The Best Winter Gear for Kids, According to Parents Who Have Weathered the Storms
Cozy, warm & reasonably priced? Yes, yes, yes
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Jillian Quint/Alyce Tassoni/Dara Katz/Candace Davison
Never has a child summoned such Herculean strength—and flexibility—as when they’re wrestling themselves out of a down jacket. Twelve-degree weather be damned, they will staunchly march into the cold, insisting they’re not bothered as their teeth chatter and their noses turn cherry red. I know I’m not the only one combatting this struggle—compounded by the desire not to spend a mortgage payment on gloves, hats, snowsuits, boots and coats that may get three or four wears before my children grow out of ‘em.
But what is the best winter gear for kids? The stuff they’ll actually wear, that will keep them warm and toasty…and won’t cost a small fortune? I sought out parents’ recommendations for their tried-and-true product recs, and the findings didn’t disappoint. Here’s what PureWow parents have deemed the best of the best.
How I Chose the Best Winter Gear for Kids
I cross-referenced parents’ recommendations with reviews online to see if they squared. Across the board, I looked at hitting a range of price points, as well as the items’ comfort, durability and overall protections against the elements (water resistance was a major plus!). Finally, and most importantly, the ability to keep kids warm and dry was considered, because what good is a cute coat if they’re shivering when they’re wearing it?!
The Best Baby & Toddler Winter Gear
At $110 for a baby jacket, this is a splurge—and one I struggled to recommend at first. But, given multiple recommendations from parents, I had to take a closer look. The North Face’s down-filled jacket stayed looking brand new…even after three kids used it, day in and day out. The 600-fill down insulation provides serious warmth, and the fold-over mitts at the cuffs keep little hands toasty. Plus, who can resist those bear ears?! Consider it an investment that you can pass on to other kids down the road—or easily resell.
Fast Facts
- Size range: 0-3 months to 18-24 months
- Materials: recycled polyester, fleece lining, down filling
- Machine washable? Cool wash and air dry, or send to dry cleaners, per the brand
- Color Options: 4
Best Winter Jacket for Toddlers
2. babyGap ColdControl Puffer Jacket
What We Like
- Great fit
- Water-repellant design
- Cozy
- Durable
What We Don't Like
- Not as warm as other options
gap factory
Layering with a squirmy toddler is a workout. That’s why I love this puffer, which hits at hip length, providing a bit more coverage than the standard cropped styles. With its full lining and cozy construction, I found this affordable jacket so reliable that every time my daughter grew out of it, I’d rebuy it in a larger size and give the old one to a friend. It may not be as warm or durable as pricier options, but it gets the job done for NYC winters—and there’s no fighting to zip it up.
Fast Facts
- Size range: 6-12 months to 5T
- Materials: 100 percent polyester
- Machine washable? Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
- Color Options: 1
Baby and toddler hats are so cute…but they can be so hard to fit larger noggins. “I've been putting my big-headed baby (93rd percentile!) in this hat/scarf situation,” says PureWow Executive Editor Dara Katz. “He can't rip it off like he does all other hats, it fits his big head, and it fully protects his ears and neck, which means we can get outside more.” And with 28 variations, there’s bound to be an option that suits your kid’s (and your) aesthetic.
Fast Facts
- Size range: 3 months to 5T
- Materials: Nylon, polyester, cotton, spandex blend
- Machine washable? No—hand wash only
- Color Options: 20+, including patterns (like flowers and stars)
Let’s be honest: You’re not jamming each chubby little baby finger into gloves. Mittens are key, and these fleece-lined, waterproof ones from Amazon don’t disappoint. Affordably priced and available in 28 colors and patterns, the pair I’ve owned have lasted three winters (shaping countless snowballs) and still look new. The adjustable wrist straps help them fit snugly—and keep drafts out—while allowing the mittens to grow with your kid.
Fast Facts
- Size range: 6-18 months to 4-6 years
- Materials: acrylic, fleece lining
- Machine washable? No—hand wash only
- Color Options: 28
Best Snow Booties for Babies & Toddlers
5. Stonz Snow Booties
What We Like
- Not too heavy
- Less fighting to get them on (and get out the door)
- Easy to take on/off
- Water-repellant
What We Don't Like
- Not as warm as traditional snow boots
stonz
Again, let’s talk about ease. Stonz snow booties slip on over your kid’s shoes, with two adjustable closures to ensure a snug fit and keep snow from seeping in. There’s less fighting to get these on your baby or toddler’s feet, and their adjustable nature means they’ll last all season long (and then some) without needing to be replaced. Given how quickly kids outgrow shoes at this stage, that’s a huge win. Plus, they’re great for slipping on and off quickly for daycare drop-off and pickup.
Fast Facts
- Size range: medium (4.85” L) through extra large (6.5” L)
- Materials: nylon with PU coating, polyester fleece insulation, PLUSfoam sole
- Machine washable? Yes
- Color Options: 3
Given its $18 price point, sizes disappear quickly for this snowsuit, but it’s not just the cost that appeals to parents. This snow bib is so adjustable to ensure a snug fit—and longevity: There’s an elastic back closure, adjustable straps and extendable legs. My colleague, Alyce Tassoni, can attest to their durability and warmth—she lives in the Midwest, and swears by these for helping her kids get through its most frigid days. Better yet, you can easily mix and match these bottoms with their puffer jackets, which are equally affordable at $30 apiece.
Fast Facts
- Size range: 12 months to kids 7
- Materials: recycled polyester
- Machine washable? Yes (tumble dry recommended)
- Color Options: 4
Best Stroller Footmuff
7. 7 AM Enfant Stroller Blanket
What We Like
- Adjustable sizing
- Very warm and cozy
- Machine-washable
- Compatible with most strollers
7 am enfant
Your Hot Mom (or Dad) Walks don’t have to end just because the temperatures have taken a nosedive. This fleece-lined, hooded footmuff is beloved by PureWow parents for the way it creates a cozy, water-repellant cocoon for their kids to lounge in. “It keeps them warm and bundled with room to breathe (and grow!) so that you can still do your walks without worrying if they kicked off their shoe,” Katz says. The machine-washable design is temperature rated for chills down to -4 degrees F, and it’s compatible with just about any stroller featuring a five-point harness. (Katz uses hers on a Babyzen YoYo and Nuna Mixx Next.)
Fast Facts
- Size range: one size fits
- Materials: polyester
- Machine washable? Yes
- Color Options: 21 colors and patterns
The Best Winter Gear for Kids & Tweens
This jacket scores serious style points—but it’s as practical as it is cute. “My daughter gets so many compliments on this coat, and I love that's extremely warm (but not too bulky) and machine washable. She spilled hot chocolate on it, and you'd never know!” The detachable hood and sleeves are just a bonus, honestly.
Fast Facts
- Size range: 2 years to 14 years old
- Materials: recycled polyester
- Machine washable? Yes
- Color Options: 4
Every school’s lost and found bin is a sea of hats and gloves. That’s why it’s hard to shell out $35 or more for a skull-warmer that’s likely to disappear after the first wear. That’s also why Uniqlo’s knit cap gets PureWow’s vote for best kids’ hat. It’s currently $8, and it features the brand’s HeatTech construction, so it’s designed to retain warmth (something reviewers can attest to). I’m also told that it runs true to size, yet it has decent stretch, so you don’t have to fight to pull it on.
Fast Facts
- Size range: small to large
- Materials: acrylic, nylon, wool and spandex
- Machine washable? Yes—machine wash cold, gentle cycle
- Color Options: 3 (all neutral)
Best Kids’ Gloves
10. Azarxis Kids Ski Gloves
What We Like
- Affordable
- Elastic wrists keep elements out
- Fleece lining
- Anti-slip finger and palm grips
What We Don't Like
- Not as warm as other brands
- Not as durable
- No way to clip the gloves together
azarxis/amazon
PureWow Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint loves these gloves so much she’s bought them twice—“after my son left them at his after-school program,” she says. (See? Happens to us all!) They’re great for keeping hands warm all winter long, and at $10, they’re affordable to boot, even if you need to replace them mid-season.
Fast Facts
- Size range: 3 years to 13 years old
- Materials: polyester
- Machine washable? Hand wash only
- Color Options: 19 colors and patterns
Best Kids’ Snow Boots
11. Sorel Snow Commander Snow Boots
What We Like
- Velcro buckle
- Enhanced traction
- Super warm
- Durable
What We Don't Like
- Not the easiest to get on and off
sorel
The only slipping around anyone wants to do on a snow day is sledding or tubing. Enhanced traction on these Sorel boots help kids stay steady as they zip around, and the Velcro buckle makes them both easy to slide on and tuck snowpants into (even bulky pairs). “I love that's just as functional (waterproof, warm) as a snow boot, but can also function as a sneaker—meaning they can wear it to school and not feel like they're clomping around in cement,” Quint says. Her daughter is the third owner of this pair, and they’re still going strong, which is a testament to their longevity.
Fast Facts
- Size range: kids 8 through 13
- Materials: synthetic fabric, fleece lining, rubber shell
- Machine washable? No—spot clean with damp cloth and mild soap
- Color Options: 8
Best Kids Snowsuit
12. Arctix Kids’ Insulated Snowbib
What We Like
- Adjustable straps
- Not bulky, allowing for good mobility
- Fleece-lined hand warmer pockets
- 34 colors/patterns
What We Don't Like
- Sizing can be inconsistent at times
arctix
If your kids only get to play in the snow a few times a year, warmth is important—but affordability is key. That’s where this Amazon find comes in handy, especially if it’s late winter and you just noticed the 10-day forecast…and need something fast (guilty). Arctix offers kids’ ski bibs in a whopping 34 colors and styles, with traditional and husky sizes, and they’re almost always in stock on Amazon. But convenience aside, they deliver on the warmth front: The brand says its snow bibs can keep you shiver-free even when it’s a soul-searing -20 degrees outside. Plus, “kids can use each pair for like three years since they are so adjustable,” says Quint.
Fast Facts
- Size range: extra small to extra large
- Materials: polyester-spandex blend
- Machine washable? Yes
- Color Options: 34 colors and patterns, from neutrals to hot pink snowflakes
Frequently Asked Questions
What Winter Gear Do Kids Need?
Honestly, it’s all about layering—and the gear your kids need depends on where you live. At a minimum, it’s ideal to have a fleece-lined jacket or warm top layer, as well as gloves, water-repellant boots and a hat. The Appalachian Mountain Club recommends all of those, as well as a snowsuit, wool socks, waterproof rain pants, long underwear or tights to wear under their clothes, and a hooded, waterproof raincoat. You can find their full list of recommendations here.
What Are the Best Winter Layers for Kids?
On below-freezing days, aim for a layer under their clothes—such as tights or long underwear—and one over, like a puffer or down-filled jacket and snow bib or snow pants. They can also layer their socks for added warmth.
How Many Layers Should a Child Wear in the Winter?
Doctors at the University of Rochester Medical Center recommend opting for three layers, focusing on the first layer featuring a man-made material, such as polyester, spandex or nylon, then a wool layer that kids can take off if they get too warm, and a third layer that’s also made of a man-made fabric.
VP of editorial content
- Oversees home, food and commerce articles
- Author of two cookbooks and has contributed recipes to three others
- Named one of 2023's Outstanding Young Alumni at the University of South Florida, where she studied mass communications and business
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
