What Does my Toddler Need for Winter Anyway?
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Cold weather gear is challenging enough to master as an adult, but what on earth does a toddler need? I’ll admit, this is my first go at it, BUT I feel like after a good amount of chats with fellow moms and some hefty research, I have a decent idea. SO, I’m going to spare you the Google search and share what I have as a base wardrobe for our little one:
Puffy Coat
I will probably end up going the Patagonia or LL Bean route for a nice puffy down coat when it starts getting really cold, but, for now, when the leaves are changing and it’s a nice, crisp autumn, the puffy coat (and vest) from Primary is perfect for us. I love Primary because it’s no-frills, basic, and everything comes in classic colors. I purchased a puffy coat and puffy vest last year in navy, loved it, and I’m back for the same duo…in the same color.
Mittens
I loved the Patagonia Synchilla booties when we were in the baby stage last year. The fleece was so soft and they were super easy to wash and maintain, so it was a no-brainer that we went with Patagonia’s highly-rated pita pocket mittens for Toddler Winter. I also picked up a pair of their waterproof, more intense looking puff mitts for the few weeks we get that are very cold or snowy. We opted for navy in both – keep it simple and pair it with everything.
I snagged two pairs of the everyday pita pockets and one of the puff mitts. Mittens will inevitably get lost, so having a spare and getting it now when things are actually in stock in the colors you want. Pro tip: take your mittens and a coat to your tailor or seamstress and have them measure a string that’s fastened to each of the mittens and runs through the coat so you minimize those lost mittens.
Stroller Inserts
I can’t recommend this enough: buy the 7AM Enfant cocoon for your stroller. We used it all during Baby Winter and have already used it tons of times during Toddler Fall. It fits the Uppababy Vista perfectly. Don’t forget about your travel stroller either. We bought the Babyzen Yoyo footmuff and it’s equally as terrific. So much easier than wrapping your little one in blankets and hoping they don’t fall off.
Cozy Hats
I usually buy 2-3 cozy hats. The Purple Goose in Alexandria had them last year sold separately and in sets with matching mittens. Theirs are terrific and a great price. Since we had boatloads of navy, I opted for cream and red for these little accent pieces. I recently purchased this train Beaufort Bonnet hat and I have the cutest fair isle hat from one of my favorite shops, Trotters, that still fits. Similar ones by Trotters are on sale right now at Maisonette.
Barn Coat
I love a good barn coat. We have one from Beaufort Bonnet and one from Polo Ralph Lauren (exact one) and love them both. The navy Ralph Lauren one we definitely use more. This Little English olive one is also so cute. Truly, there are tons: J.Crew Factory and the classic Janie and Jack.
The Widgeon
I went back and forth on the Widgeon before finally conceding that, yes, it really is the world’s most convenient fleece coat. Buy it in navy for your boys and don’t look back.
Another pro tip for you, friends, if you have to get outerwear labeled for school, LabelWeavers has you covered. This and a trip to the tailor is all you need.
