Best Kids' Snow Gear for Winter Fun: Gear Up Your Little Adventurers
Jasper loves swinging no matter the season. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
December 21st, 2024
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Kids snow gear checklist
| CATEGORY | CLOTHING ITEM | SIZES AVAILABLE | MSRP* |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNOW SUITS AND OUTER WEAR | |||
| Snow suits | |||
| Patagonia Infant Hi-Loft Down Sweater Bunting Suit | 6 MO - 24 MO | $169 | |
| Helly Hansen Kids’ Rider 2.0 Insulated Snow Suit | 1 YR - 7 YR | $180 | |
| Columbia Snuggly Bunny II Bunting Suit | 0 - 3 MO, 18 - 24 MO | $80 |
Why kids need specialized snow gear
Playtime in the park doesn't have to stop when the snow starts if you have warm gear like the Patagonia down bunting snowsuit. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Adventurous parents are bound to have adventurous kids—even in winter. Just because temperatures drop and snow starts flying, that doesn’t mean that you have to stay cooped up inside with your young kids all winter. With some discretion, the right gear, and some good layering, you can get out with your kids all winter long.
The right gear is important for anyone who loves to get outside in winter, but that’s especially true for young kids. If they’re cold and wet, they’re more prone to cold injuries like frostbite and hypothermia. Even if nothing serious occurs, it’s likely to make the experience a bad one and they may end up less inclined to want to go outside. Making sure they’re warm, dry, and comfortable helps keep them safe while out in the cold. It also makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone, and helps your kids learn to love the outdoors in any season.
Here are our recommendations for kids and baby gear and apparel to keep your little ones warm on all their little adventures.
Snow suits and outerwear
The Patagonia down bunting is great for keeping infants warm in the cold. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Having a warm, waterproof or water-resistant snowsuit for your little one is one of the best ways to keep them toasty out in the snow. Especially for babies and very young toddlers, full suits often fit best and do the best job of keeping snow out so they stay dry.
Snow suits
Playing in the snow is a whole lot of fun when you’re able to stay toasty warm. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
What to look for
If your little one will be playing out in the snow and cold weather, look first and foremost for a suit with some sort of waterproofing and ample insulation to keep them warm. For young babies who aren’t mobile yet, a puffy suit is a great option. Once they’re crawling and walking, you’ll likely want to swap to a full snow suit with a more durable and weatherproof outer shell. Many models have the option to extend the arms and legs as your kiddo grows, so you can get more life out of one suit. Plus, look for closures or cinches that help seal out snow around the hands and ankles.
Best Snowsuit for infants: Patagonia Infant Hi-Loft Down Sweater Bunting Suit
For newborns and infants that aren’t mobile yet, the primary goal is keeping them toasty warm from head to toe. One of the best ways to do that is with cozy, lofty down—like the full suit baby version of your favorite winter puffy jacket. While the Hi-Loft Down Sweater Bunting is on the pricier end of the spectrum, we think it’s worth it for a couple reasons.
Testing the Patagonia Snow Pile One Piece. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
First, it uses high-quality 700-fill duck and goose down that is 100% recycled. The shell fabric is made with 100% recycled nylon ripstop. And that outer shell is both windproof and water-resistant, thanks to a PFAS-free DWR treatment. We also like the dual zippers on this bunting that make for fairly easy diaper changes, even in the cold. Plus, this bunting comes in a wide variety of colors, including multiple gender-neutral ones.
Testing the Patagonia Baby Hi Loft Down Sweater Hoody on a cold and snowy morning at the park. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
This buntings uit is quite lofty and cozy. While we used this for lots of winter adventures, from Nordic skiing with the baby in the trailer to sledding and playing in fresh snow, it was also useful outside of winter. We tested this while summer camping with a seven month old and though it was warm during the day, nighttime temps in Colorado’s high country dipped well into the 40s at night. This down bunting doubled as a sleeping bag for our little guy at night.
It’s worth noting that this Patagonia bunting runs quite large. If you’ve got a little one on the way, start with the newborn size (the NB-7lb) and you’ll likely get several months out of it. And we actually think that the large sizing of these is a bit of an advantage. While it may be a little large for very small infants, the large fit allows the down to loft more and actually makes the suit warmer.
Lastly, we love Patagonia’s warranty and the option to send this suit in for repairs if needed. In addition to that, this down suit can often be found on Patagonia Worn Wear if you’re looking to save a little money. The suit is more than durable enough to be a hand-me-down, and when you’re done with it you can trade it into Worn Wear for credit to get your next round of kids winter clothing.
Best Snowsuit for toddlers: Helly Hansen Kids’ Rider 2.0 Insulated Snow Suit
If you’re looking for a snow suit that’s ready to hit the slopes with your little one, the Rider 2.0 is our top choice. This suit has all the ideal features for little shredders and even for kids who just want to make snow angels.
The Rider 2.0 has a durable waterproof shell with reinforcements in the knees, which is especially helpful for young kids. It’s insulated with 133 grams of Primaloft Black Eco synthetic insulation, which is toasty, and also better at keeping your kiddo warm if it gets wet. And if we’re being honest, that’s almost bound to happen.
This snow suit has other great features, like two hand pockets, stirrups to keep the pant legs snug over snow boots, and a removable hood. The arms and legs on this snow suit each extend up to 1.5 inches to allow room for your kid to grow without needing a new suit as often. Each colorway has touches of neon orange, so your little one is visible whether they’re cruising down the bunny slope or making a snowman in the front yard.
Other kids' snowsuits worth considering:
Columbia Snuggly Bunny II Bunting Suit
This infant bunting is an excellent option for parents looking to keep their little one cozy in the cold while keeping to a tighter budget. It is not as lofty and warm as the Patagonia down bunting; the Snuggly Bunny only has 450-fill power down compared to Patagonia’s 700-fill power. And the dual zippers on the Patagonia bunting make diaper changes a little easier. But the Snuggly Bunny is less than half the price and still a great option to consider. We also like the micro fleece lining that adds warmth and softness.
This snowsuit is a great option if you want something completely waterproof with a more durable outer shell for an infant, or a snowsuit for a toddler that’s more into sledding and playing in the snow rather than learning how to make some pizzas and french fries on the bunny slope.
It’s not as warm as the Patagonia Infant Hi-Loft Down Sweater Bunting, which is why that gets our recommendation for infants. It is more durable and waterproof for babies who are crawling. But, unlike other snow suits, this one does not have many pockets, and it lacks reinforced knees and adjustments for the sleeves and legs to extend the size as your child grows.
This snow suit is a good option for parents on a tighter budget. The waterproof shell with reinforced knees is great for kids who are crawling and playing in the snow, but maybe not yet ready to hit the slopes. Synthetic insulation adds warmth, and internal gaiters help keep snow out. A room-to-grow fit system allows for sleeves and pant legs to extend up to 1.5 inches.
While this is a great option at a good price for kids anywhere from 6 months to 4 years, it doesn’t have some of the features we like in the Helly Hansen Rider 2.0, like hand pockets, bright colors for visibility, stirrups for keeping pant legs secured over snow boots, and a removable hood.
This snow suit is another excellent option for toddlers who are learning to ski or snowboard. The waterproof outer shell is durable and weatherproof while synthetic insulation adds warmth. The hood is helmet compatible and removable, and it has two front chest pockets.
Like the Helly Hansen and L.L. Bean options, this Burton suit also has sleeves and pant legs that adjust as your kid grows. Additionally, it has some small reflective detailing (though not as many visibility features as the Helly Hansen Rider 2.0). Because of the bright and visible color details on the Helly Hansen and the stirrups, it gets our pick. But this Burton suit is another excellent option for little shredders.
Snow bibs
All bundled up to go sledding with mom. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
What to look for
Sometimes separates make more sense than a full snow suit, especially as your kids get older and bigger. In this case, snow bibs are going to be the move. While you could opt for snow pants, they’re far more likely to slide down and allow snow to get in. (Just like overalls are the best for little ones who never stop moving—if you know, you know.)
Best kids' snow bibs: The North Face Kids’ Freedom Insulated Bibs
The Freedom pants and bibs have been longtime favorites for value in our best women’s ski pants guide, and we have a long-term review for the pants, too. So it’s no surprise that the kids version is our pick for snow bibs for your little one.
Like the adult version, these bibs have a waterproof outer shell and synthetic insulation to keep your kid warm and dry. There are reinforcements in the shell fabric on the knees, cuffs, and bum—ideal for extra durability if you have an active toddler. These bibs use The North Face’s Good-to-Grow fit system, which extends the length, so these bibs can grow with your little one as they get bigger. We do wish there were more color options, like a couple gender-neutral ones.
Other kids' snow bibs to consider:
Picture Clothing Snowy Toddler Bibs
We love Picture Clothing for its commitments to sustainable business practices, and we’ve previously tested their outerwear for our women’s ski jackets and ski pants guides. We love that they also have a small selection of clothes for small humans.
The Snowy Toddler bibs are a more technical option for little shredders, with 10k/10k waterproofing and breathability. They also have a PFAS-free DWR for additional weather resistance. Synthetic insulation keeps little legs toasty warm. We love the cute patterns and colors these bibs come in, too.
Overall, we think for the price these bibs offer good value. Ultimately, the tried-and-true durability and functionality of the Freedom bibs and their extended hem in the legs is what helped them snag our top pick over these. But if you want more fun colors than what’s offered from The North Face, we think these Picture Toddler bibs are a great choice.
These bibs are a great option for parents looking for affordability. The inseam can extend as your little one grows, and they’re offered in bright colors. Ultimately, we still recommend the Freedom bibs for their tried-and-true reliability, durability, and functionality.
Winter jacket
A warm puffy is a crucial piece of winter gear no matter your age. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
What to look for
A good winter jacket for your kid should be warm above all else, and that’s what we’ve focused on here. But warmth isn’t the only thing. Kids can be fussy, especially with clothing, so comfort is also a top priority. For maximum warmth and comfort, we think a down jacket is best.
Best kids' winter jacket: Patagonia Baby Hi-Loft Down Sweater
This puffy is essentially the jacket version of the down bunting we recommend for infants. With high quality recycled 700-fill down for insulation and a soft recycled nylon ripstop shell with a PFAS-free DWR coating, this puffy is warm and comfortable—the latter being especially important if you want your little one not to fuss too much in bulky winter layers.
We love Patagonia’s warranty and repair program, and that this jacket is made with sustainability in mind. We also appreciate that it comes in a wide variety of sizes and colors, and can fit kiddos from 3 months up to 5 years. That is one of the main reasons this puffy gets our pick here.
It is worth noting that while the Baby Hi-Loft Down Sweater Hoody is very warm, comfortable, light, and packable, it is water resistant but not fully waterproof. If you’re out playing in particularly wet conditions you will want an outer layer for this. (If it’s time to sled or ski, opt for a snowsuit. But for general winter and cold weather wear, this is an excellent choice.)
Other kids' winter jackets to consider
The North Face Baby North Down Fleece-Lined Jacket
This is our runner-up choice for a puffy for babies, and there’s a lot to love about it. First, it’s made with recycled 600-fill down for warmth, and it has a soft fleece lining that is wonderful for little ones. The outer shell fabric has a DWR for water repellency and the shell fabric is a little burlier than the shell on the Patagonia puffy. But that fact is a double edged sword: It adds durability, especially for crawling kiddos, but it also makes the jacket a bit bulkier, which can be a little less comfortable for some kids.
We still think this is a great choice for kids 2 years and under, and love the little style details like the ears on the hood—so cute! And this jacket is more affordable than the Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Sweater Hoody. But, it does not have as wide of a range of sizes and colors, which is why the Patagonia gets our overall pick.
This reversible water-resistant jacket has synthetic insulation, which means it’s better at maintaining warmth when wet. But it is not as toasty or lofty as the Baby North Fleece-Lined Down jacket or the Hi-Loft Down Sweater. It also does not come in as many colors. But, for a quality synthetic puffy, this is a good option.
The Tiny Bear jacket is a great option that offers good value overall. This jacket has synthetic insulation rather than down, which means it’s a little better in super wet conditions. But it’s not as lofty and warm as the down options in this review, which is why it’s not our overall pick.
Layering Essentials
Layering up for fun in the snow. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
As adults, we know that layering is crucial for comfort in winter weather. And while you may be inclined to keep your kid in his PJs and simply toss him in a snow suit, that’s not the best way to keep them warm and dry in the snow. Starting with a good base layer and building from there is important. Material is arguably even more important for little ones, given their tendency to get extra wet and messy when playing out in the snow and cold.
Avoid cotton and other slow-drying materials and instead opt for layers made of merino wool, quick-drying polyester, and breathable but warm fleece. It’s important that the layers themselves and as a set fit comfortably and allow your kid to have plenty of freedom of movement.
Base layer
The author testing her son’s ski legs for the first time. Photo by Jon Stockwell
What to look for
Just like we love merino wool for base layers for adults, we think it’s a great option for kids, too. Yes, it’s more expensive than other materials, but if your little one is out in the snow and cold often, it’s usually worth it if it’s in your budget. This is because merino does the best job at keeping warm even when it gets wet, and that’s almost a guarantee with kids playing in the snow. It also resists odor better than synthetic materials, and we don’t need anything to add to the existing myriad smells that come from small humans.
If merino wool isn’t in the budget—kids aren’t cheap after all!—then consider recycled polyester or other synthetic materials that wick moisture and dry fast. Above all, avoid cotton since it dries slowly and is very cold when wet.
Best base layer for kids: Iksplor Baby Ikplorer Set
Finding quality merino base layers that fit the smallest of humans isn’t the easiest feat. Cottons and polyesters abound in the kids section of most big stores. But wool? Not so much. But the Ikplorer Set of base layers are ideal. They’re made by a small, women and mom-owned business based in the Tetons, and it’s clear they knew just what little ones needed for their winter adventures.
This set is made of 100% merino wool, which is warm, wicking, comfortable, and naturally UPF 50+—and it’s certified Responsible Wool Standard. They come in a baby and a kids version, with sizing options ranging from 0-3 months all the way up to 12 years. There are also lots of fun, bold colors to choose from.
Other base layers for kids to consider:
Reima Trivsam Wool & Lyocell Thermal Set
This Finnish brand is dedicated to making awesome cold weather outerwear and layers for little ones. This base layer set is an excellent choice that’s a little more affordable than the Iksplor set. It’s made of merino wool with lyocell on the inside for an extra silky soft next to skin feel.
The Ikplorer set gets our overall pick since it’s 100% merino and comes in such a wide range of colors and sizes. But if you want a set that still has merino in it and is a little more affordable, this is a great option.
These synthetic base layers (not sold as a set like others on this list) are a good option that’s sustainably made with recycled polyester. We love the Capilene base layers for a synthetic option. The Iksplorer set gets our pick for being merino and having a much wider range of colors. But, for a good wicking and fast-drying option these Henley top and bottoms are worth considering.
Midlayers
Fleece and merino wool make for great winter layers for little ones. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
What to look for
The winter layering system for your little ones should focus on comfort and warmth, with materials that can handle some moisture. For that reason, fleece is a great midlayer option. It’s insulating, durable, and can still keep you warm if it gets a little wet.
Best mid layer for babies: Patagonia Baby Synchilla Fleece Hoody
This little fleece hoody is a fantastic layer in a lot of seasons, but especially as a soft and cozy mid layer for winter. It’s not too cumbersome, so it layers well under a snowsuit or bigger jacket. Again, we love Patagonia’s warranty, especially when it comes to kids’ gear, and we love the ability to often find this used on Worn Wear. Bonus for parents: trade it in to Patagonia for Worn Wear credit as your little one grows.
Other mid layers for kids:
Patagonia Infant Micro D Fleece Bunting
Sometimes it’s cold enough to warrant a full midlayer suit, and these are especially helpful for infants and smaller babies. The Micro D Fleece Bunting is a lot like a full body version of the Synchilla fleece. It has both a good and footed bottoms for head to toe warmth. It’s not as versatile for older toddlers where separates may be more ideal, but for an extra cozy layer for the real little babes, this is an excellent choice.
If you want a fleece that’s similar to the Patagonia Synchilla but more affordable, the Glacier is a great option. The Synchilla is a little thicker and warmer, with good sustainability, warranty, and trade in options, which is why it gets our pick. But this fleece is still a warm, soft, and very functional layer that comes in a wide variety of sizes and colors.
This fleece is another option that is very affordable and still warm and functional. It is a little bit bulkier than others, like the Synchilla, which is why it doesn’t get our overall pick. Columbia also does not have the same sustainability initiatives or warranty and trade in options as Patagonia. But, for the price, this mid layer is a great choice.
Winter socks
The Smartwool Kids’ Ski Over the Calf socks are a miniature version of our favorite adult ski socks. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
What to look for
Wool and winter weather just go well together. That’s why we think the best winter socks for your little one to wear when playing out in the snow should be wool. While many toddler socks have grips on the bottom for cruising around inside, that’s less important if you’re planning on slipping their feet into snow boots anyway. Look for warm, soft, and durable socks that—fingers crossed!—stay on your little one’s feet. That’s as long as your kids don’t rip them off themselves before you have a chance to put their boots on.
Best winter socks for kids: Smartwool Toddler Socks
Smartwool socks have long been a favorite of ours for winter activities and have been a long standing winner in our best ski socks guide. Thankfully, they make socks for toddlers and kids too.
Our pick for little ones is the Toddler Socks, which come in 24 month and 3T sizes, in convenient and reasonably priced packs of three. These wool blend socks are basically a mini version of some of Smartwool’s most loved adult models, which is to say they’re made of an excellent blend of wool and synthetics for maximum performance and durability. And they’re super soft to boot.
Be aware that these socks don’t have grips on the bottom and they’re more like ice skates on a wood floor indoors. But they’re great when slipped inside a tiny snow boot.
Other kids' winter socks to consider:
Smartwool Kids Ski Over The Calf Socks
If you’ve got a kiddo who is already out on the slopes, don’t forget that a good boot fit and comfy feet are the foundations of a good ski kit—and that goes for kids too! This is the kids’ version of our favorite ski socks. The merino blend socks are soft, warm, and snug with targeted cushion for maximum comfort and performance in a ski boot.
Darn Tough socks really do live up to the name, and the same is true with their ski socks. These are a great option for kids who want something a little thicker than the Smartwool Ski socks. They are also a merino wool blend that’s ideal for winter activities on and off the slopes.
So you’ve got a real little one who wants to get outside? You still have to keep their tiny toes warm in real little merino socks. Woolino makes wool socks for babies and infants in lots of fun colors. The fit isn’t as technical as the Smartwool socks that get our pick, but if your babe isn’t on the move yet that’s not as crucial and these will do the trick to keep them warm under their puffy suit.
Footwear
The Crocs Toddler Classic Neo Puff boots are warm and tall. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Keeping little feet warm and dry is crucial in winter, especially since very little kids aren’t often able to communicate with you when their feet get cold. Look for waterproof and insulated boots that stay on your kid’s feet well. If they’re walking, consider good traction, too. Taller boots can be harder to put on but they often do a better job at keeping snow from getting in.
Snow boots
What to look for
If you’re a parent to little ones, you likely already know that one of the greatest challenges with baby and kids shoes is simply keeping them on. So that’s actually a big consideration—making sure they have some mechanism, like a strap, that helps keep the boots on. Warmth and waterproofness are also important factors, as is traction.
Best kids' snow boots: The North Face Toddler Alpenglow II Boots
The Alpenglow boots are a very popular model, and that’s for good reason. These boots hit a sweet spot of fit, warmth, and features for little feet. The plush fleece lining is soft and warm, and the elastic velcro strap at the ankle helps to keep the boots on their feet, and is easy to adjust.
These boots also have 200 grams of synthetic insulation for extra warmth, and they’re made with a durable and waterproof leather outer. The outsoles have good lugs for traction in the snow. The only downside is that they don’t come in sizes smaller than 4T (but to be fair that’s really the size when kids start needing boots like this anyway).
Other kids' snow boots to consider:
Crocs Toddler Classic Neo Puff Boot
For a taller and extra cozy boot option, these winter Crocs are great. They slip on easily and have ample insulation. The lug pattern on the bottom offers good traction. The high rise also makes them good in deeper snow. But, that also means these boots are often harder to slip under the tiny ankle gaiters of kids' snow bibs and snowsuits. That’s why they don’t get our overall pick. But if you want a taller boot with plenty of insulation for winter weather, these are a good choice.
Sorel is known for making high quality winter boots, and that’s one reason they’ve been a long standing winner in our winter boots guide for adults. These toddler boots offer lots of warmth and have big lugs for traction. But, the design is a bit clunky for little ones still getting the hang of walking.
Hats and gloves
Winter hats
What to look for
Hats are a necessity for keeping little ones warm in the cold, even if you plan on using a hood. While there are tons of cute hats out there for babies and kids, there are some functionality features worth considering. First, a hat without a pompom on top will fit better under a hood. Second, material is important here too. Consider fleece and synthetics over cotton that gets wet and frozen easily.
Best kids' winter hat: Skida Baby Alpine Hat
These are some of our favorite winter hats for adults in the winter, especially for activities like Nordic skiing. We love that Skida—a small, women-owned brand that makes all their apparel in Vermont—also makes a Baby and Kids version. It has a cozy fleece lining for warmth and a water-resistant polyester outer layer that’s great in wet and snowy conditions. And the snug fit sans pompom means this fits seamlessly under a hood or a helmet.
Best of all, they come in lots of fun prints and colors that have matching adult counterparts, in case that’s how you like to roll.
Other kids' winter hats to consider:
Iksplor Iksplorer Beanie
If you’re looking for a merino option for a warm hat for your little adventurer we think this beanie is a great option that comes in lots of fun colors and sizes. The merino fabric offers lots of warmth, but it’s not as weather resistant as the Skida hat.
Snow gloves
What to look for
Mittens are another item that’s crucial to keeping your kiddo warm, but one that’s often also tough to keep on. Look for a longer option that can cinch over a jacket sleeve.
Best kids' snow gloves: Columbia Toddler Chippewa Mittens
These mittens are warm, durable, and affordable. The OmniShield shell fabric keeps moisture out and protects against wind. And that moisture-resistant fabric is also great at mitigating stains. Polyester insulation and a soft poly fleece lining keeps those tiny digits toasty while the elastic cuff keeps snow from getting inside.
Other kids' snow gloves to consider:
Patagonia Baby Puff Mittens
These mittens have a similar design to the Columbia Chippewa mittens, with an elastic cuff that fits nicely over jacket sleeves. They have a water-resistant outer shell and polyester insulation. Ultimately for the price we think the Columbia mittens offer a better value, but if you prefer the Patagonia ones and don’t mind the price, we think they’re another great choice.
If you want an extra beefy pair of mittens for your little one, consider these. They have a tough, durable, waterproof outer material that holds up well to lots of winter use. We also appreciate the elastic cuff paired with a strap to cinch over the wrists. These mitts don’t get our pick because they’re a bit bulky, and that doesn’t always fly with toddlers.
If you’re taking your kids skiing or snowboarding in cold temps, you might want to consider an extra warm pair of mittens. And the Burton Grommit mitts will do the trick. The ThermacoreEco insulation is very toasty, and the long cuff extends well over jacket sleeves to seal in warmth. These are a little bulkier which is why they don’t get our overall pick, but if warmth or use for ski/snowboarding is the top priority, consider these.
Neck Gaiter
A neck gaiter under the hood of a snow suit adds extra warmth and protection. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Our top choice: Smartwool Kids’ Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter
This gaiter is warm without being bulky and is made with merino wool for maximum warmth in cold and wet conditions. We like the soft fabric and the ability to fold it over and double up, or keep it long to cover their little ears, too. Merino specifically for a neck gaiter that sits close to their face—which is often still covered in crumbs from breakfast—is great at resisting odor.
Other kids' neck gaiters to consider:
This gaiter is the neckwarmer version of the Skida Alpine hat, and we think it’s another great option for kids, especially if you want a pattern to match their cute alpine hat. Ultimately, we like the merino fabric of the Smartwool gaiter for its ability to resist odor.
Eye Protection
Sunglasses are an often forgotten piece of gear, but they’re absolutely essential to protect little eyes when playing in the snow. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
What to look for
Eye protection is still incredibly important for little ones, especially in the snow. It’s crucial not to allow their still-developing eyes to be damaged by the intense UV rays that reflect off of snow. But, of course, it’s tricky to get kids to keep glasses on sometimes. Look for ones with good lenses that have full UVA and UVB protection and also consider glasses with designs (like goggle straps) that are meant to stay on little heads.
Our top choice: Julbo Loop M Sunglasses
These sunnies have great lenses, especially compared to most kids’ options out there. But pair that with the wrap-around design that keeps these snug on the heads of wild and adventure kids and you’ve got a real winner.
Extras for fun and comfort
Using the Burley D-Lite X trailer for Nordic skiing with the family. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Sure, your adventurous little kiddos want to get out and play in the snow. But we’d bet that you probably want to get out there with them, too! Here are a few extra gear items that make winter adventure with your little one enjoyable for you, too.
Burley DeLite X Trailer
This trailer is a game changer for active and outdoorsy families with small kids. In the summer, it’s a premium bike trailer. When the snow flies, swap the wheels for skis and get out on the Nordic track!
It has a waterproof cover in case the weather gets nasty while you’re out. The waist harness system is comfortable and smooth and allows for plenty of space to kick and glide while hauling some extra weight. While it can be a bit cumbersome to haul out of the garage, it’s worth it for the fun winter adventures. Just be careful: the smooth glide in the snow may lull them to sleep before nap time has arrived!
We have an in-depth review of this pack, and a review of others like it. The Poco Premium is great for adventures in all seasons, including snowshoes and winter hikes with mom or dad. The ample pocket space in this pack is especially great for winter adventures when you’re likely carrying lots of extra gear and more layers.
Using the Osprey Poco Premium on a mellow family ski tour. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
How to choose kids snow gear
Dad and his mini-me both need warm puffy jackets for cold mornings in Breckenridge. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Choosing kids' snow gear and winter apparel can be tricky, not only from a technical features standpoint, but especially from a price standpoint. How much should you really spend when you know they’re going to eventually grow out of the gear? How much do you need to spend to make sure it’s still high quality and will keep them warm and dry? There is always a balance to be found. Sometimes, the most premium gear can’t be justified for the price. But other times, it’s worth it to pay for quality.
First, consider how much you’ll be using the gear. If it’s just for one family trip to a mountain town, you don’t have to splurge if you don’t want to. But if you plan to play in the snow with your kid/s all winter long for seasons to come, it’s often worth it to pay for higher quality. If you live in a wetter climate, it’d also be important to invest in more protective outerwear with solid waterproofing.
After considering budget, look for good materials and quality construction. If you want to be able to adjust it to fit your kid over the years, consider that. Or, if you want be able to hand this gear down to siblings or other little ones, that matters. And even if you don’t, you can donate or bring the gear to a consignment shop to keep it in use. Just as with gear and apparel for adults, gear that stays in use is better for the environment.
You should also consider things like warranties and trade-in options when looking for kids winter gear (and kids outdoor gear in general). One of the reasons we recommend Patagonia so much despite the high price tag is because of the ability to trade it in for credit for other usedgear. We think the Worn Wear program is a great option to find used kids gear and keep your old kids gear in use.
Care and maintenance of kids' snow gear
Jasper loves playing in the snow while mom and dad take turns skiing. Photo by Jon Stockwell.
Just like you’d wash and care for your own outdoor gear, it’s important for your kids gear, too. For outerwear, pay attention to labels and instructions, and avoid washing in harsh detergents since this often ruins waterproofing and can damage insulation like down.
Ultimately, you’ll probably have to wash your kids' snow gear even more than yours, so keep some Nikwax Tech Wash (for hardshells or down) on hand, and have plenty of layers to rotate through for fun in the snow.
Read more in these stories on how to clean and repair down jackets and how to care for outerwear.
What to do with kids’ winter gear when they outgrow it
The Patagonia down bunting runs big but leaves plenty of room for little ones to grow. The author has used two different sizes since her 11 month old son was born. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
It’s inevitable that your little ones will eventually grow out of their winter gear. But that doesn’t mean you should toss it. If you buy with quality in mind, hand-me-downs and trade-ins are great options. Brands like Patagonia have great trade-in programs, and if you’d prefer, look for a local place to donate warm clothes for kids.
Tips for keeping kids warm and dry during winter activities
Sledding in the sunshine in the Patagonia Baby Synchilla Fleece Hoody. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
How do you know if your baby is cold? When they’re really young, they can’t talk—but they sure can cry. One of the easiest ways to know if they are cold or uncomfortable is if they’re crying. Don’t ignore that and always check to see if their hands or feet are cold, or if they’ve gotten wet anywhere. Stay cued into whether they seem to be happy. If they’re unusually quiet, or if they’re shivering, it’s time to go inside to warm up and check in. It’s also really important to make sure apparel like base layers outerwear fit your child well, and aren’t too loose, bulky, or big. This can affect their warmth and comfort.
Keeping energetic and adventurous kids warm and dry in the snow can be tricky. Look for non-cotton materials that dry fast and stay warm when wet, like merino wool and polyester fleece. Be sure to layer well and have good outerwear that’s not only weather resistant but also designed to keep snow from getting into their layers underneath.
Why we chose this gear
Sledding is way more fun when you have the right gear to stay warm and dry. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
We did heaps of research to find the best winter gear for outdoorsy babies, toddlers, and kids for all sorts of adventures in the snow. We considered materials, technical features, fit, and price, along with other factors like warranties and repairs when selecting the gear for this list.
Some of these recommendations come based on thorough research done by parents of adventurous mountain town kiddos, and others are recommendations based on personal experience with materials or items we’ve used and tested.
About the author / Why you should trust us
Playtime in the park doesn't have to stop when the snow starts if you have warm gear. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
A true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy city street. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held a WFR cert, AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue certifications, and is working to become an avalanche education instructor. She’s now a full-time freelance writer and editor working primarily in the outdoor recreation realm. Her bylines can be found in Backpacker, 5280, and REI’s Uncommon Path, among others, and she’s been testing and writing about gear for nearly a decade. She is also the managing editor of the new print zine, Trails Magazine.
Now with a little guy by her side for her adventures, she’s learning what it takes to keep getting after it even with kids. Living in the mountains at nearly 10,000 feet in Colorado means winters are long—and wonderful if you have the right gear, especially for mountain babies. She put her son on skis for the first time at 10 months old (no, he couldn’t even walk yet, and no, he didn’t make any real turns, but yes, he still had fun). She regularly gets out to Nordic ski, go on mellow ski tours, winter walks and hikes, and of course extreme sledding with her son. As a winter lover herself, she’s been excited from day one for lots of snowy adventures with her son, and she’s learned very quickly that the right gear makes all the difference for staying warm and having fun.
