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 it’s still important to get some outside time, even in the winter. You and the kids will have a much better time going outside and braving the cold.

But having the right winter clothes for your kids (and even for you) is so IMPORTANT.

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.

With the proper kid’s winter clothes, the winter will be so much more enjoyable. You may still not want to go outside at -30/-40C, but you’ll be able to enjoy most winter days.

Plus, there are many health benefits of cold weather, so let’s bundle up for this winter 🙂

So now, what are the essential kid’s winter clothes to add to your wardrobe to enjoy the snow as much as possible? Here is our list of kid’s winter clothes essentials as well as some recommendations for each.

So, let’s dive in.

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Our Winter Clothes for Kids Essential List

Below is a list of 8 winter clothes items you should have for your kids to enjoy winter activities. We’ve also listed 3 options for each item, but so many other options and brands are offering great winter clothes for kids as well.

For example, REI (in the USA) and MEC (in Canada) both have a large selection of all the winter clothes your kids will need.

Before we head into our list, it’s important to remember that when it comes to being outside in the winter, it’s all about layering.

To keep your children warm during the winter, it’s all about layering. It’s true for us parents, but even more true for active kids. Kids tend to run and jump a lot, so they can get warm pretty quickly, even in the winter.

So you want to make sure they have different layers they can put on or remove as they need to.

1. Base Layers

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

Why merino wool? Merino wool is a fabric that is naturally breathable, insulating, and it’s odour-resistant. Merino wool gear will also keep you comfortable and at the right temperature in a broad range of conditions.

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

It’s very important that kids feel warm and stay dry and comfortable.

Here are a few options for kid’s base layers:

*Use our promo code “EMILIE20” at check out for 20% off your next Iksplor order

Iksplor and Minus 33 offer a merino wool base layer. Decathlon’s base layer is mostly polyester. The three options are comfy and perfect for outdoor adventures.

2. Fleece Jacket

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

Fleece jackets are great because they can be worn all year round, making them an excellent and long-lasting investment. It’s perfect for colder camping, summer nights, and fall hiking.

With kids, 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.

The fleece jacket is really the item that kids will remove or add depending on the weather and the intensity of their outdoor activity.

We’re sharing three options for kids’ fleece jackets:

👉🏻 Check this Decathlon Fleece jacket, Patagonia, and Columbia jacket here!

3. Padded or Down jacket

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.

Having a padded (or down) jacket is a great investment as it can be worn almost all year round.

Here are a few options for kid’s down jackets:

4. 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.

Winter coats and snow pants provide fantastic coverage and warmth, which makes them perfect for winter outdoor activities. 

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.

It will prevent snow to get inside and keep the kids warmer.

We’re sharing three options of kid’s winter snow outfits:

👉🏻 Check out these Decathlon winter jackets and Columbia Jackets here!

5. Socks

Socks aren’t always seen as important as other winter gear. However, they do 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 they are comfortable and keep the warmth. 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.

If you’re wondering which socks to buy for your children, we’ve got you covered with those three options:

6. 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. And you should even have a couple of spare 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, for hiking, playing in the snow, and even skiing, young children will be better and more comfortable with mittens. 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.

And it’s better to go with a mitten that has a long gauntlet. It will ensure the mittens stay on your kids. Plus, it protects the entire wrists and hands.

Choosing the right mittens can make a big difference for your kid on a cold day.

Here are three great options:

*Use our promo code “LOVELIFE15” at check out for 15% off your next L-BOW order
* Use this link for 15% off your next Stonz order

👉🏻 Check these Decathlon kid’s mittens, and for Stonz here!

7. 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.

Also, remember that kids tend to run a lot when playing in the snow, so they usually stay warmer than their parents.

You also want a hat or beanie that is comfortable and not itchy. A pure wool hat, even if super stylish, may not be the best option for skin-sensitive kids.

Here are three options for winter hats and beanies for your kids:

👉🏻 Check this Decathlon kids beanie and Minus Cuff Beanie here!

8. Boots

When it comes to playing outside in the winter, boots play an essential role. We don’t want our kids’ little toes to get frozen.

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’re planning 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 that offers a good grip so kids can easily hike, climb, and walk on icy terrain.

Here is a list of our favorite boot brands for children:

* Use this link for 15% off your next Stonz order

👉🏻 Check this Decathlon kid’s winter boots, Keen kid’s boots, and Stonz here!

❄️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.

F.A.Q.S: Best Kids Winter Gear

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?

Start by making sure they have a good coat, boots, and hat that fit them well and will keep them warm. I layer my kids’ clothing outside so they stay warm, like adding a fleece jacket underneath their coats. 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, especially on cooler days. Base layers from Decathlon are my ultimate favorite! They are breathable, insulating, and odor-resistant.

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?

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