I recently reread one of my favorite parenting books, There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda Akeson McGurk. It’s all about the value of dressing for the weather so kids can play outside. The book has inspired me to get my kids (and myself) outside daily-ish regardless of the weather. During the winter, it’s not always easy. Especially with a newborn! But we are all much happier on days we bundle up and go outside for fresh air. When buying one-season winter essentials for babies and toddlers, I try to only buy necessities. I choose items that I plan to use daily and will function in more than one setting – winter walks, watching my toddler play outside, errands, outings. Each of the items below was tested with my newborn this year or last winter with my 6-9 month old. I only included items that I truly love and believe are worth the money and the space. I also included the ages that I would recommend for each item, but this will vary based on your family’s outdoor activities. Which winter essentials for babies and toddlers help you get outside during cold winter months?
Fleece Bunting
Newborn – 12 Months
A cozy fleece bunting is my number one on this list of winter essentials for babies and toddlers. These are great because you can just throw it on top of whatever your baby is already wearing. So much easier than bundling up in lots of layers with a jacket and shoes!
I have this fleece bunting from Hanna Andersson and this Zutano bunting. The Zutano bunting is a little thinner and less bulky than the Hanna Andersson. If you have a toddler, Hanna Andersson also makes an adorable matching toddler fleece jacket.
When shopping for a fleece bunting, I recommend choosing an option that has fold over feet and hands so you don’t have to buy baby booties or mittens.
Stroller Blanket
Newborn – Toddler
I love having a few cozy blankets to use in the car or stroller. We have a Minky Couture infant-size blanket (I love this brand’s blankets) and a few other soft blankets that we rotate and keep in the car. I also love the Pottery Barn Heirloom Baby Blanket, but I keep this one inside so it stays in clean. I’ve heard great things about Chappywrap, Pendleton, and Burts Bees Baby blankets, but haven’t tried these brands.
7AM Enfant Stroller Blanket
Newborn – Toddler
The 7AM Enfant Stroller Blanket is pricey, but we get a lot of use out of it. It’s expandable and can fit kids up to size 4T, so I know this is something we will use for years. It’s so easy to install in a stroller or car seat and it really does keep babies warm. We just leave it attached to the stroller during the winter so it’s always ready to go.
For our newborn I have the 7AM Enfant Car Seat Swaddle blanket, perfect for a stroller bassinet attachment. It’s cozy enough to keep her warm on walks, at the park, and on outings. On colder days, I also wrap her in a soft stroller blanket and her fleece jump suit or this Goumi Knit Wearable Blanket.
I was very tempted to order a Najell Babynest SleepCarrier. The handles look so convenient for transferring between home and stroller for naps. But I decided to stick with the 7AM Enfant bassinet blanket because we will only need it for a few months.
Fleece Jacket
3 Months – Toddler
I like to have one fleece jacket in every size (other than newborn), no matter the season. A fleece baby jacket is perfect in winter for layering on extra cold days. Or alone on warmer winter days when a bulky jacket isn’t needed. I’ve tried out a few different fleece jackets so far. My favorite is the Patagonia Snap-T Fleece Jacket, but Target’s Cat and Jack line also has some great inexpensive options.
Winter Jacket
3 Months – Toddler
I’m sticking with the fleece jumpsuit and cozy blankets for our newborn, but I like to have a warm insulated winter jacket for three months and up. I always buy a size bigger so it lasts longer. I found the Patagonia Down Sweater puffer jacket on sale last year and it lasted six months.
Hanna Andersson Baby Soft Alpaca Bonnet
Newborn – 12 Months
The Hanna Andersson Baby Soft Alpaca Bonnet is the only hat my daughter would actually wear when she was 4-10 months old. This was the first hat that stayed on, didn’t fall over her eyes, and wasn’t scratchy. It’s also super adorable and comes in a few different color options.
Carhartt Watch Beanie
9 Months+
For older babies and toddlers, I love Carhartt’s Watch Beanie. It’s stretchy, warm, soft, and comes in a wide range of colors. I like that I can easily adjust the fold-over cuff so it doesn’t cover my toddler’s eyes. I also have a matching adult beanie for myself because I never turn down an opportunity to match my kids.
Water-Repellent Snowsuit
6 Months – Toddler
Last winter, my daughter wasn’t old enough to play in the snow yet, so we skipped the snowsuit. This year my toddler picked out a hot pink snow suit we saw at Costco. It’s not the easiest for her to walk in, but it keeps her warm and dry when playing in the snow. I’ve seen really cute snowsuit options from Patagonia, Reima, Hanna Andersson, Primary, and L.L.Bean that I’m planning to switch to for next year.
Water-Repellent Baby Booties
Newborn – 12 Months
These fleece booties and these organic cotton Goumi baby boots are the only shoes I’ve found that actually stay on tiny baby feet. Both can be layered with water-repellent baby boots on top to stay warm and dry. H&M makes a great inexpensive pair of water-repellent baby boots. You can also check out the selection of water-repellent baby boots for pre-walkers from 7AM Enfant, Stonz, and mikk-line.
Snow Boots
12 Months+
This year I ended up ordering this cheap pair of snow boots on Amazon (on sale) so they would arrive in time for a snow storm. The boots are super cozy, easy to put on, and my toddler never wants to take them off. But I don’t think they are the best shoe for beginning walkers. Next time, I want to try these Bogs snow boots for toddlers.
Baby Pull Sled
6+ Months
While not one of the top winter essentials for babies and toddlers, a baby pull sled is so much fun. Sometimes kids don’t know exactly how to play in the snow, especially as pre- or early-walkers. I have this Flexible Flyer supported pull sled for younger babies and this L.L. Bean sled that I introduced with my toddler this year. The Flexible Flyer is better on just a few inches of snow and is less likely to tip over. The L.L. Bean sled is great for riding down very small hills and pulling toddlers around faster on deeper snow.
Mittens
3 Months – Toddler
For newborns and young babies wearing fleece jumpsuits or onesies with fold-over hand mitts, you won’t need mittens. But for older babies, you’ll want some cozy mittens. I didn’t want to spend too much on mittens because I know we will probably lose them. I have these waterproof mittens and these soft cloth mittens, both from Target’s Cat and Jack line. Both are fine, but not always easy to put on so I’m looking to try out these easy to put on mittens from Stonz (no thumb holes!).
Base Layer
3 Months – Toddler
I like to have one warm and cozy outfit option for layering on extra cold days. I love this fleece top and bottom set from L.L. Bean for babies and toddlers. The set can be worn alone or layered over a onesie. I always pack this for winter mountain trips when we are outside for longer stretches of time. This merino wool base layer for babies also looks like a great base layer.
Neck Warmer
6+ Months
A neck warmer covers up that gap above the snow suit zipper. Everyone in my family has a cozy Skida neck warmer, including my toddler. Skida is a Vermont-based small business and the neck warmers come in tons of adorable colors and patterns (makes a great gift!). The neck warmers are warm, but not too warm and keep out chilly wind and snow.
If you need extra coverage for really cold days, this L.L.Bean Balaclava will keep your baby’s face, neck, and head extra toasty.
Wool Socks
12+ Months
I don’t think thick wool socks are necessary for younger babies, but for toddlers it’s nice to have some extra warm socks on hand. Both my toddler and I have these wool socks from Darn Tough. They’re perfect for layering under snow boots when playing in the snow for longer stretches. I also plan to use these socks next year for skiing and sledding. Darn Tough is a high quality brand, made in Vermont, and have a life-time guarantee if they get worn out.
What winter essentials for babies and toddlers would you add to this list? Share your recommendations in comments!
P.S. Don’t miss my favorite organic clothing brands for kids or the only ten things I’m buying for my winter baby.
Note: If you buy something through the links on this page, I may earn an affiliate commission (at no cost to you). I only share products I genuinely like and use in my own life. I try to keep the details on this page updated, but please check all information before making your plans as the information may have changed. Thank you so much for your support.
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