How To Keep Kids Warm – Best Winter Clothes

The winter season is here, and it’s time to think about how to dress your kids for the cold weather. Winter clothes for kids should keep them warm and comfortable.

This guide will share our tried and tested winter clothes for kids. We’ll look at what to look for when buying winter clothes for kids and the different types of materials you should consider (hint: wool is king!).

Read on for the best winter clothes and rain gear for kids, the best materials, clothing guide according to temperature, and tips on dressing your kids for cold weather.

In a Nutshell

You will find our specific recommendations and what our kids wear in this post. Here’s a quick list:

• Best winter gear for babies
  • Merino wool-silk onesie
  • Woolen mittens
  • Merino wool balaclava
  • Snowsuit for babies
• Best winter gear for kids
  • Winter jacket
  • Wool-silk long-sleeved vest
  • Merino wool-silk leggings
  • Warm and waterproof winter shoes
  • Warm and waterproof winter boots
• Best rain gear for kids
  • Rain jackets and rain pants combo
  • Rain boots
• Best snow gear for kids
  • Snowsuit
  • Ski gloves
  • Mittens
  • Merino wool balaclava
  • Snow boots

Best winter clothes for kids – winter gear recommendations

We have done all the research, so you don’t have to! We have also tested several options throughout the years. Read on for our tried and tested winter gear

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For babies

• This Merino wool-silk onesie is a quality base layer and is available in several colors.
• These 100% wool mittens will keep little hands warm.
• This merino wool balaclava is great for little ones, if you are planning to stay outdoors in the winter for long
• This is the snowsuit for babies we recommend. It is warm and waterproof

Tip
Dress babies in one extra layer compared to what you need! Read further below for more tips.

Thermal base layers

• This wool-silk long-sleeved vest is a great base layer. It keeps kids warm and comfortable in the winter
• Merino wool-silk leggings like these or pure merino wool also make for a good base layer

Winter jacket

We keep buying this jacket again and again. It’s warm and it keeps our kids cozy

Winter boots

• These are the waterproof and warm winter boots we keep buying for both kids. They are lined with faux fur, which makes them warm and comfortable
• These winter boots are warm and waterproof, and the rubber sole makes them great for rainy weather
• UGGs are the warmest and most lightweight boots – I wear UGGs myself all winter and I swear by them. Only one caveat: most UGGs are not waterproof! These are best for indoor activities or for outdoor activities when the weather is dry and there is no mud. There are sprays that make them waterproof
• These UGGs with bows are so cute for kids

Winter shoes

These waterproof winter shoes are a good choice for winter

Rain jacket

We buy these rain jackets and rain pants again and again for both kids. The quality is great, and there are several cute colors (they come with rain pants as well!).

Tip
If you are looking for a rain jacket and rain pants with fleece lining, then these are great options!

Rain boots

These are the rain boots we buy again and again every year. We are very happy with them, and they keep our kids dry.

Snowsuit

We buy this snowsuit year after year, and it always keeps our kids warm and dry, even after hours of playing in the snow.

It is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. The hood with faux fur trim is detachable, and the foot straps are silicone. There are buckles for attaching these gloves and mittens to the sleeves.

This is the same snowsuit for babies.

Tip
You can buy the snow pants separately instead of buying the whole snowsuit. This is a good solution if you are not planning to spend a lot of time in the snow.

Ski gloves and mittens

We keep buying these ski gloves every year for our son and these are the mittens we buy for our younger daughter. There are buckles for attaching the gloves and mittens to the snowsuit mentioned above.

Tip
There is a whole section below on whether you should buy gloves or mittens, if you are wondering.

Here are the ski gloves our son wears. Our daughter wears these mittens.

Snow boots

We are very happy with these snow boots. We keep buying them every year for both kids. Yes, our kids are wearing these boots in the photo, and yes, they remained dry despite the tons of snow!

They are waterproof and the inner lining is made of faux fur making them warm and cozy.

Balaclava

Now, this might not be necessary depending on how harsh winters are in your area or where you are traveling, however for us it is crucial when spending time a lot of time in the snow outdoors. The reason for that is that a balaclava replaces a hat and a scarf most efficiently – and it doesn’t move from its place!

This merino wool balaclava is great if you are planning to spend lots of time outdoors in the winter.

What to look for when buying winter clothes for kids

Type of activity

When buying winter clothes for your kids, there are a few key factors to consider. First, consider the type of activity your child will be engaging in.

If your child will be playing in the snow or engaging in other outdoor activities, you’ll want to choose clothes that are warm, waterproof and windproof depending on the weather conditions.

Dress in layers, so that it is easy to adapt to weather changes by adding or removing layers – we will go over this in detail in a bit.

If your child will be indoors, you’ll want to choose clothes that are warm and comfortable.

Type of material

Next, consider the type of material you’ll want to buy. You’ll want to choose breathable and lightweight materials, such as wool and fleece. These materials will help keep your kids warm and dry while also allowing them to move around easily.

Wool is the ideal material for winter wear as it is naturally warm and has excellent insulation qualities. Wool is also a natural, breathable material that is soft and durable and can be used to make a variety of garments. It is usually more expensive than other materials but is worth the extra cost as the warmth it will provide will be worth it.

Another material good for keeping kids warm in winter is fleece. Fleece is a lightweight, synthetic material that is great for cold weather as it is breathable and insulates well. It is also much cheaper than wool and can be used to make a range of garments for kids. It is important to note, however, that fleece does not provide the same level of warmth as wool, and you should not rely on it as the main material for winter wear.

See more details further below under Choosing the Right Material for Kids’ Winter Clothes

Tip
Choose quality over quantity – do not be fooled by the thickness of a specific material! A thinner wool layer can keep you warmer than a thicker layer made of inferior material.

Finally, consider the style and design of the clothes. You’ll want to choose clothes that are both functional and stylish. Look for clothes that have bright colors and fun patterns that your kids will love.

Choosing the right material for kids’ winter clothes

When choosing the right material for kids’ winter clothes, you’ll want to consider a few key factors. Wool is the first choice when it comes to dressing kids for winter and for many good reasons. Fleece is a relatively inexpensive alternative to wool

Wool

Wool is king! It is usually suggested that children should wear wool garments during the winter season for many reasons. Wool is a natural fiber that has properties of insulation, moisture-wicking, and sturdiness which makes it a great material for cold-weather clothing.

It is worth noting that wool is also insulating even wet, as it can absorb about 30% of its weight without feeling wet. It is also antibacterial and hypoallergenic. Wool helps to keep the kids warm and comfortable as they play in the chilly environment. From sweaters to jackets, hats, gloves, and socks, there are a wide variety of clothing items made from wool that can be worn by children in winter.

Dressing in layers is highly recommended so that they can adjust according to their body temperature. Having a layer of wool close to the skin can help to draw away moisture and adjust body temperature. An external layer of wool provides insulation and protection from the elements.

It is also important to take proper care of the wool garments of kids to keep their insulating properties. It is best to wash wool in cold water and either hang it to dry or dry it on a low heat setting. Avoid using hot water or heat when washing the wool garments (your own wool garment with turn into a kid’s size – ask me how I know!)

Types of wool

Merino sheep are sought after due to their wool which is soft, luxurious, and durable. The properties of merino wool make it a great choice for a base layer or mid layer. Merino is the first choice when it comes to dressing kids for winter

Our pick

• Merino wool long-sleeved shirt

We all know that cashmere is expensive, but it is also incredibly soft and warm (seven to eight times warmer than Merino wool). It comes from the undercoat of the cashmere goat (unlike wool, which comes from sheep), yet it is delicate and not easy to take care of. While cashmere is warmer and softer than Merino, it is also less durable. Thus Merino is perfect for any outdoor activities and cashmere for less strenuous activities

Lambswool is wool from lambs, so it is the product of the first shearing of sheep. Thus lambswool is the softest wool a sheep will produce

Mohair is made from the wool of the Angora goat and is notably soft, warm, and durable. It has a unique frizzy look, which is characterized by short, stiff hairs

Several other types of wool are not covered here. The main takeaway is Merino is the best choice for warmth and durability 🙂

Fleece

Fleece is a popular option for winter mid-layers. It is typically made of polyester and while it is warm and soft, it is not water-resistant. Thus fleece is not a good option for the outer layer in wet or snowy conditions. However, it makes for a good alternative to wool for a mid layer, because it is relatively inexpensive. Fleece is also more lightweight and softer than wool – not to mention that wool can be itchy.

Tip
Fleece is a great low-cost alternative to wool, so it’s great for budget-minded families.

Our pick

• This fleece jacket is perfect for mid-layer, as it’s warm and soft

Silk

Silk is breathable and lightweight making it a great option for a base layer. It is warm and breathable, although not as warm and breathable as Merino wool.

Silk can be worn as a base layer in the winter – if it is layered with other warmer fabrics such as wool. One more reason that silk makes a good base layer is how comfortable it feels against the skin.

However silk is not the optimal fabric for a base layer for very cold conditions – wool would be the best choice in this case. There are base layers that are made of a blend of wool and silk, thus taking the best of both materials

This wool-silk long-sleeved vest is a great base layer. It keeps kids warm and comfortable in the winter

Synthetic fibers

There are several synthetic fibers that are popular for winter, such as

3M Thinsulate is considered “the warmest thin apparel insulation” and is an economical alternative to down

Smartwool is a company making their own wool blend – some of the items are 100% Merino wool, whereas others are a blend which depends on the item. All of Smartwool socks have a wool, nylon, and elastane blend

Uniqlo Heattech are synthetic base layers that work quite well and are a cheaper alternative to wool

Down

When it comes to outer layers, it is difficult to beat down. Down has a higher warmth-to-weight ratio compared to synthetic materials. It is lightweight and easy to compress, making it perfect to pack for your winter trip.

However, the main downside of the down is that it is not waterproof and often the fabric that contains it is not waterproof either. Furthermore, if you’re concerned about animal welfare, you probably need to look into the down alternatives section below. In short, down will keep you warm provided that it does not get wet. Hence down is a great choice for casual wearing but not for rainy or snowy conditions

Our pick

• This Lego Wear down coat is warm and stylish (70% down, 30% feathers)

Down Alternatives

Primaloft is a synthetic material made of polyester. It is neither as lightweight nor as warm as down. However, it is relatively inexpensive which makes it more accessible. Primaloft is used in ski jackets and active outerwear

Thinsulate, as mentioned above, is another economical alternative to down

Cotton

Cotton is in this list only to explain why you should NOT wear cotton in winter. Avoid wearing cotton in winter especially as a base layer, as it does not wick away moisture. If cotton gets wet or if you wear cotton as a base layer and you sweat, then it will make you colder

Quality vs Quantity

The main takeaway from all the details on materials above is that the type of material is crucial. Merino wool can accomplish more than a thick, bulky winter coat – especially when used for a base layer and mid layer.

Thinking that the thicker the item of clothing is, the better or the warmer it will be is not always true. Hence it is better to invest in a few quality Merino items than in thicker items made of inferior material

Dress in Layers

When dressing your kids for the winter, it’s important to dress them in layers. Layering their clothes will help to keep them warm, while also allowing them to move around easily.

Start with a base layer such as a turtleneck or tank top that will provide insulation and keep them warm. Then, add a middle layer such as a sweater, that will provide extra warmth. Finally, add an outer layer such as a coat or parka to keep the cold air out.

Why Dress in Layers?

Layering clothing is an effective way to keep kids warm, as it enables pockets of air to be trapped between the garments and their body heat to be retained. Furthermore, it offers the flexibility to take off a fleece or coat if they become too hot or to add an extra layer if needed.

What Layers Should the Kids Wear?

So what layers should the kids wear? In general, when we talk about layering to spend time outdoors in the winter, we mean three layers:

• base layer
• mid layer
• outer layer

Tip
When possible, opt for three layers of clothing. If it is particularly cold in winter, for example when temperatures dip below -5°C, then you should add an extra layer.

When kids are playing outdoors during the winter months, it is important to ensure they are appropriately dressed. Layering is key in keeping kids warm and safe in cold weather.

The best way to do this is to start with a base layer. This should be made of a material such as wool as wool is excellent at wicking moisture away from the skin.

A mid layer should then be added and this could be a fleece or wool sweater. This will help to trap the warmth in while still allowing air to circulate, and it should be lightweight enough that it can be easily removed if the weather gets too hot.

Finally, an outer layer should be worn. This should be waterproof and breathable so that any moisture from the snow and rain is kept out, but still allows the body to breathe. It should also be lightweight enough so that kids can move around freely and not be weighed down.

Layering correctly can ensure that kids stay warm and safe when playing outdoors during the winter months. By using a base layer made of wool, a mid layer of a fleece or wool sweater, and an outer layer of waterproof and breathable fabric, kids can enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about being cold.

Kids Clothing Guide According to Temperature

When dressing your kids for the winter, it’s important to consider the temperature outside. Depending on the temperature, you’ll want to dress your children differently. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right winter clothes for your kids according to temperature:

• -15°C to -5°C (approximately 0°F – 20°F): When the temperature is between 0°F and 20°F, you’ll want to dress your kids in warm, waterproof, and windproof clothes. Look for clothes made from materials such as wool and fleece. You will need the following:
  • base layer
  • a mid-layer
  • outer layer and
  • extra layer to keep kids warm
• -5°C to +5°C (approximately 20°F – 40°F): When the temperature is between 20°F and 40°F, you’ll want to dress your kids in lightweight and breathable clothes. Look for clothes made from materials
• 5°C to 15°C (approximately 40°F – 60°F: When the temperature is between 40°F and 60°F, you’ll want to dress your kids in lightweight and breathable clothes. Look for clothes made from materials such as cotton and silk.
• 15°C to 25°C (approximately 60°F – 80°F): When the temperature is between 60°F and 80°F, you’ll want to dress your kids in lightweight and breathable clothes. Look for clothes made from materials such as linen and cotton.
• 25°C to 35°C or more (approximately 80°F – 100°F or more): When the temperature is between 80°F and 100°F, you’ll want to dress your kids in lightweight and breathable clothes. Look for clothes made from materials such as linen and cotton. Hope you are near a beach or a pool in this heat 🙂

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What To Wear in Snow Weather

When choosing cold weather gear, you’ll want to choose clothes that are both warm and waterproof. These materials will help to keep your kids warm and dry, while also allowing them to move around easily.

Our Picks

Snowsuit

This is the snowsuit we buy year after year and it always keeps our kids warm and dry even after hours of playing in the snow.

It is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. The hood with faux fur trim is detachable and the foot straps are from silicone. There are buckles for attaching these gloves and mittens to the sleeves,

This is the same snowsuit for babies

Tip
You can buy the snow pants separately instead of buying the whole snowsuit. This is a good solution if you are not planning to spend a lot of time in the snow

Ski Gloves and Mittens

Mittens or Gloves?

Mittens and gloves both provide warmth and protection from the cold, but which one is warmer and better? This is a common question that often comes up when shopping for winter wear.

When it comes to warmth, mittens are generally the warmer choice. By enclosing all of the fingers together in a single pocket, mittens trap heat much more efficiently than gloves, which separate the fingers and spread out the heat. Mittens also tend to be thicker and bulkier, providing better insulation against the cold. However, this also means that mittens are not as lightweight and breathable as gloves, and may cause your hands to sweat.

When it comes to dexterity, gloves are generally the better choice. By having separate pockets for the fingers, gloves provide more flexibility and range of motion for the hands. This means you can perform tasks that require finer motor skills, such as typing or texting, without having to take off your gloves. However, gloves may not be as warm as mittens, as the heat is spread out and lost more easily due to the separation of the fingers.

Overall, both mittens and gloves can be useful in different situations. If you need to perform tasks that require dexterity, gloves may be the better option. However, if you are looking for maximum warmth and better insulation against the cold, mittens may be the way to go. Whichever choice you make, make sure you check the material, thickness and size of the mittens or gloves to ensure the best fit for your hands.

Our pick

These are the gloves we keep buying every year for our son and these are the mittens we buy for our younger daughter. There are buckles for attaching the gloves and mittens to the snowsuit mentioned right above

These are the ski gloves our son wears. These are the mittens our daughter wears.

Snow boots

These are the snow boots we keep buying every year for both kids (yes, our kids are wearing these boots in the photo, and yes, they remained drydespite the tons of snow!)

They are waterproof, and the inner lining is made of faux fur, making them warm and cozy.

What to wear in winter

Thermal base layers

This wool-silk long-sleeved vest is a great base layer. Good base layers are necessary winter children’s clothes, as they keep kids warm and comfortable.

Merino wool-silk leggings or pure merino wool also make for a good base layer.

Winter boots

These waterproof and warm winter boots are lined with faux fur, which makes them warm and comfortable. We keep buying them every year.

These winter boots are warm and waterproof, and the rubber sole makes them great for rainy weather.

UGGs are the warmest and most lightweight boots – I wear UGGs myself personally all winter and I swear by them. Only one caveat: most UGGs are not waterproof! These are best for indoor activities or for outdoor activities when the weather is dry and there is no mud. There are sprays that make them waterproof.

Winter shoes

These winter shoes are a good choice for winter.

What to wear in rainy weather

When dressing your kids for rainy weather, you’ll want to choose clothes that are both waterproof and breathable. Look for outer layers made from materials such as Goretex and PVC. These materials will help to keep your kids dry

In addition, you may also want to consider buying rain boots for your kids to keep their feet dry.

Our picks

Rain jacket

These are the rain jackets and rain pants we buy again and again for both kids. The quality is great and there are several cute colors (it comes with rain pants as well!)

Tip
If you are looking for a rain jacket and rain pants with fleece lining, then these are great options!

Rain boots

These are the rain boots we buy every year

Additional Tips for Dressing Kids for Cold Weather

• Remember to dress infants and toddlers with an additional layer of clothing than what you would wear yourself to stay warm.
• When a baby begins to shiver, recognize that this is an indication of hypothermia and it is essential that to bring them inside to warm up.
• Kids should come indoors often to thaw out when they are spending extended periods outside.
• Make sure babies never sleep in a chilly room.
• Bring hot chocolate or tea in a thermos when you’ll be outdoors for an extended period, it will help you stay toasty
  
  Tip
  Try a travel mug like this one! It is so much easier compared to a thermos. You just press a button and drink. With a thermos, you have to unscrew the cup, pour out some hot drink in the cup and then drink (while both the drink in the cup and the thermos are going cold)

Staying Warm in Cold Weather

When you or your children set to venture out into the chilly weather, remember these helpful tips encapsulated in the acronym COLD: Cover, Overexertion, Layers, and Dry

• Cover
  To stay warm, you should wear a hat or other headgear to protect your head, face, and neck from the cold.
• Overexertion
  It is also wise to avoid activities that would cause you to sweat a lot, as the combination of wet clothing and cold air can lead to heat loss.
• Layers
  To keep your body warm, wear loose and lightweight clothing with several layers. Wool, silk, and polypropylene are best for insulation, while an outer layer of tightly woven, water-repellent material will protect you from the wind.
• Dry
  Make sure to stay as dry as possible and change out of wet clothing as soon as you can. Additionally, be sure to keep your hands and feet dry, as it is easy for snow to sneak into mittens and boots.

Stylish Winter Clothes for Kids

When choosing winter clothes for your kids, it’s important to choose clothes that are both functional and stylish. Look for clothes that have bright colors and fun patterns that your kids will love. Here are a few ideas on how to dress your kids in style this winter season:

• Faux fur coats: Faux fur coats are a great way to keep your kids warm and stylish
• Knitted sweaters: Knitted sweaters are our favorite, as they keep kids toasty and they look great at the same time
• Winter boots: Winter boots are a great way to keep your kids’ feet warm and dry

Where to Buy Winter Clothes for Kids

When looking for winter clothes for your kids, it’s important to choose a store that has a wide selection of clothes. You can find winter clothes for kids at local retailers, online stores and even thrift stores. Here are a few ideas on where to shop for winter clothes for your kids:

• Local retailers: Local retailers such as department stores and boutiques have lots of
• Online stores: Online stores, such as Amazon, often have a wide selection of winter clothes for kids
• Thrift stores: You can find winter clothes for kids at discounted prices

Best Time to Buy Winter Clothes

When looking for winter clothes for your kids, it’s important to choose the right time to buy them. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, the best time to buy warm kids clothes for your kids is during the end-of-season sales. Many retailers offer discounts on winter clothes during this time, so it’s the perfect time to stock up on winter clothes for your kids.

You can also find discounts on winter clothes during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Otherwise, shopping at the start of the winter season ensures that you will have all options available.

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