How to Dress Kids for Winter for Hours of Outdoor Fun
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My family has spent over 1,000 hours outside two years in a row. One of the ways we reached that goal was by getting outside all year around, including the winter. My secret? Learning how to properly dress kids for winter.
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. When you know the best winter clothes for kids, it’s the difference between a magical snow day ending in hot cocoa and a miserable 15 minutes ending in tears. The key is proper layering. While these principles work for everyone from best winter clothes for babies to adults, I’ll share some specific tips and gear recommendations for toddlers and babies as well.
After countless snowy hikes, backyard play sessions, and winter walks, my family has embraced the joy of outdoor play all winter long. Make your kids winter magical, by learning how to dress kids for winter properly.
How to Dress Kids for Winter:
How to Layer
The secret to enjoying winter outdoors is mastering the three-layer system: base layer, mid layer, and outer layer. When you’re looking for the best winter gear for kids, this approach lets you adjust your warmth by adding or removing layers as needed.
In my experience, we typically use all three layers when temperatures drop below 30°F and/or when we’re planning to be outside for more than an hour. If it is warmer than that or we will not be outside as long we usually just use the base layer and outer layer, so we don’t get too hot.
Base Layers: Wick Moisture
The base layer is arguably the most important layer. This layer needs to be tight-fitting to wick moisture and sweat. There are two primary popular choices for base layers:
Merino Wool
The gold standard for base layers, merino wool is our top choice for serious outdoor time. Here’s why:
- It stays warm even when wet (crucial for sweaty kids!)
- Naturally odor-resistant
- Super soft against skin (not itchy like traditional wool)
- Merino wool is typically expensive
Merino Midweight Base Layer Set (Kids)
Synthetic
A solid choice for shorter outdoor adventures or temperatures above 20°F. Synthetic base layers do not stay as warm when they get wet, but they have other perks:
- More budget-friendly than merino wool
- Dries quickly
- Durable and easy to care for
Budget: Amazon shirt and pants for kids
Budget: Costco’s 32 Degrees Base Layers
Quality: REI Base Layer Top
Quality: REI Base Layer Pants
When choosing children’s outdoor winter wear, think about what your outdoor goals and climate are. If you’re not planning to spend hours outside in sub-30-degree weather, then synthetic layers are probably fine. If you live in a colder climate or want to spend hours outside without your kids complaining about being uncomfortable, then quality materials make a huge difference in comfort. How to dress kids for winter properly means investing in pieces that will last.
Note: Whatever you choose, avoid cotton base layers—they hold moisture and can make you colder.
Middle Layer: Insulation
If you’re trying to understand how to dress kids for winter, it helps to learn how each layer works together. When searching for the warmest kid’s coat, think of your middle layer as your personal heater—it traps warm air close to your body.
A top choice for a mid-layer is a fleece jacket, but you can use other jackets or sweatshirts. The good news for budget-conscious families is that mid layers are where you can often save money without sacrificing much performance. A basic fleece jacket can work just as well as a premium brand for most winter play.
Budget: Amazon Fleece Pants
Quality: Patagonia Fleece Pants
Budget: Columbia Fleece Jacket ($30)
Quality: The North Face Full-Zip Jacket
Outer Layer: Your Shield
Looking for the best winter coats for boys and girls? Your outer layer needs to be both windproof and waterproof to protect against snow, rain, and cold gusts. When shopping for the best children’s winter coats, this is one area where investing in quality can make a big difference in comfort and durability. Look for coated zippers, sealed seams, and adjustable cuffs that keep snow out.
I always get our coats and snow pants from ThermKids. You can use code OUTDOORFAM for 10% off! They are durable, good-quality, use sustainable materials, and it’s more affordable than a lot of upper-end gear. One of my favorite things about ThermKids is that their products provide a lot of warmth without excessive bulk- which makes it easier for kids to move around (and will also mean less complaints about having to wear a winter coat).
ThermKids: Snow Coat (2T-14) (Use code OUTDOORFAM for 10% off!)
ThermKids: Snow Pants (2T-14) (Use code OUTDOORFAM for 10% off!)
ThermKids: One-Piece Snowsuit (1-6yo) (Use code OUTDOORFAM for 10% off!)
The Extras That Matter
When it comes to children’s outdoor winter wear, don’t forget these crucial pieces. The best snow pants for kids should be both waterproof and durable, while allowing for freedom of movement. Here’s what else you need:
Hat
A properly fitting winter hat is crucial since we lose significant heat through our heads. For toddlers, I like hats with Velcro chin straps—a game-changer for keeping hats on for little kids.
Budget: Amazon Neck and Face cover
Quality: Coal The Bert Hat (Kids)
Gloves
Waterproof mittens typically keep hands warmer than gloves since fingers can share heat.
Pro tip: Put mittens on before the coat. This will help them stay on longer. This is especially useful for toddlers and kids who don’t like to keep their mittens on.
Budget: Amazon Waterproof Mittens
Quality: Gordini Gore-Tex Junior Mittens
Quality: The North Face Montana Ski Gloves
Socks
Merino wool socks are worth the investment—they keep feet warm even when damp from sweat and prevent blisters.
Budget: Icebreaker Ultralight Crew Socks
Quality: Darn Tough Over-the-Calf Midweight Socks
Boots
Look for waterproof boots rated for your typical winter temperatures. Prioritize boots that are easy for kids to get on and off independently.
This is the second year for our family to use Stonz boots. They are high-quality, very warm, waterproof, and lightweight.
Budget: Kamik Snowfall Boots
Quality: Stonz Trek Boots
If you’re learning how to dress kids for winter, it becomes much easier when you understand the importance of proper layering and quality gear. From choosing the best kids coats to finding the right accessories, each piece plays a crucial role in winter comfort.
Dressing Babies and Toddlers
Toddlers can be especially difficult to dress in the winter because they don’t like being uncomfortable- whether that means being cold or wearing bulky clothes- and they can’t always communicate their needs. Finding the right toddler winter gear can make or break your winter adventure. Our littlest adventurers need special consideration:
- You may want to add one extra layer compared to older kids or adults. I especially recommend this for babies.
- Check their hands periodically to gauge temperature.
- Less bulky, high-quality gear helps them move more easily.
- Choose hats with Velcro straps to prevent removal.
- Consider one-piece snowsuits for easier dressing.
- Put the mittens on before the coat, to make it harder for the mittens to fall off.
Budget: Toddler Hat
Budget: Toddler Boot
Quality: Toddler Boot
Budget: Toddler Base-Layer
Quality: Toddler Base-Layer
ThermKids: Toddler Mid-Layer (Use code OUTDOORFAM for 10% off!)
Helpful Tips
- Have kids use the bathroom before starting the layering process.
- For inspiration and motivation to get outdoors in cold weather, read There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather. This book is a great read for parents who want to get outside more in the winter but need some ideas on how to do it and why it might benefit your family.
- Layer up inside so kids don’t get cold while dressing.
- Keep extra mittens and socks handy—they often get wet first.
- When kids come inside, lay out the clothes to dry right away so they will be dry for when they want to go out next.
Let’s be real, learning how to dress kids for winter can feel overwhelming at first. But once you nail down your layering system, it becomes as routine as packing lunch! Those quality base layers, and outer shells might make your wallet wince, but they’re worth the investment when they keep your kids cozy through countless snow days and winter adventures.
If you want to know how to dress kids for winter successfully it comes down to this: Perfect gear isn’t the point—getting outside in winter weather is. Whether your kids are wearing brand-new snow pants or hand-me-downs, those rosy cheeks and snow angels are what winter memories are made of. Learning how to dress kids for winter will serve your family well through many snowy seasons.
Are you looking for some gift ideas for the outdoorsy mom in your life? Here are 33 Great Gifts for Outdoorsy Moms for Every Budget.
