโt make sense (like with waterproof outer layers), try to choose kidsโ ski clothes made from recycled materials like those found in the Patagonia Kids Capilene Midweight Crew and Bottoms. While these still struggle with degradation at the end of their life cycle, they are less reliant on fossil fuels since we are only dealing with a single extraction.
For insulation, itโs also a good idea to make sure your down is Responsible Down Standard (RDS) or Global Traceable Down Standard (GTDS) certified. This means that the plumage is coming from a reputable source with high standards for animal welfare and a transparent production process.
Price
Kidsโ snow gear runs the spectrum when it comes to pricing; some items simply cost a lot more than others. An expensive item doesnโt necessarily mean it is better than an affordable alternative. However, sustainable fibers and eco-friendly companies do come at a cost; youโll pay more so the planet pays less.
Lowest Price: $20-60
Mittens for kids will be one of the more affordable items you buy and will typically range from $20-$60. The Columbia Cloudcap Fleece Gloves at $25 are on the affordable end of the spectrum since they offer a lot of warmth but no weather resistance.
Moving in the other direction, the Gordini Easy-On Mittens ($30) are more expensive but offer higher warmth and all-around weatherproofing. The Hestra Junior Tracker Gloves ($50) are the priciest in this buyerโs guide. While they arenโt waterproof (by design), they do have high-quality craftsmanship and premium materials that add to the cost.
Base layers are a necessity for your children and you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $60 per item. The Columbia Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer Crew ($25) is the most affordable in our grouping, because itโs made of synthetic materials with less of an emphasis on sustainability.
The Patagonia Kids Capilene Midweight Crew ($39) is priced in the middle of the spectrum. While it still uses synthetic materials, they are all recycled and that adds to the cost. At $109 per set ($55 per item), the Iksplor Kid Iksplorer Set is the priciest of the base layers, but youโre getting 100% merino wool that is certified by the Responsible Wool Standard.
Moderate Price: $60-120
Midlayers look very different from kid to kid and brand to brand, and the cost is commensurate ranging from $50 to $120. On the more affordable end are the Columbia Rugged Ridge Half-Zip Sherpa Pullover and the Chasing Windmills Merino Fleece Sweatshirt, each at $60. The Rugged Ridge is fully synthetic but offers more warmth while the Chasing Windmills is made from sustainable materials.
The Patagonia Baby Down Sweater Vest falls somewhere in the middle ($99) thanks to a host of sustainable materials like recycled polyester and recycled down. The L.L.Bean Kidsโ Down Jacket ($109) sits at the top of the spectrum, because it offers more warmth and weather resistance than any of the other midlayers.
Higher Price: $120-300
Outer layers like snow pants, ski jackets, and snowsuits will be the most expensive item you buy since they offer warmth and all-around weather protection. For ski jackets and snow pants, the price range is vast: $80-250. The Oaki Rain/Trail Suit ($69) is the most affordable outer layer in our guide. While it offers complete waterproofing, it does not have any insulation.
The Columbia Powder Turner Suspender Ski Pants ($90) and the Obermeyer Snoverall Bibs ($100) are next on the list. Like the Oaki, they both offer solid waterproofing but these also have a decent amount of insulation to keep kids warm, too. The Patagonia Baby Reversible Tribbles Hoody is at a similar price point ($109). While it also has waterproofing and insulation, youโll also get a host of recycled materials.
The Patagonia Everyday Ready Jacket ($159), the Patagonia Infant High-Loft Down Sweater Bunting ($169), and the Namuk Crusade Snow Pants Upcycled ($149) are all near the top of the pack in regard to budget. While each of these products is completely waterproof and fully insulated, theyโre also constructed by brands with an ethos rooted in sustainability โ and the materials show that.
Finally, the Reima Stavanger Snowsuit ($195) and the WeeDo Ohdeer Deer Snowsuit ($282) sit on the highest end of the spectrum. Both of these are full snowsuits, so youโre getting both a jacket and snow pants with waterproofing and tons of insulation. Beyond that, youโre also getting a lot of attention to detail with kid-specific features that no other brand has. If you and your child spend a lot of time outside, the added cost may be worth it.
FAQ
There isnโt a single brand that is categorized as the โbestโ brands for kidsโ ski clothing.
However, there are certainly brands that make high-quality products for kids. In the United States, Patagonia has long been known for exceptional kidsโ apparel, with a special nod to their Infant High-Loft Down Sweater Bunting. Columbia Sportswear is also known for decent and affordable kidsโ snow gear. But in the past 5-7 years, more new or European brands have come to the American market with kids-only apparel, adding more competition and quality into the category. These brands include Iksplor, Reima, WeeDo, and Namuk, to name a few.
There isnโt a single brand that is categorized as the โbestโ brands for kidsโ ski clothing.
However, there are certainly brands that make high-quality products for kids. In the United States, Patagonia has long been known for exceptional kidsโ apparel, with a special nod to their Infant High-Loft Down Sweater Bunting. Columbia Sportswear is also known for decent and affordable kidsโ snow gear.
But in the past 5-7 years, more new or European brands have come to the American market with kids-only apparel, adding more competition and quality into the category. These brands include Iksplor, Reima, WeeDo, and Namuk, to name a few.
Neither is better and there is no overall rule on snow pants versus snowsuits. However, a general rule of thumb is that snowsuits are better for smaller kiddos (younger than kindergarten) whereas snow pants are more popular with the older crowd. Snowsuits work best for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers because there are no cracks to let cold air or snow inside.
As a result, they tend to be warmer which is especially helpful for babies who cannot communicate their needs. However, they are more cumbersome, particularly for kids who are not wearing diapers. Thatโs why most older children start to rebel against them and ask for snow pants.
Gauging your babyโs warmth during outdoor adventures is one of the most stressful parenting tasks. Itโs so relative: Some babes run warm and others are little ice cubes.
If youโre worried about them while playing in the snow, check on their temperature by feeling their core every once in awhile. If it feels cold to the touch, put another layer on them. If itโs too hot, remove a layer.
It is often overwhelming to build out your childโs first winter kit, so start with the basics. First, prioritize high-quality baselayers. These are the items that will sit next to your childโs skin and can make or break their comfort. Second, emphasize the outer layers (which may or may not include insulation).
Children have a tendency to wallow in the snow far more than adults do, so itโs more important to guarantee waterproofness and a reliable layer against Mother Nature. Lastly, consider their appendages. Hands and toes are typically the first things to get cold, so pay extra attention to their hand coverings. For the most part, ditch the gloves; mittens are much warmer for little fingers.
If parents made all of the kidsโ outdoor clothing, it would probably be more affordable. But as it is, kidsโ clothes can be outrageously expensive. On the one hand, we want our babies to be comfortable on outside adventures. On the other hand, we still need a few bucks left in the bank for said winter adventure.
Weโve found a few strategies for gearing up for winter without breaking the bank. First, before you drop a ton of money on winter gear for your child, check out local thrift or used gear stores.
Ask your fellow parent friends if they have anything they donโt need anymore. Having a go-to source for secondhand gear can be a real treasure.
Next, prioritize and think about how often youโll really use something. If itโs something you know youโll use quite often, itโs worth the splurge. But if itโs a once-per-year kind of item, consider finding an affordable alternative.
Most of all, just get out there. Whatever gear you end up choosing, your kid, your sanity, and your family memories will thank you for making the effort to get outside โ even when the temperature drops and the snow flies.
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