Snow Gear for the Discerning Toddler

The temperatures are starting to drop, and the Rockefeller Center Tree is on display here in NYC. For those of you in colder climates, it is officially time to inventory your closets, check sizes for family winter gear, and prepare for an impending snow ball fight.

Coming from a production background, I know the bitter cold of overnight film shoots in the middle of winter in various scenic locations such us “under the Williamsburg Bridge.” It’s not something anyone wants to experience, but because I have, I’ve tried everything from heated jackets and vests to stuffing hand warmers in my bra (definitely NOT recommended—OUCH.) I can safely say that after much trial and error, I have a winter and snow ensemble that would make the Abominable Snowman jealous.

I found that it can be difficult to find truly warm winter gear for toddlers. Perhaps it is because consumers don’t want to spend much on something that may be outgrown before the season ends., but it seems that many retailers don’t offer budget friendly winter coat and snowsuit choices that have the same quality of warmth as the options available for older kids and adults.

Growing up in the snow belt, we had shiny, puffy, thick snowsuits—often handed down from cousin to cousin—that rendered us nearly immobile. Couple that with several pairs of dad’s wool hunting socks and plastic bread bags protecting our feet under our boots (yes, that was a thing that happened,) we were barely able to move enough to make a snow angel. We were also somehow still freezing under all of those layers, but we LOVED. EVERY. MINUTE.

I wanted my child to enjoy the magic of playing in the snow, but I was determined to find reasonably priced winter gear that would keep her as warm as possible, without sacrificing her agility for those snow angel competitions. I spent a superfluous amount of time researching the different options available, comparing cold weather ratings, and of course, weighing style choices.

I’m really happy with the toddler snow ensemble that I assembled (my ensemble assemblage, if you will.) It looks classic and fashionable, offers the right level of warmth, and wont feel bulky or uncomfortable.

Here are the details:

I purchased two sets of Uniqlo HEATTECH top and bottoms for the under layer. My husband and I both use Heat Tech for this important layer as well, and the fabric technology is so thin that you can wear two sets, even though it most cases, it is not necessary. The super thin and soft fabric traps heat while feeling breathable, doesn’t produce static, and won’t stretch or pull under lots of layers. It’s perfect for picky toddlers, and you can easily hand wash it in a pinch. Also, if you don’t have HEATTECH, you need the adult version!

You want the next layer of clothing to be flexible and comfortable. A wool or thermal waffle shirt paired with fleece lined leggings will generate warmth. My daughter will wear this Organic Merino Wool/Silk Longsleeve Shirt from Mini Lila with these Cat and Jack Cozy Lined Leggings.

Instead of a scarf and a sweater, we find it safer to use a turtleneck. Our daughter actually wears a cashmere wool turtleneck that originally belonged to my husband, was handed down to me after a shrinkage incident, and was then handed to our toddler after another shrinkage incident. I’m not proud of this, but it’s the truth. If you don’t have a shrunken dad turtleneck sweater, this sweater works great too.

Be sure to double up the socks—we like to use one layer of thin knee high socks followed by Bombas gripper socks. Keep in mind that no matter the sock thickness, feet wont stay warm if the head isn’t covered, so be sure to choose a warm hat. My daughter loves this Bear Fleece Trapper Hat from Target. It comes with the mittens that she loaned to the snowman for the photo above. Now, for some reason, it is impossible to find gloves for toddlers—mittens only, and I have no idea why. I’m actually going to sew a pair out of fleece, but these Wildbreakers by Zelda Matilda mittens are the warmest waterproof mitten choice I could find for the price.

The Uniqlo Light Warm Padded Full Zip Parka paired with the Arctix Infant/Toddler Chest High Snow Bib Overalls is a perfect grow-with-me alternative to a snowsuit, especially since the Uniqlo Parka is car seat safe and can be worn every day. The bibbed overalls are rated for -25 to -35 degrees Fahrenheit depending on acyivity. They tuck perfectly into the Northside Icicle Snow Boots, which are rated for -25, and are fully insulated with a thick rubber waterproof bottom and strong tread for slippery snow and ice. They come in a variety of colors, but I liked the look of the Daybreak camouflage with the navy snow bibs and marigold coat.

Now that the ensemble is assembled, I’ll leave you with just a few more tips:

Be careful with hand and foot warmers for children. Check them frequently to make sure the temperature isn’t too hot. Also, DO NOT put them in your bra.

Throw some snowman accessories in your pocket for an impromptu snowman building session—a handful of buttons and a spare carrot will gain you special snow magic points.

Make hot chocolate AFTER, not before, and not during. It’s not fun to remove all of those layers for a bathroom break, and by the time you do, you won’t want to go back out.

Have fun! Yes, it’s cold. Yes, it’s freezing, actually. But just like snowflakes, every single day is different, and you wont ever get this one back, so make the most of it, and ENJOY!