When the temperature drops, it’s important to bundle up your toddlers keep them warm. With jackets, coats, fleeces, bibs, snowsuits and more, there's no shortage of options. Consider this your winter clothing checklist — covering everything from how to dress toddlers for winter weather and how to pick the right layers to what to consider when shopping for boys and girls winter coats.
How to layer clothes for winter
The key to mastering kids’ winter clothing is layers. This allows them to shed a jacket or sweater if they feel too warm. A good rule of thumb for young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions. Use this model as your standard for winter dressing — and always adapt as needed for your child and the environment.
Start with a snug-fitting base layer to wick moisture.
Add a middle layer. Snow bibs, aka snow overalls, add extra warmth to the core; snow pants offer an insulated interior and water-resistant exterior; while rain pants allow for protection from heavy precipitation. For tops, opt for a something with insulation, like a fleece pullover or any similar warm, fitted winter top.
Finally, choose outer layers like coats, jackets and pants to offer protection from elements like wind, rain and snow. Each coat should allow for movement and leave room for layers underneath.
For staying cozy at home, grab a pair — or three — of our best winter pajamas for toddlers, which must include at least one pair of fleece PJs, a most-loved fabric for cold weather pajamas. During the holidays, be sure to snag matching pajamas for the whole family — yes, mom and dad included! Shop our full selection of baby, toddler and kids pajamas here.
How to pick a winter coat for kids
There are a lot of options when it comes to choosing the best winter coats for kids. An obvious popular choice being a heavy-duty, insulated and water-resistant jacket that provides protection from icy winds, snow and bitter temps. If you live in an area that gets a lot of winter precipitation, investing a good rain jacket is a must. A couple details to look for on waterproof winter clothes are water-resistant zippers or protective flaps over the zipper.
Choose the weight of your coat
Getting your family to bundle up may be easier if you let them buy winter outfits they’re excited to wear. Our selection of children’s coats and jackets features a variety of styles, colors and weights, depending on the season, with match-back cold weather accessories.
If your winters are mild, our midweight toddler jackets will likely be enough to keep warm. Our water-resistant styles are great because they keep your child warm and dry, whether it’s snowing or just a dreary rainy day in the south.
If you are headed on a ski trip, face snow and ice on a regular basis, or plan on being outside for long periods of time, a heavy winter coat, when layered properly, will keep your child warm and safe from the chilly elements. However, some thick coats may be more restrictive for toddlers than wearing insulated layers topped with a lighter jacket, especially for kids learning to walk. Note: Babies and toddlers grow fast, so buying a size up may allow you to use the coat for an extra winter. Be sure the coat isn’t so large that it restricts movement or doesn’t retain enough heat.
Consider how easy the item is to put on and take off your child
While full-body snowsuits are cozy, they may be inconvenient during a potty break or diaper change. A zippered winter coat or fleece jacket can be easier to put on and take off (and you might find a zippered snow bib is easier to manage as well). Paired with warm pants for toddlers, a sherpa jacket or fleece-lined jacket over base layers is a great option to keep your little one cozy during winter.
Finish with cold weather accessories
When shopping for your children’s winter clothes, don’t forget to add accessories to your cart. Look for warm hats, mittens or gloves, moisture-wicking socks, and winter boots or rain boots to stay warm in the coldest temps. Shop Carter’s® assortment of cold weather accessories here.
No matter what the climate is where you live, being prepared with the right winter gear ensures your whole family stays comfortable. Before the season brings its first chilly day, take inventory of the clothes your toddlers and kids already have. Try things on to make sure they fit properly and make plans to purchase the essentials to keep your kids warm all winter long.
