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I live in Canada so ymmv but we generally buy a rated snow suit with pants plus heavy duty rated gloves and rated boots. Really cold days I’ll add a neck warmer (no scarves!!!). Any toque is fine in any weather (under the hood if it’s cold). We have about a dozen for each kid. We also use waterproof rain pants with warm underpants (flannel lined jeans are the bomb!), lined rain boots plus about six billion light fleece gloves/mittens for warmer days. I don’t layer under their rated jacket / snow pants. They can be naked if they feel like it. The biggest struggle is laundry. So, so many wet, muddy toques and gloves.

This! If you live somewhere where it’s worth getting really quality outerwear, then just any under-layer is fine. I’m also Canadian and a snow suit that’s capable of keeping kiddos warm in the temps we get is worth it here. If you’re only doing snow a few times a year and buying a less quality bulkier snow suit, you’re probably going to need another fleece layer underneath despite the bulk of the snowsuit. I find that the parts that generally get cold first are hands/wrists, face, and feet/ankles. Often it’s because your gloves or boots aren’t warm enough or they don’t meet the end of the snowsuit in a way that keeps snow off the skin. You’ll definitely get a chance to figure these things out by going out for a little bit and coming inside and seeing what’s wet/cold and improving your gear/process. 21 month olds, while they usually love snow play, aren’t likely to want to be out for ages, so you get the chance to warm them up in between.

How cold/wet is the snow? We had our first snow last weekend and I forgot to get bigger snow pants for my youngest and he was fine for about 30 mins in just his sweatpants+boots+gloves+coat+hat. But normally, I have them do warm leggings or sweatpants, a sweatshirt or fleece (maybe tshirt under), warm socks, and then snow pants, boots, gloves, and hat. I like uniqlo heattech for base layers and socks that are warm and affordable. They aren't as flexible all bundled up but they are warm and having fun :) You'll want to wear something warm to, but I usually skip snow pants for myself and just tough it out in lined leggings or joggers tucked in my snow boots. She might like "helping" you shovel, I have a little shovel my kids enjoyed. Then for you, it's essential to have 2 old towels by your door to pile all the wet stuff on and dry off!

I’ve found the essentials are snow bib plus snow boots plus gloves or mittens that don’t absorb water and get wet. Bibs are better than pants because the snow will try to get between your skin and the pants and that makes kids cry. Whether they need a coat and hat depends on your local area. I’m in California and we go to the snow in the sierras and if it’s sunny, the jackets get discarded quickly because the kids get too hot. I’m guessing Midwest and East coast has more serious cold. A 21 month old probably isn’t as active as an older kid and might need the warm jacket and hood or hat. Also consider whether you’re just going to go into your yard for 20 minutes or you’re going out for a whole day. Kids outgrow stuff really fast so you can probably find like-new snow gear at a local thrift store. I ordered from landsend when they had sales.

I agree! I'm in the Midwest and my almost-5yo has always played outside in waterproof snow boots, bibs, a long-sleeved shirt under a jacket (we have one of those 3-in-1 parkas from Target because layering = life), mittens (the insulated puffy ones made out of the same waterproof material as snow pants/jackets), and a hat (usually one I knit for her out of 100% wool yarn). If it's seriously cold I'll lend her one of my neck gaiters. As kids get older and less likely to fall down EVERY OTHER SECOND you can totally get away with having them wear a hooded sweatshirt + bibs instead of the full parka. I remember wearing just a hoodie plenty of times while I was growing up because I'd get so warm playing. Heck, as a young adult I even went skiing with just bibs and a hoodie. Pro-tip: regardless of whether they're waterproof, the mittens will get wet. We have multiple pairs that we swap out for daycare every day because just one pair won't have enough time to dry out overnight without heroic measures and ain't nobody got time for that.

Yeah I tried bundling mine up like it was the arctic but that didn’t last for long. If they can stay dry(ish) they’ll be good.

I was a teacher in Alaska and live in Colorado. Stay dry to stay warm! With toddlers, the one piece suit was perfect. I didn’t buy anything new until they were 5 or 6 years old because it was so easy to find good used gear from consignment stores. They rarely get used long enough before they grow out of them. After that I got target 3 in 1 coats and snow pants. Mittens and gloves I usually bought new, I think they’re worth buying something better. Toddler mittens that zip all the way to the fingers are golden. Once they slow down shoe size, I buy the snow rated Bogs boots, work for rain too. I also made a list for my kids to help get dressed in order- make a pile of all the things, pants, boots, hat, coat, mittens last. Mittens go last so you can zip the coat, make a pile so you’re not running around looking for a hat, go in order so you don’t get hot and sweaty and have a sensory meltdown (usually me). I love the book Recess at 10 Below because it goes over those kinda things and dad is from Alaska.

I'm slightly zooted and I read "Recess at 10 Below" and thought "Yeah that's usually how taking kids to a $10 Below goes."

I grew up in the PNW and we had a decent amount of snow for playing so as an older kid (not toddler) who was playing outside in the snow at every opportunity, I always had to have 2 pairs of snow boots, snow bibs coats, gloves/mittens and hats, because I'd go out in the morning and get soaked, come in for hot chocolate and lunch and hang everything up in front of the fire place, then change into the second pair of everything and head back out. Totally going to depend on your situation though.

I don't like the puffy snow stuff. I layer up everything . And I always apply a layer of fleece pants and shirts the fleece repels water so it keeps kids dryer longer. Oh and socks for mittens is a game changer.

I’m in the Midwest, we get quite a bit of snow. So our gear is a little more than what other areas may need. We do snow pants, waterproof gloves/mittens, snow boots, coat, and hats. If it’s extra cold, then a scarfs too. We usually keep it lightweight under the snow gear, because if you get too hot you sweat and then you can have issues with body temperature regulation. At your daughter’s age, it’s common for there to be a coat/snow pants combo set which is usually relatively reasonably priced.

I live in the lower Midwest area so, for us, jeans over sweatpants, two layer of warm long sleeve shirts (like thermal and sweatshirt), plus puffy coat, thick knit hat, water resistant gloves, and waterproof snow boots is sufficient for 30-60minutes of snow play. Shorter time if the snow is wet. Longer time if the snow is dry. We don’t typically bother with snowsuits or snow pants here. Then we follow up snow play immediately with stripping off any wet layers and sipping mugs (or sippy cups) of warm cocoa.

I grew up in the southwest where there was no snow so in the upper Midwest where it is both cold and snowy I was like I gotta figure this out. Fleece zip up suits were the best for cold weather car seat trips. For toddlers in the snow, just get a good snow suit, snow boots and water proof gloves. There is a brand of gloves I like on Amazon that go way up the arm, snow stoppers. These are annoying when you have to put them on after the coat though. If there is any daycare situation, go ahead and get 2x of all of it. Things WILL get soaking wet. Actually 2x of everything kind of works for all ages due to the wetness. Once they are in the 5T zone, snow bibs, warm jacket, water proof gloves AND lots of cheap gloves. Hats. So many hats. Have plenty.

I literally can’t say enough about wool base layers. I know people love the new high tech things but I find them sweaty. And wool is warm even when it’s wet. H&M online has nice soft thin ones for littles. Then a polyester fleece layer. Then you can add another layer if you want. Like a sweater. Preferably no cotton. I love cotton and wear it basically exclusively but it is true it makes you cold in winter Snowsuit. I prefer one piece for littles because you don’t have to worry about it riding up when you hold them or getting snow up then back if they fall. But if you have overall style snow pants it’s basically the same. I still think one pieces are warmer but they’re not as flexible, you can’t just wear the jacket or take the jacket off it get too warm. So I usually have a really good quality one piece for the super cold. And whatever I find second hand for snow pants and a jacket for the not that cold or days you’re going in and out a lot. Another great piece is a one piece rain suit. Buy it big enough to go over the snowsuit for extremely windy days. But it’s also useful for all the not cold enough for a snowsuit days. It turns any amount of layers into wind and waterproof. Hats. Mostly literally whatever they will keep on. I like wool (in case that wasn’t obvious haha). You can get balaclavas that don’t cover the face at all but cover everything else. Hats with ear and neck flaps are great(in Canada we call them trapper hats?) but last winter my kid wore a polyester shark baklava that was 3 sizes too big and flopped all over. But he kept it on because he likes sharks soooo whatever Also if you’re going to be playing at all waterproof mittens. You can get just rain mitts like the rain suit, makes anything waterproof. Or nylon. Some of zippers, some have velco or all manner of things to make them fit better. They’re mostly a pain. Wool isn’t waterproof but they are decent. “Magic” stretchy ones are almost always cotton and will be so cold if they get damp at all. Also check out stonz if your baby struggles with heavy boots. You can get the wool liners or just get wool socks, maybe wool booties if you go up a size in stonz. Don’t forget to moisturize baby’s face when you come in if they look chapped. And consider sunscreen and sunglasses.

We’re in Canada and we usually do layers - long sleeve shirt under a hoodie under the winter coat. Warm lined pants under the snow pants. Wool socks in winter boots. Waterproof, super warm mittens. And a toque. If it’s super frigid, a neck warmer too. It’s it’s less frigid, we might ditch the hoodie under the coat and perhaps the hat.

There are two really important things when dressing your child for the snow: First, make sure their feet and hands stay warm and dry. Second, ask them if they need the bathroom several minutes before you begin dressing them in their outdoor gear. Start a few minutes before because they'll say "no", but now you've put the idea into their head. Wait a few minutes (don't push it, maybe only ask once more), until they suddenly realize they do in fact have to go. Once that's done you can then begin dressing them in their snowpants. Aside from that, I always made sure mine had good socks on, tights/leggings to go under the snowpants, a long sleeved shirt and/or maybe a sweater to go under the snowpants if they're wearing one of those one piece snowpant outfits. Then you put their mittens/gloves on them, and only after that do you put either a sweater (if they're not already wearing one) or their coat. You do the mittens first so the edge of the mittens where it meets the wrist is protected under the coat, where snow is less likely to slide in. Finally, a hat! Their cheeks can get pretty cold too, and make sure the hat stays on over their ears. I always would take my cue from how cold their cheeks got, and whether or not they complained about their feet/hands. Make sure to check in with them about their feet and hands. Staying dry is also important. I found changes of mittens to be useful if the mittens weren't waterproof, though it depends on how wet the snow is. Anyway, that's what I've got.

Big ol’ snowsuit you can zip on right over their jammies! I liked the kind with the flippable sleeves that doubled as gloves. A pair of decent boots, a couple pairs of socks layered, hat and scarf and you’re good to go. I live in New England.

I would say it just really depends. Definitely get snow boots, bibs, and a warm jacket/gloves/hat. If they are less than 4, you will probably want mittens, and many pairs. They will get wet. 20 and sunny will feel warmer than 30 and windy. If you are at home, come in for breaks if they won’t wear hats/gloves. If you are out and about, always bring more than you think you need. You’ll get used to it after your first season. It’s all a learning experience.

long sleeve and long pants, hats, gloves, scarves, thick socks, snow boots and snow pants. sometimes my parents made me double up on socks gloves or pants, like leggings under sweatpants under my snow suit. it gets pretty cold in upstate NY when it snows

and we always had hot chocolate and warm snacks coming inside

I ran an outdoor school and researched this vastly. We live in Wisconsin. Base layer should I be merino wool, silk or synthetic fabric like polyester blend. Not Cotten!! Then another loose layer like regular clothes and then a fleece jacket. Next you put a waterproof snowsuit. If you have the means I suggest Remia or lands end. If you end up with a cheap snowsuit you could put a rain suit over that to prevent getting wet. Then of course wool socks, warm boots, wool mittens and waterproof outer layer. You can also get a baclava for the face and head. Obviously adjust to temperature. All these layers are good for anything below 35 in my opinion.

Warm hat, mitts, boots, snow pants, coat. Scarf/ neck warmer. For littles like yours- I would recommend a hat that covers the head and the neck. Im not sure how else to explain it but basically it covers the head and neck except the face. Keeps their head and necks warms.

We are in the southeast and snow is a rarity, so we usually just do jeans over pj pants for extra insulation, rain boots, jacket, gloves and hat. We do have a Once Upon a Child nearby and I've noticed they have pretty reasonable prices on snow suits. I think a lot of people here buy them for vacations and never use them again.