Feature | Must-Have Baby Gear For Fall And Winter

Cozy as Can Be! Arm Your Mini-Me for the Elements with These 9 Essential Cold Weather Baby Clothes

Bundling up your brand new baby for their first winter—talk about nerve-wracking! Are the mittens too loose? Will the onesie be warm enough under the puffer jacket? And OMG, what if that adorable hat slides right over their eyes…?!

I’ve totally been there. As a new mom, I was a hot mess trying to figure out how to dress my daughter for the cold months. I felt like I was sending her off to freeze in the arctic tundra every time we left the house!

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Not gonna lie, I spent many nights staying up on Google, spiraling into an endless scroll of blogs, trying to find the “perfect” winter outfit.

Because here’s the thing: when it’s your precious baby’s first winter, you want them to be as cozy as a bunny in a blanket!

But after much trial and many errors, I learned babies really just need a few key items to stay warm and comfy all winter long.

So in this post, I’ll be sharing the 9 essential pieces of gear that got us through those blustery months, to help you check “winter prep” off your list.

That way, you can spend more time snuggling that cutie instead of stressing about their snowsuit!

Let’s start with the simple staples that will keep your little one happier than a penguin playing in freshly fallen snow…

9 Must Have Pieces of Warm Baby Clothes

1. A Soft, Breathable Beanie

  • When the crisp air hits those rosy baby cheeks, your first instinct is to bundle up their head in the warmest, fuzziest hat you can find. But hold up – thinner can actually be better when it comes to beanies. Counterintuitive, I know!
  • Bulky winter hats tend to leave little ones sweaty and frustrated. Opt instead for a lightweight, breathable beanie to perfectly regulate their temperature, without any of the fuss.

📝 Key Features: Soft, stretchy fabric; snug but not tight fit; thin and lightweight feel

Picture this: your infant looking as cozy as a bunny, not ripping off an itchy, oversized hat in a fit of rage. That soft, stretchy beanie will have them grinning ear to ear. Ditch the big, heavy hat and enjoy carefree head warmth all winter long. You’ve got this!

02/19/2024 06:38 pm GMT

2. Water-Resistant Booties

  • When rainy weather strikes, keeping those tiny tootsies dry is a must. But resist wrestling your little one into stiff rain boots that could lead to tumbles.
  • For new walkers, choose soft, comfy booties with lightweight water resistance. Their grippy soles provide traction, while the gentle waterproofing keeps little socks toasty and dry.

📝 Key Features: Flexible sole, water-resistant exterior, adjustable closure

Picture this: your determined toddler staying steady on developing legs. Their cozy booties keep feet dry as a bone, warm as toast, and slipping safely with every step.

Product ImagePros / ConsProduct Name / Primary Rating / PricePrimary Button
Our Pick
  • Pros:
    • Elastic at ankle and velcro at the opening to keep boots on
    • Machine washable
    • Cute patterns
  • Cons:
    • Not 100% waterproof
  • Pros:
    • Waterproof
    • Slip resistant
    • Velcro ankle strap keeps boots on
  • Cons:
    • Run small
    • Some reviewers report they slip off
    • Not for a walking child
  • Pros:
    • Water resistant
    • Velcro ankle strap
    • No slip for pre walkers or early walkers
  • Cons:
    • Run small
Our Pick
Pros:
  • Elastic at ankle and velcro at the opening to keep boots on
  • Machine washable
  • Cute patterns
Cons:
  • Not 100% waterproof
4.7
$35.99
Pros:
  • Waterproof
  • Slip resistant
  • Velcro ankle strap keeps boots on
Cons:
  • Run small
  • Some reviewers report they slip off
  • Not for a walking child
4.4
$15.99
Pros:
  • Water resistant
  • Velcro ankle strap
  • No slip for pre walkers or early walkers
Cons:
  • Run small
4.5
$9.98
02/18/2024 06:30 am GMT

3. A Thin, Long-Sleeve Bodysuit

  • As the seasons change, a handy long sleeve bodysuit layers smoothly under outfits, regulating your little one’s temperature.

📝 Key Features: Breathable fabric, long sleeves, snaps at bottom

Picture this: your baby staying perfectly comfy as temperatures fluctuate. With the right bodysuit, you’ve got dressing for fall and winter handled! No more sweating or shivering for your mini fashionista.

Pros / ConsProduct ImageProduct Name / Primary Rating / PricePrimary Button
Our Pick
  • Pros:
    • Affordable multipacks
    • tagless
    • Girl colorways also available
  • Cons:
    • Run small
  • Pros:
    • Affordable multipack
    • Unisex colors
  • Cons:
    • Can shrink
  • Pros:
    • Organic cotton
    • Super soft
    • Boys and Girls color ways
  • Cons:
    • More expensive
Our Pick
Pros:
  • Affordable multipacks
  • tagless
  • Girl colorways also available
Cons:
  • Run small
4.8
$15.67
Pros:
  • Affordable multipack
  • Unisex colors
Cons:
  • Can shrink
4.7
$7.93
Pros:
  • Organic cotton
  • Super soft
  • Boys and Girls color ways
Cons:
  • More expensive
4.8
$13.78
02/18/2024 07:12 am GMT

4. Pacifier Clips: The Game-Changing Accessory

  • Once temperatures drop, pacifiers always vanish into bulky clothing. Cue the dreaded search every time baby wants their paci!
  • Pacifier clips are a winter game changer. Simply attach to their outfit for easy access without the dig. Say goodbye to frantic paci-hunts!

📝 Key Features: Strong clasp, short tether, clothing attachment

Picture your little one snoozing soundly, pacifier always within reach thanks to their trusty clip.

Product Name / Primary Rating / PriceProduct ImagePros / ConsPrimary Button
Our Pick
  • Pros:
    • One piece of silicone - teething safe and easy to clean
    • Stainless steel clip
  • Cons:
    • More expensive
  • Pros:
    • Tons of color ways
    • Machine washable
    • Plastic teeth on the clip
  • Cons:
    • Material can show dirt
  • Pros:
    • Cool gender neutral patterns
    • Short strap
    • Machine washable
  • Cons:
Our Pick
4.6
$6.99
Pros:
  • One piece of silicone - teething safe and easy to clean
  • Stainless steel clip
Cons:
  • More expensive
4.7
$5.95
Pros:
  • Tons of color ways
  • Machine washable
  • Plastic teeth on the clip
Cons:
  • Material can show dirt
4.6
$4.98
Pros:
  • Cool gender neutral patterns
  • Short strap
  • Machine washable
Cons:
02/18/2024 07:50 am GMT

5. A Lightweight Outdoor Baby Carrier

  • Crisp air and autumn colors call for outdoor adventures! But blustery winds can make stroller walks daunting with an infant.
  • A breathable baby carrier keeps your little snuggled in close while leaving you hands-free for fall and winter walks.

📝 Key Features: Soft, lightweight material; weatherproof; multiple positions

Picture this: you and baby admiring fiery foliage and chattering squirrels, their eyes wide with the wonders of the season. The carrier keeps your little explorer smiling ear to ear! Don’t let blustery winds stop you from making magical memories.

Product Name / Primary RatingProduct ImagePros / ConsPrice / Primary Button
  • Pros:
    • Breathable, quick dry mesh
    • Grows with your baby
    • Machine washable
    • Comfortable carry with good weight distribution
  • Cons:
    • Mesh can be tough to spot clean
    • Expensive
  • Pros:
    • Light weight
    • Padded lumbar
  • Cons:
    • Not very breathable
  • Pros:
    • Breathable, stretchy cotton
    • Affordable
  • Cons:
    • Can be tough to use properly
    • Weight is carried in your shoulders
Our Pick
4.6
Pros:
  • Breathable, quick dry mesh
  • Grows with your baby
  • Machine washable
  • Comfortable carry with good weight distribution
Cons:
  • Mesh can be tough to spot clean
  • Expensive
$186.19
4.6
Pros:
  • Breathable, stretchy cotton
  • Affordable
Cons:
  • Can be tough to use properly
  • Weight is carried in your shoulders
$33.99
02/18/2024 09:56 am GMT

6. Cold Weather Car Seat Cover

  • Getting in a cold car is uncomfortable for everyone! Help your baby out with an insulated car seat cover
  • Keep the bulky jackets out of the car seat for safety reasons.

📝 Key Features: Zipper top to seal in heat, fleece lining or insulation, open air hole

Picture this: quickly load your child up in their car seat and keep them warm while you’re out running errands without having to keep them in their bulky winter coats. Which can be a big safety concern.

Product Name / Primary RatingProduct ImagePros / ConsPrice / Primary Button
  • Pros:
    • Zip off front for easy access
    • Snap top to regulate temperature
    • Machine washable
  • Cons:
    • Some car seats can be difficult to fit
    • Flaps can be flimsy in wind
  • Pros:
    • Windproof and water resistant
    • Clean design
    • Machine Washable
  • Cons:
    • Large on some car seats
  • Pros:
    • Flat zip for easy loading
    • Doesn't cover face
  • Cons:
    • Lighter weight than others
Our Pick
4.8
Pros:
  • Zip off front for easy access
  • Snap top to regulate temperature
  • Machine washable
Cons:
  • Some car seats can be difficult to fit
  • Flaps can be flimsy in wind
$39.29
4.7
Pros:
  • Windproof and water resistant
  • Clean design
  • Machine Washable
Cons:
  • Large on some car seats
$36.99
4.6
Pros:
  • Flat zip for easy loading
  • Doesn't cover face
Cons:
  • Lighter weight than others
$33.99
02/18/2024 10:33 am GMT

7. Bibs with Sleeves

  • Cold weather mealtimes get messy! But sleeve bibs keep their jacket sleeves clean!

📝 Key Features: Front pocket, mess proof fabric, adjustable closure

Picture this: baby’s arms stay bundled up and clean, happily self-feeding as you smile on. No more post-meal jacket scrubbing or digging food out of high chair corners. Sleeve bibs are mealtime magic makers!

Product Name / Primary RatingProduct ImagePros / ConsPrice / Primary Button
  • Pros:
    • Lots of color options
    • Machine wash
    • Waterproof
    • Made from recycled bottles
  • Cons:
    • Can be tight on larger wrists
  • Pros:
    • Cute patterns
    • Machine wash
    • Waterproof
  • Cons:
    • More expensive
  • Pros:
    • 3 pack
    • Waterproof
    • PUL fabric is stain resistant
  • Cons:
    • Tie closure
Our Pick
4.7
Pros:
  • Lots of color options
  • Machine wash
  • Waterproof
  • Made from recycled bottles
Cons:
  • Can be tight on larger wrists
$21.99
4.6
Pros:
  • Cute patterns
  • Machine wash
  • Waterproof
Cons:
  • More expensive
$12.95
4.4
Pros:
  • 3 pack
  • Waterproof
  • PUL fabric is stain resistant
Cons:
  • Tie closure
$9.99
02/18/2024 11:00 am GMT

8. Machine-Washable Mittens

  • Mittens constantly soaked in drool are no fun to clean and replace. Machine-washable mittens save the day!
  • Toss them in with laundry when they get yucky. With machine-friendly fabrics, you’ve got an almost endless mitten supply.

📝 Key Features: knit fabrics, grippy palms, cuffed wrists

Picture this: tossing soaked mittens straight into the wash for fresh, ready-to-wear hand warmers in no time. Your baby’s hands will stay toasty warm all winter long. Hallelujah for machine-friendly fabrics!

    • Super warm - Minnesota designed
    • Hook and loop closure
    • Fleece lined
    • Water resistant
    • Bulkier
    • 4 pack
    • Sherpa lined
    • Runs small
    • Gentle elastic
    • Pull on closure
    • light weight
    • New born sizing
    • Not water resistant
Our Pick
4.7
  • Super warm - Minnesota designed
  • Hook and loop closure
  • Fleece lined
  • Water resistant
  • Bulkier
$14.99
4.6
  • 4 pack
  • Sherpa lined
  • Runs small
$17.99
4.4
  • Gentle elastic
  • Pull on closure
  • light weight
  • New born sizing
  • Not water resistant
$12.95
02/18/2024 11:35 am GMT

9. A Baby Snowsuit

  • Getting little ones bundled for playing in the snow is anything but simple. All those clothes, squirming limbs, tricky closures!
  • Save yourself time and hassle with a cozy zip-up snowsuit. Slip it on and zip it up—done!

📝 Key Features: full-body coverage, non-slip booties, water-resistant fabric

Picture this: easily zipping your kiddo into a snow-ready suit with a breeze. No more wrestling with snow pants, layers, and boots! Ditch the dressing room tantrums and embrace the magic of wintry adventures. The snowsuit is your kindred mama spirit!

Product Name / Primary RatingProduct ImagePros / ConsPrice / Primary Button
  • Pros:
    • Wind and water proof
    • Cute hood
  • Cons:
    • Runs small
  • Pros:
    • Machine washable
    • Fleece lined
  • Cons:
    • Runs big
  • Pros:
    • Machine washable
    • Fleece lined
    • Cute hood
  • Cons:
    • Runs small
Our Pick
4.6
Pros:
  • Wind and water proof
  • Cute hood
Cons:
  • Runs small
$35.99
4.7
Pros:
  • Machine washable
  • Fleece lined
Cons:
  • Runs big
$44.60
4.5
Pros:
  • Machine washable
  • Fleece lined
  • Cute hood
Cons:
  • Runs small
$30.99
02/18/2024 11:57 am GMT

ou’ve Got This, Mama!

Getting your brand new babe ready for their first cold weather season can feel straight up overwhelming. I mean, who really knows how many layers these little humans need to stay nice and toasty, right?

And putting together teeny-tiny winter outfits that actually fit and work is like putting together a complex puzzle. Not gonna lie, there were definitely days during my daughter’s first winter when I stared hopelessly at the contents of her closet and thought, “I’m in over my head here!”

But let me tell you this: you are rocking this whole new mom thing! As long as baby has a few key pieces that check all the boxes – cozy, comfy, flexible, and machine-washable – you two will be prepared to take on any weather.

Don’t doubt your abilities for a second. Do you hear me, mama? You’ve got the instinct and love needed to pick the perfect gear and keep your baby happy.

So take a deep breath, give yourself a pat on the back, and don’t forget to enjoy every magical, blissful moment of your little one experiencing the seasons for the very first time. Before you know it, winter will be a distant memory. And when next year rolls around, you’ll be a seasoned pro at bundling up your bigger baby!

But for now, snuggle that sweet little snowsuit-clad cutie extra close. You’ve so got this.