How to Dress Babies and Toddlers for Winter Activities
Hey Mama! Winter is here, and if you're anything like me, you're probably wondering how to keep your little one warm, safe, and comfortable during those snowy outdoor adventures. Whether you're planning your first winter hike with baby in the carrier or prepping for backyard snow play with your toddler, dressing them properly is key to making sure everyone has a good time and stays safe.
Let me walk you through everything I've learned about layering, choosing quality gear, and investing in pieces that will actually grow with your child. Trust me, once you understand the magic of proper winter layering, those cold-weather outings become so much more enjoyable!
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The Power of Layering: Your Winter Dressing Foundation
When it comes to winter clothing for babies and toddlers, think of dressing them like building a house. You need a solid foundation, strong walls, and a protective roof. That's exactly what layering does! The beauty of layering is that you can add or remove pieces as needed, whether you're transitioning from the car to the trail or your little one starts overheating in the carrier.
Here's the basic layering system I use:
Layer 1: The Base Layer (Next to Skin)
This is your foundation, the layer that touches your baby's skin and does the heavy lifting when it comes to moisture management and temperature regulation.
What to Look For:
Merino wool is your best choice for winter base layers. You'll want to avoid cotton for active winter wear because it holds moisture and makes them cold! Cotton is great for the summer, it’s comfortable, breathable, and flexible, but wool is what you need as your base layer for those cold winter days. Look for a snug, but not tight, fit!
Why I Love Merino Wool (Even Though It's Expensive!)
Okay, let's talk about merino wool because this fabric is honestly a game changer. Yes, it's pricey. I won't sugarcoat that. But here's why it's worth every penny:
Temperature Regulating: Merino wool keeps babies warm when it's cold and cool when it's warm. It's like magic!
Naturally Antimicrobial: Merino wool naturally resists odors and bacteria thanks to its unique fiber structure. Less laundry for you, Mama!
Moisture-Wicking: Unlike cotton, which traps moisture against the skin, merino wool pulls moisture away and keeps your baby dry.
Super Soft: Modern merino wool is incredibly soft. No itchiness!
Durability: Here's the real win. Merino wool lasts FOREVER. These pieces grow with your child thanks to their natural stretch and can be passed down to younger siblings.
I look at merino wool as an investment. Buy one quality wool base layer now, and it'll last through multiple kids and countless winter seasons. When you break down the cost per wear, it's actually more economical than buying cheap synthetic layers every season.
My Favorite Base Layer Brands:
U.S. Brands: Ridge Merino makes excellent kids' merino wool base layers and balaclavas. They're a family-owned company committed to natural fibers and environmental stewardship. Woolx is another family-run U.S. company offering quality merino wool base layers for the whole family.
International Brands: Iksplor has fantastic merino wool base layers for kids and adults alike. Woolino offers GOTS-certified organic merino wool sleepwear and essentials. Nui Organics makes GOTS-certified merino wool clothing for babies. Makemake Organics has GOTS-certified organic wool options. Icebreaker is known for premium merino wool base layers with excellent quality and sustainability practices.
For more detailed information about why non-toxic fabrics matter and which certifications to look for, check out my comprehensive guide on non-toxic baby gear.
Layer 2: The Mid Layer (Insulation)
This layer provides warmth and insulation. Think cozy and breathable!
What to Look For:
Fleece, wool sweaters, or quilted jackets work beautifully here. This layer should be comfortable and allow for all those wild toddler movements. Natural fibers are ideal, when possible, but give yourself grace if that's not in the budget!
Great Mid Layer Options:
LL Bean fleece jackets and vests are durable, affordable, and made to last through multiple kids. Columbia fleece is widely available and holds up beautifully to repeated washing. If you're comfortable with the brand, Patagonia fleece is legendary for durability. For natural fiber mid-layers, Ridge Merino and Woolx offer excellent merino wool options. We have a fleece bunting suit that's been passed down and worn by multiple kids in our family (from when I was a toddler to my daughter as a toddler!)- quality fleece truly lasts!
For those seeking European wool brands, Disana and Engel Natur make beautiful wool sweaters, though they're pricier due to international shipping.
Layer 3: The Outer Shell (Protection from Elements)
This is your baby's protective barrier against wind, snow, and moisture. You'll want water-repellent or waterproof material that's also windproof, with reinforced knees and seat areas for crawlers and scooting toddlers. Make sure to look for PFAS-free options to avoid "forever chemicals."
My go-to outer shell brands:
For U.S.-made options, I love LL Bean's Cold Buster Snowsuit and Columbia's Snuggly Bunny Bunting for babies in carriers. Both brands offer quality, durability, and PFAS-free options at accessible price points. If you're open to international brands, Reima from Finland makes exceptional children's outdoor wear with fluorocarbon-free waterproofing.
The key is finding something waterproof that allows for movement and will actually hold up to real use. I share much more detailed information about these brands and their specific products in the "Quality Brands for Winter Gear" section below if you want to dig deeper into the options!
Don't Forget the Extremities!
Little hands, feet, and heads lose heat quickly. Here's what you need:
Hands
LL Bean mittens are what we're using this winter and loving right now! Their Infants’ and Toddlers’ Cold Buster Waterproof Mittens are waterproof, insulated, and built to last. Columbia mittens are affordable and widely available. Stonz mittens (Canadian brand) are popular for the toggle system that keeps them attached. For a budget option, simple fleece mittens from Target or Old Navy work well for backyard play during the fall and spring seasons, but you’ll want some waterproof, insulated mittens for the winter season.
Pro tip: Put mittens on FIRST, then put the jacket or bunting over them so the sleeves hold them in place!
Feet
Thick wool socks are an absolute must-have! We have merino wool socks for our toddler and they're so soft and warm that she loves wearing them. Brands like Smartwool or Darn Tough are excellent. LL Bean Toddler's Northwoods Boots are waterproof, warm, and easy to get on and off. Columbia snow boots are another solid, affordable option. Stonz Puffer Booties are popular for babies not yet walking. Speaking of babies not walking yet, sometimes just thick wool socks plus the fold-over feet on buntings is enough to keep their little feet warm. The buntings with those fold-over hands are great too if you have a baby or young toddler who battles you on the mittens (our daughter has never liked her hands being touched or put into mittens, although we have consistently been working on this and she’s getting better about wearing her mittens – finally!)
Head
LL Bean Kids' Fleece Beanies are affordable, warm, and hold up to countless washings. Columbia beanies are easy to find and come in lots of sizes. For merino wool options, Ridge Merino makes excellent kids' merino wool balaclavas and beanies that are 100% merino, chemical-free, and made by a U.S. family-owned company. Woolx also offers quality merino wool hats for kids. Icebreaker is another option for premium merino wool beanies if you're open to international brands.
For balaclavas specifically, which are great for very cold days because they keep the whole head, neck, and ears covered, LL Bean makes a good fleece one, and Ridge Merino makes an excellent merino wool kids' balaclava.
Quality Brands for Winter Gear
Throughout this post, I've mentioned several brands I trust for quality winter gear. Here's a quick reference:
U.S. Brands: LL Bean (Maine) and Columbia Sportswear (Oregon) are my go-to brands for accessible, durable outer shells and fleece layers. For merino wool base layers and balaclavas, I love Ridge Merino (California) and Woolx (New York).
International Options: If you're open to international brands, Reima (Finland) makes excellent children's outdoor wear with PFAS-free waterproofing. Icebreaker (New Zealand) is fantastic for premium merino wool. European brands like Disana and Engel Natur offer beautiful GOTS-certified wool options.
Want to learn more about these companies and their values? I've written a separate post diving deeper into brand research. Check out my Faith-Based Shopping Guide for Outdoor Gear for detailed profiles, company histories, and information about which brands align with Christian values.
Where to Shop for Quality U.S. Brands
One of the things I love about focusing on American brands like LL Bean and Columbia is how accessible they are:
LL Bean: You can order directly from llbean.com with their famous satisfaction guarantee. They're often available at department stores, and their great return policy makes trying sizes risk-free. I also love stopping by their headquarters location in Maine!
Columbia: Available at their outlet stores for great deals. Carried at major retailers (Dick's Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, etc.).
I’ve found both LL Bean and Columbia gear on Facebook Marketplace as well. It’s a great option if you’re keeping to a budget.
Shopping Tips:
End of season sales in January and February often offer winter gear at 50-70% off. Both LL Bean and Columbia have outlet locations with significant savings. Quality brands like these hold up beautifully secondhand and resell well. LL Bean's Mastercard offers rewards, and Columbia has a loyalty program, if you’re interested in additional rewards.
Final Tips for Winter Adventures with Little Ones
A few practical things I've learned through trial and error: babies in carriers get warm quickly from your body heat, so check the back of their necks often. If the baby’s neck is sweaty, remove a layer! I also periodically touch my daughter's hands and feet to make sure they're warm. Cold extremities mean it's time to head inside. My daughter has a hard time with keeping her hands warm so I have to monitor this consistently.
Start with short outings and build up your winter adventure time gradually, maybe 20 to 30 minutes at first. Always bring an extra layer in case temperatures drop or wind picks up quickly. And trust your instincts! You know your baby best. If something doesn't feel right, head inside or adjust their layers.
Making the Investment: Mindset Shifts for Quality Winter Gear
Let's be honest. Quality winter gear for babies and toddlers can make your wallet weep. I get it. But here's how I've learned to think about these purchases.
That $60 wool sweater might seem expensive, but if your child wears it 50 times per winter for two to three winters (plus it gets passed down), that's pennies per wear. Quality merino wool naturally has incredible stretch, which means these pieces truly grow with your child. A 6-month-old and an 18-month-old can wear the same wool sweater thanks to the natural stretch of merino wool! This is one reason I love brands like Ridge Merino and Woolx.
Quality wool and properly cared-for outerwear hold up beautifully too. These pieces become family heirlooms that can be passed down through multiple siblings or resold to recoup some of your investment. And let's not forget - you're not just buying clothes. You're protecting your child from harmful chemicals like PFAS, flame retardants, and synthetic toxins. That's priceless.
Here's my practical approach: look for gently used wool items on buy/sell groups and check out secondhand marketplaces for quality outdoor gear. Join local mom swap groups or online marketplaces. Instead of 10 cheap fleece jackets that pill and fall apart, invest in two to three high-quality pieces that will last. Your little one doesn't need a massive winter wardrobe, just functional, quality essentials. This is a big focus for us, because I don't want piles and piles of clothes in our daughter's room, nor do I want to do endless laundry.
Supporting American-Made and Quality U.S. Brands
As I've researched quality outdoor gear for my family, I've become increasingly interested in supporting U.S.-based companies. The great news is that some of the best quality outdoor gear for kids comes from American companies!
Throughout this post, I've highlighted excellent U.S. brands like LL Bean (Maine), Columbia Sportswear (Oregon), Ridge Merino (California), Darn Tough (Vermont), and Woolx (New York). These companies offer quality products at various price points, and many are family-owned businesses with strong values.
Want to learn more about these companies? I've written a separate post diving deeper into the values, history, and charitable giving of outdoor brands. If you're interested in understanding which companies align with Christian values and which may not, check out my Faith-Based Shopping Blog Post for Outdoor Gear. You'll find detailed profiles of U.S. brands I recommend, plus information about brands to consider avoiding based on their corporate giving.
Not interested in the values angle? No problem! Read ahead to Shop My Recommendations for more practical shopping tips!
Shop My Recommendations:
Don't forget to check out my Amazon lists for easy shopping. My Hiking + Camping List has all my favorite outdoor gear. My Non-Toxic Baby + Family List is where you'll find tons of wool and organic cotton recommendations.
Learn More About Non-Toxic Winter Gear:
Head over to my comprehensive blog post on non-toxic baby gear for detailed information about why organic cotton and wool matter, which certifications to look for (GOTS, OEKO-TEX, GREENGUARD), how to avoid harmful chemicals in baby clothing, and understanding flame retardants and PFAS.
You've Got This, Mama!
Winter doesn't have to mean staying cooped up inside. With the right layering system and quality gear, you and your little ones can enjoy beautiful snowy hikes, backyard play, and winter adventures together. Yes, the initial investment in merino wool and quality outerwear might make you shudder, but remember, you're investing in your child's health, comfort, and your family's ability to get outside year-round.
Start with the essentials (base layers and a good outer shell), build your winter wardrobe over time, and don't forget to shop secondhand when you can. Every small choice you make toward non-toxic, quality gear is a win!
Now bundle up those babies and get outside. Winter magic awaits!
Did you find this helpful, Mama? If you loved these winter dressing tips and want more practical advice on non-toxic living, outdoor adventures with littles, and real-life mama wisdom, make sure you're subscribed to The Untamed Mama blog! I share posts on everything from gear reviews to faith-filled parenting encouragement. Don't miss out on future posts that will help you raise your little adventurers naturally and confidently.
What's your biggest challenge with winter dressing for your little ones? Drop a comment below and let's chat! And if you found this helpful, don't forget to share it with a mama friend who's gearing up for winter adventures.
Ready to dive deeper into non-toxic living? Check out my complete guide to Non-Toxic Baby Gear and grab my free Non-Toxic Baby Checklist!