What should kids wear in winter?

Kids should wear base layers, fleece jackets, down or padded jackets, winter pants, winter socks, mittens or gloves, a beanie, and boots in the winter to keep them warm and protected from the cold weather. Kids should also consider wearing scarves to protect their neck area and face against strong winds.

Why must we wear the right clothing in winter?

In the wintertime, it's essential to dress warmly to stay cozy and safe in chilly weather. Wearing the correct clothes keeps us warm and stops us from getting hypothermia, which happens when we're out in the cold for too long. The right winter gear also protects us from frostbite when our skin hurts because of extreme cold.

How do I keep my child warm in the winter?

I always make sure my child is prepared for winter weather. I start by making sure they have a good coat, boots, and hat that fit them well and can keep them warmest. I also make sure to layer their clothing outside so they stay warm, like adding a fleece jacket underneath their coat. I also pack extra blankets or sweaters in the car if we are out longer than expected.

What is the best base layer for toddlers in cold weather?

I recommend choosing Merino wool fabric for any outdoor activities, especially on cooler days. Base layers from Decathlon are my favorite! They are breathable, insulating, and odor-resistant, so they will keep your kids feeling warm at the right temperature in most conditions.

Do You Have The Right Winter Clothes for Your Kids 🤷‍♀️

Are you wondering if you have the right kids’ winter gear for your next winter adventure with the family?

Winter, especially Canadian winters, can be harsh and long. But getting some outside time is still important, even in the winter. You and the kids will have a much better time going outside and braving the cold.

The author Alfred Wainwright said it perfectly: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”

Well… I don’t think this quote is 100% true (Have you spent a winter in Canada? but it’s mostly accurate. You’ll need good gear to enjoy winter, especially with kids.

The winter will be much more enjoyable with the proper kid’s winter clothes. You may still not want to go skiing in the Canadian Rockies at -30/-40C, but you’ll be able to enjoy most winter days.

So now, what are the essential kids’ winter clothes to add to your wardrobe so you can enjoy the snow as much as possible? Here is our list of essentials, along with some recommendations for each.

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What winter clothes for kids Do You Need?

Stick to a few essentials that keep kids warm and comfortable for a cozy, worry-free winter.

Start with a good base layer: thermal tops and bottoms that wick moisture and trap heat.
Next, add a warm, insulated jacket, ideally waterproof for snow play.
Snow pants are a must for keeping little legs dry, and insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens keep fingers warm.
Hats that cover their ears, cozy scarves, and wool socks are perfect for added warmth.
Finally, invest in sturdy, waterproof boots with grippy soles for safe and dry winter adventures.

With these basics, your kids will be set to explore all winter long!

💡Pro-tip:
We love shopping at Decathlon. They offer good quality outdoor gear at a reasonable price (which is perfect for kids growing fast). We also often go to Costco early in the season and check if they have good winter gear. We got the kids’ winter boots there, and I found some great Merino wool shirts. Otherwise, REI (in the USA) and MEC (in Canada) also have many winter clothes your kids will need.

The Key to Getting the Kids Dressed in the Winter

When it comes to being outside in the winter, it’s all about layering.

To keep your children warm during the winter,you’ll want to make sure that have the proper layers. It’s true for us parents, but even more true for active kids. Kids run and jump often, so they can get warm pretty quickly, even in the winter.

You want to make sure they have different layers they can put on or remove as needed.

How to Dress in Layers

	Base Layers	Middle Layer	Outer Layer
Function	Wicks sweat off your skin.	Retains body heat to protect you from the cold.	Shields you from wind and rain.
Type of clothes	underwear layers (top and bottom) * ideally merino wool	Fleece or down jacket	Winter jacket or soft shell

Why Merino Wool for Base Layers?

Base layers are one of the best winter gear as they prevent you from sweating and cold. When it comes to base layers, the type of fabric is the most important. Merino wool is preferred for base layers, while cotton is the least preferred. These base layers regulate your child’s temperature.

Merino wool is a naturally breathable, insulating, and odour-resistant fabric. Merino wool gear will also keep you comfortable and at the right temperature in various conditions.

Base layers act as a comfortable second skin. They also protect your skin from rubbing against the zippers or buttons of your other layers. When warm, dry, and comfortable, you can enjoy even more of your favorite winter activities.

The BEST Winter Clothes for Kids

Ice skating at Lake Windermere Whiteway is a must-do winter activity in Invermere — Ice skating at Lake Windermere Whiteway is a must do winter activity in Invermere

There are so many outdoor brands out there that it’s hard to say which is the best. Instead, I’ll share with you what we use in our family and then you can decide for you.

Base Layers:

I’ll be honest here. I have not yet invested in merino wool base layers for my kids. They grow up too fast (and lose their things too often) for me to suggest the expense.

They often wear their pajamas when we spend a full day outside, such as skiing or ice skating in the mountains. Decathlon has good options for base layers for kids (but we haven’t tried them yet, and they are not 100% merino wool).

I personally wear the Wool Love base layers (but they don’t have kids’ sizes)

Middle Layers:

You can opt for a fleece jacket or a down jacket for the middle layer.

Fleece jackets help keep children warm and cozy when they’re outdoors. They are the perfect middle layer for winter clothes.

Fleece jackets (and even down jackets) are great because they can be worn all year round (and especially when in the car for a long road trip). They’re an excellent and long-lasting investment. They’re perfect for colder camping, summer nights, and fall hiking.

💡 I would recommend choosing a full zipper model over a half zipper. It’s easier for them to put them on and off, not need to remove the hat.

In the winter season, padded (or down) jackets are super useful.

First, kids can’t be safely installed in their car seats with the entire winter snow outfits. Lightly padded jackets thus come in handy for getting in and out of the car.

Plus, on really cold days, the padded jacket can be used as a middle layer instead of the fleece jacket or as the top layer (instead of the big winter coat) on warmer winter days.

My boys have a few different down jackets, one from Wal-Mart and one from Mountain Wearhouse.

Winter Snow Outfits (Coat and Snow Pants)

When it comes to winter, a good and comfortable winter snow outfit is a must. Depending on your children’s age, you may want to opt for a one-piece winter snow outfit or a two-piece coat and snow pants outfit.

We’ve always got the kids two-piece outfit, but I can see the appeal of a one-piece winter snow outfit. My kids winter snow outfits this year come from Costo.

💡 For babies and small toddlers, I would highly recommend a one-piece winter snow outfit. It’s easier to put on, and it will keep the kids warmer. No need to risk having snow enter between the jacket and the pants.

💡 For older kids, a two-piece outfit is best, as it’s also easy for them to remove parts of the outfit to go to the restroom, for example. With two-piece winter snow outfits, make sure to select pants with suspenders.

Socks

Socks aren’t always seen as important as other winter gear. However, they make a big difference in whether your kids will be warm or cold for their entire time outside.

We avoid using cotton socks because this material holds onto moisture and can make your kid’s feet feel cold and wet.

As always, Merino wool is a great fabric for socks as it is comfortable and keeps the socks warm. Merino wool socks are ideal for activities such as hiking or running and are thin enough to feel comfortable but warm in your kids’ boots.

Wool LoveIf you’re wondering which socks to buy for your children, Smart Wool and Decathlon have great options. My boys have the Decathlon socks. I also have Wool Love Meriono wool socks.

Putting my hiking boots on after having my Wool Love socks on

Mittens or Gloves

Kids LOVE playing in the snow, making snowballs, snowmen, snow angels, or simply running around and falling. This means good, warm, and waterproof mittens are a must. You should even have a couple of spares in your backpack and car.

Now, if you’re wondering if you should get your kids mittens or gloves, I’d suggest mittens unless good dexterity is needed.

So, young children will be better and more comfortable with mittens for hiking, playing in the snow, and even skiing. Mittens are better than gloves in that they’re warmer, as your kids’ fingers can share the warmth.

We recommend using thinner mittens with a wool blend because they can help keep your children’s hands warm on the coldest and wettest days. Also, make sure the mittens are made with a waterproof material and thermal insulation.

My kids have a few different pairs of mittans (and they often lose a few during the season):

Decathlon Wedge mittens
Kombi mittens
Hot Paws as a backup.

💡 It’s better to go with a mitten with a long gauntlet. This will ensure the mittens stay on your kids, and it protects their wrists and hands.

Hat/Beanie:

The human body is usually really good at regulating and adjusting to variations in temperature.

But anything above the neck isn’t as good at adjusting to warm-up, and sadly, most of our body heat is lost through the head.

That’s why it’s so important for kids to wear a good hat or beanies.

When choosing a beanie for your kids, you want to make sure it covers the ears well and that it stays well on the head. You don’t want the hat to keep falling as soon as the kid moves.

Boots

Boots are essential for playing outside in the winter. We don’t want our kids’ little toes to freeze.

Boots, of course, need to be warm, but they also need to be easy to fit and move in, and most importantly, they need to be comfortable and lightweight. If you plan to go on a family adventure or long walks in the winter, you don’t want your kids to carry an extra load at each step.

Finally, you want a boot with a good grip so kids can easily hike, climb, and walk on icy terrain.

This season I found good boots at Costco.

❄️How to dress for winter

Winter can be a magical time of year. But it can also be quite uncomfortable if you’re not equipped with the proper clothing.

Here are some of our tips on how to dress properly for winter.

☃️ Start With a Good Base Layer: It is important to buy high-quality base layers made from wool fabric that keeps moisture away.

🧥 Add Insulation: For your kids, make sure they have a jacket that’s not only waterproof but also windproof. If you’re in a place where it gets super-duper cold, think about getting them those winter jackets or padded jackets.

👖Snow Pants: Snow pants are an excellent choice for kids, especially if they like to play in the snow. Look for pants that are breathable and waterproof to keep them warm.

🧤Accessories: Don’t forget hats, mittens or gloves, and scarves. Make sure the accessories cover their skin well to prevent frostbite.

🧦 Warm Socks: Wool or thermal socks will keep their feet warm. Make sure their boots are big enough to accommodate these thicker socks comfortably.

🥾Don’t Forget Footwear: When it’s winter, you’ve got to think about your shoes too! Shoes are super important for staying warm and comfy. For kids, it’s important to have soft, light, and waterproof boots. You should also check if the boots have a good grip on the bottom. This will make sure your kid’s feet stay warm and dry, no matter how chilly or wet it gets outside.

🏂🏻 Extra Layers: If it’s freezing, add a layer like a fleece jacket.

Final Thoughts: Best Winter Clothes for Kids

Getting children ready for a winter day outside takes TIME. A lot of time. Often, it takes more time to get them ready than the actual time outside. But it’s still worth it.

With the proper winter clothes for your kids, you may be able to extend your fun time outside. Remember to always dress your kids in layers and to bring an extra change of clothes in case they get cold and wet.

Are you ready to go play outside with your kids this winter?