Babies are happier overall when they get time outdoors. One problem: Winter. Parents (myself included), and particularly first-time parents, sometimes get too nervous about our babies getting cold. But, just like grown-up people, when you dress your baby for the weather, they’re perfectly fine! Another bonus of bundling your baby in winter? They are so cute in teeny tiny winter clothes! Here is the most useful winter gear I’ve found for traveling with my baby girl, Iris.
Hats
It’s cute baby hat season! There are such adorable knit hats out there for babies, and those hats make everyone smile. If your baby is like mine and has very little hair, you’ll want to 100% take multiple hats with you (I recommend 2-3), just in case one gets lost. My daughter kept hats on for the first year of her life, but since then, she has gotten very into taking them off herself. So, pick your battles, but be prepared with a hat!
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Warm Onesies
Not sure what to dress the baby in? Need a one-and-done? Thankfully, onesies made of micro fleece with footies and a hood exist for this very reason! I love these for those mornings when we’re in a hurry, or when I just can’t make another set of choices. My daughter is also more likely to keep a hood on than a hat lately, so it’s nice to have that option. Easy on, easy off, easy warmth, perfect choice.
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Snap-on and Velcro Shoes or Booties
I love these so much. They stay on so well, and they’re warm for those tiny baby toes. If your baby is sort of in between crawling and walking, these are great because of the non-slip soles and flexible structure, not rigid rubber. Best of all, my daughter will keep these on, reducing the risk of losing one or leaving them behind somewhere.
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Sweaters
Baby sweaters are better than grown-up sweaters. You know you agree! Pair one of these with a fun pair of leggings, and I can’t take the cuteness. For extra wintertime warmth, I also like to layer one of these with a long-sleeve onesie. I usually pack three sweaters that can coordinate with three pairs of baby pants, and as long as there’s no blow-out, I can create multiple outfits out of that mix.
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Pants
How small can baby pants be, right? They’re adorable. For very chilly days when I know our travels will keep us outdoors, I like to put a pair of fleece pants over a pair of regular pants. Layers are a winter baby’s best friend. I always bring extra, just in case of blowouts. Bonus points of they can all coordinate with the sweaters you pack, but no judgement if not!
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Coats
Babies in coats are so funny. They look like marshmallows in a puffy coat, teddy bears in sherpa, and tiny teenagers if they wear a corduroy jacket. So cute! But those coats have to actually be warm for winter travels, not just fashionable. Sometimes baby coats are just cute, not really functional. But the ones below will keep your baby cozy on those chilly travel days!
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For Mom: Wrap Sweatshirt
This one’s for Mama! I am still wearing my daughter, and she’s a year and half old as I write this. She’s a little small for her age, which is good for me, and she loves being attached to me. It’s a great way to travel, too, because personally, I get so annoyed with strollers. They can’t go everywhere, especially internationally (hello steps with no ramp or elevator in sight throughout Europe!), and quite frankly, I can walk with my baby faster than I can stroll with her. Unfortunately, my outerwear can’t cover her in front of me, so I’m grateful for options like the ones below, which are made for baby wearing!
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For the Stroller: Footmuff
If you prefer a stroller, you will also want to travel with a footmuff! I have one for our jogging stroller at home, and it really does keep baby warm! The one below is universal, so it should work with any stroller. If you’re not baby wearing and sharing your body heat with baby, this fluffy, sherpa-lined cover is the best option to keep baby warm.
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Wearable Carrier
If you are into baby wearing, you will need a sturdy baby carrier. This one is recommended by many traveling parents, and for good reason: It’s strong, adjustable, and can hold your baby in multiple positions. My girl loves facing me for a nap on the go, facing out to see everything and everyone, and she likes the rougher ride on my back for fun! (That one is also best for me when we go for hikes or long walks.) I also use ours on every travel day. Having my baby on the front and her diaper bag on my back allows me to have both hands free for toting luggage, showing boarding passes, and, of course, holding my coffee.
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