Mastering Winter Layering for Warmth and Comfort

When winter rolls in, staying warm is a top priority for you and your little ones. Whether you’re planning a quick snow play session or a day-long adventure, layering correctly is the key to keeping everyone comfortable and safe. A good layering system allows you to adapt to changing weather and activity levels while ensuring maximum warmth. Here’s everything you need to know about building the perfect winter wardrobe for you and your family.

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1. The Base Layer: Your First Line of Defense - Layer Options Below

The base layer is the foundation of your winter outfit. Acting as a second skin, this layer wicks moisture away from your body, preventing sweat from chilling you.

• Fit: A snug fit is essential to effectively trap warmth and manage moisture.
• Material: Merino wool is a favorite for its natural warmth, breathability, and odor resistance, but it can be pricey. More affordable options include polyester, nylon, bamboo, or rayon blends. Avoid cotton—it soaks up moisture, dries slowly, and can lead to hypothermia, even with heavy outer layers.

Tip: If your activity is low-risk (e.g., playing near home), cotton is fine. You can easily go home when kids get cold or uncomfortable. But for extended outings or colder conditions, stick to moisture-wicking fabrics.

2. The Midlayer: Insulating Warmth - Layer Options Below

The midlayer traps heat and keeps you cozy. Think of it as your insulating powerhouse, working to retain the warmth your body generates.

• Fleece: A budget-friendly and versatile option, fleece comes in lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight varieties. It stays warm even when damp but doesn’t block wind, making it ideal as a midlayer. Tight-fitting fleece can also serve as a base layer for babies.
• Down or Synthetic Puffies: These are lightweight, compressible, and warm. Down offers superior insulation but loses effectiveness when wet. Synthetic puffies are slightly less warm but maintain insulation even in damp conditions.
• Wool: Wool midlayers are highly effective at retaining warmth, and many swear by their durability and performance. The warmth + breathability is hard to match with other layers.

3. The Outer Layer: Weather Protection - Layer Options Below

Outer layers shield you from wind, snow, and rain. The type of outer layer you choose depends on the weather and activity level.

• Waterproof Breathable Shells (Hardshells): Ideal for harsh, wet weather and high-intensity activities. They block wind and rain/snow while allowing sweat to escape. These are often very expensive and designed for adult use.
• Soft Shells: Great for moderate weather and high-output activities. They’re breathable and water-resistant, making them a favorite for many winter enthusiasts!
• Insulated Shells: These jackets combine weather protection with built-in insulation, making them a go-to for kids’ outerwear and low-activity outings. They’re not as breathable but provide significant warmth. Your average downhill ski jacket is also an example of an insulated layer.
• Puffy Jackets: While typically midlayers, puffies can double as outer layers in dry conditions or for babies not actively playing in snow.
• Waterproof Nonbreathable Shells: Rain jackets can work in winter, but they wet out faster and provide less insulation than purpose-built winter gear.

4. Essential Accessories for Added Warmth

Accessories play a critical role in keeping extremities warm, especially for babies and children.

• Hats and Balaclavas: Wool balaclavas are excellent for babies and kids, as they stay in place and cover more area than traditional beanies.
• Socks: Invest in thick wool socks to prevent cold toes. I would always avoid cotton socks, as they’ll absorb moisture and make cold feet for littles.
• Booties and Liners: Puffy booties or liners keep babies’ feet extremely warm. I wish as a first time mom someone told me to buy these for my first winter with a baby.
• Gloves and Mittens: Ensure hands are well insulated, as fingers are particularly susceptible to the cold. Babies who are not playing in the snow shouldn’t need mittens as their fold over hands on layers should be enough. If needed use wool socks over their hands underneath their layers.

5. Pro Tips for Babies and Toddlers

• Babywearing: Carrying your baby close to your body helps them share your body heat and allows you to monitor their comfort.
• Rain Covers for Carriers: Even in dry conditions, a rain cover on your hiking carrier blocks wind and retains heat for your baby.
• Strollers and Trailers: Enclosed multi-sport trailers, like the Thule Chariot, paired with a footmuff and weather cover, can keep your baby cozy for hours, even in extreme cold.

6. Practice and Preparation Make Perfect

Layering isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Spend time testing your system during shorter outings to find what works best for you and your family. Each winter outing is an opportunity to refine your setup and build confidence in your cold-weather adventures.

By understanding how to layer properly and choosing the right materials for each layer, you can keep everyone warm and comfortable no matter how chilly it gets. Whether you’re heading out for a snowball fight or a serene hike, layering will ensure your winter experiences are full of fun and warmth!

Below is a list of layers to dress your baby in for winter, specific to 0 - 12 months.

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Baby Base Layers

Essential first layer clothing for keeping babies warm and comfortable.

Wool Base Layers

Iksplor Wool Base Layers - $80 with my discount code
⭐️ TOP PICK ⭐️ Premium wool base layers for babies. Discount code: LAUREN

Woolly Tots Base Layers - $88 with my discount code Premium wool base layers. Discount code: LAUREN10

Patagonia Capilene Midweight Base Layer Top - $35

Patagonia Capilene Midweight Base Layer Bottom - $29

Patagonia Fleece Base Layer Top - $39

Patagonia Fleece Base Layer Bottom - $39

Columbia Helvetia Fleece - $40 I would use this fleece bunting as a base layer.

Baby Footless Pajamas - $16
🔥 DEAL ALERT 🔥 You can use baby pajamas made out of synthetics like polyester, nylon, spandex or plant-based materials like rayon or bamboo.

Budget Buy Fleece Base Layer - $28 for 3 I prefer my base layers to be footless

Baby Mid Layers

Fleece is a great option, budget friendly and so many options for parents. Also remember that you don’t need to purchase fleece layers from an outdoor brand.

Fleece & Wool Options

Engel Baby Wool Fleece Suits - $73
⭐️ TOP PICK ⭐️ My favorite wool midlayer!

Reima Wool Mix Jumpsuit - $84 I love this wool suit from Reima, but currently the smalles size starts at 12 months.

Patagonia Micro Fleece Bunting - $69 I appreciate the reinforced feet on this bunting.

REI Infant Fleece Bunting - ON SALE $34
⭐️ TOP PICK ⭐️

Columbia Infant Fleece Bunting - $30
🔥 DEAL ALERT 🔥

The North Face Infant Fleece Bunting - $65

L.L. Bean Infant Fleece Bunting - ON SALE $45

Baby Outer Layers

Weather-resistant outer layers for protection from the elements.You don’t necessarily need the WARMEST snow suit or outerlayer as long as you have a good layering system underneath and a good solution for keeping feet and hands warm.

Snow Suits & Buntings

Stonz Baby Snow Suit - $150
⭐️ TOP PICK ⭐️ WARMEST

REI Infant Down Bunting - ON SALE $53
🔥 DEAL ALERT 🔥
⭐️ TOP PICK ⭐️ WARM

Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Bunting - $169 WARMEST

The North Face Thermoball Infant Bunting - ON SALE $83 WARM

The North Face Retro Nuptse Infant Bunting - $175 WARMEST

L.L. Bean Down Infant Bunting - $109 WARM

Columbia Infant Bunting - $80 WARM

Volcom Baby Snowsuit - $45
🔥 DEAL ALERT 🔥

Baby Accessories

Essential accessories for complete winter protection.

Wool Socks

Smartwool Kid Socks - ON SALE $12
🔥 DEAL ALERT 🔥
⭐️ TOP PICK ⭐️ Size S (oversized for babies but long-lasting)

Wee Woolies Lamington Merino Socks - $13
⭐️ TOP PICK ⭐️

Iksplor Wool Socks - $20

Head Protection - Balaclava

Reima Balaclava - $44 9-12 months

Polarn O. Pyret Balaclava - $28
⭐️ TOP PICK ⭐️ 4 months - 2 years

The North Face Oso Hood - ON SALE $20 0 - 6 months

Footwear

Stonz Baby Puffer Booties - Small - $56
⭐️ TOP PICK ⭐️

Stonz Baby Puffer Booties - Medium-XL - $59
⭐️ TOP PICK ⭐️

Stonz Boot Liners - $24
⭐️ TOP PICK ⭐️ Even before your baby is walking stuff these liners inside their buntings for warmth for their feet.

Hand Protection

Mittens or gloves aren't essential for babies as their layers should have hands that fold over. Or I would simply recommend putting some wool socks over their hands under their layers.

Stonz Baby Mittens - $36

Stonz Baby Fleece Mittens - $25

Reima Mittens - $44

Eye Protection

Snow glare can be very harsh on baby eyes. I recommend finding some good eye protection for winter.

IZIPIZI Baby Sunglasses - $40
⭐️ TOP PICK ⭐️ 0 - 9 months, the best baby sunglasses!