When it comes to dressing yourself, it’s likely that you don’t think twice about what you’re wearing before heading out the door. If it’s warm, you stick to one layer. If it’s cold out, you bundle up. When it comes to your little ones, it’s easy to second-guess every move you make—including how to dress them appropriately for the weather. Winter brings the holidays, but it also brings low temperatures and biting winds, so you want to layer your kids up to keep the cold air out without having them overheat. Whether your little one is a baby, a toddler, or school-aged, here’s how to keep them comfortably warm all winter long.
DRESSING YOUR BABY FOR WINTER
Keeping your baby warm during the cold season can be particularly stressful because of how susceptible young babies are to the cold and heat. Babies can’t adjust to temperature changes as well as adults can, and lose heat rapidly—up to four times faster than adults. Cold stress causes them to use energy and oxygen to generate warmth. By dressing them appropriately and keeping them warm, you can help your baby conserve their energy.
Use a breathable base layer
No matter what kind of climate you live in, you want to make sure that the first layer of your baby’s outfit is soft, breathable, and comfortable. If you’ll be going back and forth from indoors to outdoors, bundling up in heavy fabrics can easily cause your baby to overheat when they’re in a warmer environment. Additionally, the temperature may fluctuate throughout the day as the sun comes out. Using a breathable bamboo bodysuit, bamboo romper, or bamboo footie as your baby’s base layer keeps them comfortably warm but lets excess heat dissipate.
Try a one-piece baby outfit
One-piece outfits are popular for babies because of sheer convenience, as well as full coverage warmth. Although you can layer the top and bottom separately, using a one-piece keeps their diaper in place and makes sure there’s no issues of riding up and exposing their midriff to the cold air. You can use a longall as a base layer, or try a hooded zippered romper when it’s chilly but not too cold out. It makes outerwear quick and convenient, and it’s perfect for winter afternoons when the sun is out but the wind has a slight chill to it.
Use layered clothing
The key to keeping your baby warm but comfortable in cold weather is using layers. Layers give you the ability to really control your baby’s temperature. When it’s really cold outside, wearing a few layers keeps their core well-insulated, and once it gets warmer, you can strip as many layers as needed to prevent overheating. You can start with a bodysuit, then add on a zippered footie to keep their arms, legs, and toes warm, and then—depending on how cold it is—use a hooded zippered romper or a bunting suit to finish.
Add warm winter accessories
Babies lose heat quickly from their heads, so it’s important to keep their heads warm and protected from cold winter air. This bamboo jersey beanie and chunky knit ribbed beanie are ultra soft, breathable, and super cozy for little ones. You can add mittens to protect their hands, but our footies and rompers in the newborn and 0-3 month sizes feature fold-over cuffs to keep your baby’s tiny fingers warm. Although footies keep their feet covered, you can always add socks and booties as extra layers of insulation.
Wear your baby
Babywearing is a useful tool that not only keeps your little one soothed and happy (being chest to chest with their favorite person is their favorite place to be), but also has the added benefit of keeping them warm with your own body heat. Dress your baby in a romper with socks (using a footie while babywearing can sometimes squish their toes and limit circulation), place them in a ring sling or carrier, and use a babywearing-friendly coat or jacket that can close around you and your little one to keep you both warm.
Add a blanket
If your baby is going to be in a stroller, using a soft, breathable blanket goes a long way in keeping them comfortable and cozy. This bamboo blanket is 1.0 TOG and perfect as a light layer of warmth over their clothing. This chunky knit bamboo blanket is super plush and cuddly but has an open weave for even more breathability.
DRESSING YOUR TODDLER FOR WINTER
To keep your toddler comfortable in cold weather, you’ll want to dress them in clothes that are soft and warm, but also comfortable to move in. Toddlers are wriggly, active, and more likely to put up a fight over wearing a jacket if they’re not able to move well in them. Potty training presents its own set of challenges, and playing the game of “how fast can I get this off before he has an accident” is hardly anyone’s idea of fun.
Pick sensory-friendly fabrics
In terms of figuring out their needs, keeping a toddler warm in the winter isn’t quite as stressful as dressing a baby. However, parenting a toddler can come with its own challenges, like a constant battle of wills. If your little one hates putting on a jacket or a coat, it could be that they simply don’t like the way it feels. Winter outerwear can be bulky, restrictive, and uncomfortable. Try using soft, stretchy layers, like this bamboo long sleeve tee or ribbed bamboo henley set under this chunky knit bamboo sweater. All of our bamboo fabrics are super soft to the touch, stretchy for comfortable movement, breathable, and moisture-wicking.
- Use easy-on/easy-off styles: If your toddler prefers a one-piece outfit, a longall with snap closures at the inseam makes it easy to get on and off without twisting and pulling. It keeps all the warmth in but quickly snaps free for potty emergencies. This bamboo jersey hooded romper features a dual zipper for quick pull-up changes without removing the entire outfit Otherwise, these soft, stretchy ribbed leggings are super easy to get on and off, but are snug enough to fit well under another layer.
- Bundle up in waterproof and windproof jackets: If you live somewhere that gets rain and snow, you’ll want to use waterproof and windproof clothing to keep them dry and warm even in inclement weather. If you use a jacket that’s just water-resistant, your toddler will still get wet—and subsequently, very cold—in rain and snow.
DRESSING YOUR SCHOOL-AGED CHILD FOR WINTER
At 4 or 5 years old (and older), your little one is able to communicate their needs to you much more effectively. They’re far more independent than younger children, can pick out their own clothes, and can express when they’re too cold or too hot. Still, there may be an occasional morning battle because you won’t let them wear a bathing suit on a snowy day.
- Use a breathable, fitted base layer: If your little one is at school all day, you’ll want to make sure that their base layer is comfortable and not too hot. This long sleeve crew neck tee is made from bamboo, is ultra soft and breathable, and comfortable for all-day play. Pair it with these soft, stretchy bamboo leggings for a snug base layer that fits well under additional clothes.
- Consider your climate: Active children get hot easily, even in cold temperatures. If your climate isn’t cold enough to get snow, you may want to skip the heavy, bulky coats and go for outerwear that’s breathable. This ribbed hoodie is warm but lightweight and is perfect for sunny days. If you’re looking for something a little more plush, try this chunky knit bamboo sweater.
- Don’t forget accessories: Thankfully, children who are 4 and older have learned that a hat isn’t a torture device after all, but an accessory that keeps their heads cozy and warm. This chunky knit pom beanie is soft, comfortable, and oh-so-cute! Keep you little one’s hands warm with soft mittens or gloves, but you may want to still avoid scarves until they’re older to prevent risk of strangulation.
