When coming up with our list of essentials items for babies, toddlers and kids, we first look to what adults are wearing.
Manufacturers are making kids outerwear
as technology rich as what is available for adults. They are breathable, wickable, water resistant, insulated & lightweight. A lot of new parents struggle with the last one – lightweight – the most. A major mistake can be over-bundling your child. The first rule, is to think of what you would be comfortable wearing, and apply that to your baby or child. Also consider length of time your child will be outside and activity level. Riding in a stroller will require more layers – maybe a blanket - than hiking up a hill to sled.
1. Balaclava: Balaclavas provide the best protection for babies head, cheeks, ears and neck.
Just think of what those cute cheeks deserve. Reima makes our favorite wool balaclavas.
2. Mittens: We prefer mittens to gloves for the simple reason that all the fingers can work together in a mitten to stay warm. The mittens from Molehill Mountain feature a long enough wrist gaiter to go over the coat and keep snow and cold out. If your child insists on a glove, look for ones with a zippered pocket for a hand warmer like those from Spyder.
3. Socks: Invest in a pair of merino wool socks from Smartwool. Cotton does not insulate, wick, or dry easily. Smartwool socks go all the way down to a size 6 month and work great as indoor booties as well.
4. Baselayers: Cotton shirts are not a base layer. They hold onto moisture from sweat or melted snow. Merino wool or capilene provides an insulating layer that keeps skin dry. Icebreaker and Patagonia bother offer great base layers for babies and children.
5. Down insulator: We love down for keeping babies and kids warm. A down insulator provides the warmth of a heavy sweatshirt without the bulk. The new high –tech down is also capable of functioning even after it gets wet. It can be worn on its own, or as a mid layer under a jacket on a really cold day. Many thin layers are better than one thick one - the air between layers traps extra warmth and you can regulate your temperature better throughout the day by adjusting your layers.
6. Hat: A hat is essential to keeping body heat from escaping, as well as shedding snow and rain. We look for hats that pull down far enough to cover the ears. Chin ties help keep hats on infant and toddlers heads.
7. Boots: Of course it’s important to find boots that are well insulated and keep babies feet warm, but there are a few other things to look for in a good winter boot. Good traction is important in locations with ice and snow. A boot that is easy to pull on and off will make your life much easier in the 10 step process to getting your child ready for the great outdoors. We love boots by Reima that are insulated and feature a Velcro closure – easy to get on or off even with thick mittens on.
8. Insulated Jacket: To protect kids from the elements, a windproof and water resistant jacket is essential over their layers. Depending on activity level, look for jackets with 120-160 grams of insulation. Obermeyer kids outerwear comes in at the warmest with most jackets providing 200 grams of insulation.
9. Safety Gear: Helmets are essential. Children fall just trying to stand up on skis. A head injury when they are just beginning to form their opinions about participating in a new sport does not go over well. Goggles are another must. They help keep faces warm and improve visibility. Also, apply sunscreen even on cloudy days, as the sun's rays can be extra-intense against the snow.
10. Fun Outerwear: At Montkid.com, we believe in the power of fun and fashion to help build skills and excitement. This is the time when kids can get away with head-to-toe pink or a fierce Mohawk hat. My girls skiing ability improved exponentially the year one wore pink zebra and the other wore black zebra because they were so excited to put on their ski gear.
