The Right Way to Dress Babies and Toddlers for Winter

By dressing your little one in layers, especially well-chosen layers that wick moisture, dry quickly, and retain heat, you’ll be prepared for any type of weather you might encounter year-round, especially if you head up to higher elevations to play.

I call it the Baby Sandwich.

This is my no-fail formula for a fun day outside!

Baselayer

01.

The baselayer is the most important layer on your baby since it sits against the skin. It should fit snugly, wick away moisture, be highly breathable, and feel warm even if it gets wet.

If you can’t remember all that, just remember this: baselayers should never be cotton. Cotton is a buzzkill because it holds sweat against the skin. Sweat cools quickly and in wintry conditions, the constant cold moisture can lead to hypothermia. For that reason alone, don’t skimp in this area.

02.

Mid/insulating layer

In the grand scheme of things, this is the least important layer to “get right,” so save some money here by using what you have (even a simple wool sweater works) or scouring consignment shops and thrift stores.

The objective is just to find something that keeps your baby warm. If you have a toddler who’s actively running around, you can keep this layer stashed in a pack and only put it on when he stops moving (otherwise you’ll end up with a damp sweaty kid).

03.

Outer layer

This crucial layer in the baby sandwich protects your little one from the elements. It fends off whatever wild weather that winter throws at you — be it rain, snow, or hail — and keeps it away from the body and the mid layer so your baby stays dry and warm.

Swipe up to learn more.