The Outdoor Clothing and Play Guide for Children
A checklist of our favorite cold weather & in-between seasonal outdoor play & wear.
I’ll never forget reading the statistic from Sanford Health that found, on average, American children spend less than 10 minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play compared to the seven hours in front of a screen.
>>> I knew I wanted something different for my children, but I was intimidated by our new move to the mountains of Idaho with excessive snowfall. I had no clue how to properly keep my baby warm (now toddler in forest school!).
Through research, trial and error, and following a Nordic way of embracing cold weather, I’ve put together a list of our top favorite gear so you can keep your babies dry and warm as they play outside for hours on end, no matter where you live!
Enjoy!! Click on any photo or bullet point to get direct access :)
Psssst… As a general rule of thumb for layering, you want your system to consist of a base layer, mid-layer, and a waterproof/windproof shell! The base layer should wick sweat away from your body to keep you comfortable (think: wool). The mid-layer traps heat to keep you warm (fleece or insulated jacket). And the shell protects you from the elements.
Oh, and P.S. if you’re anything like us, we ALWAYS size up on clothing items! Nothing like rolling the sleeves a couple times to get another year or two out of an investment of merino wool ;)
THE BASICS - BASE LAYERS
MERINO WOOL BASE LAYERS - Woolino, Chasing Windmills, Amazon, and MamaOwl who I recently discovered carries my all time favorite brand of EU wool Engel Natur (only available through specific retailers) are where I look to find Merino Wool base layers. Hooowever… since we invested in a wool suit for Winnie (10/10, my number one recommendation besides the rain suit), we often opt for a thin cotton baselayer under her wool suit and some warm socks! Size up with Smartwool. (Note: We love SmartWool but I have found that some pieces are a little scratchier than others. Chasing Windmills has some of the softest merino wool!)
100% ORGANIC COTTON BASE LAYERS/PJs - We are big thrifters and often look for 100% cotton or organic cotton for Winnie. Still, I’ve come back to these cotton pajamas repeatedly, and they also make for an incredible base layer!
(INFANT FRIENDLY) FLEECE FOOTIE PAJAMAS - Before we invested in a Merino Wool Suit (we’ve done so twice; we keep sizing up as Winnie grows because we love it SO much), we would use any old fleece footed pajamas with wool socks (depending on freezing temps) under an insulated onesie!
WOOL SOCKS - Warm feet are everything. Socks plus toddlers can be a pain, but determining which works for your kiddo through trial and error is the best. Lately, we’ve been loving the Woolino 3-pack! But I would also try something like this!
OUTERWEAR 🤎
Let’s be real; investing in quality outdoor clothes is just that… an investment. We waited for Black Friday deals, made Christmas lists, and saved up for these items that we intentionally chose to pass down to future children after Winnie outgrew them. And as stated before, we size up to get as many months/years out of them as we can! We don’t have much, but what we do have is created to last & do its job!
>>> WOOL SUIT (My #1 Recommendation with Discount!) - Truly, truly, truly, if there were anything I’d recommend to mommas wanting to invest in quality, WARM clothes, it would hands down be THIS wool suit. Raw wool in boiled water shrinks the materials making it warmer & even more water-resistant. This suit is soft, wearable, WARM, and can be used directly in the snow or rain. The sleeves and feet have built-in cuffs to keep your little one warm even if they aren’t in the shoe-wearing phase! Our * chef’s kiss * combo for playing outside or attending forest school on cold winter days is a thin baselayer (cotton or wool), this wool suit, and putting our rain suit over it, keep it completely dry. Topped with our wool balaclava if it’s windy or a wool bonnet or Carhart hat on days it isn’t as windy! If you are looking to buy through Amazon, then click HERE for our wool suit. *** These are both authentic wool suits, only sourced in Germany & Nordic areas - the sizes are European and often run very big! Check reviews to get an accurate size for your little one! (When Winnie was 10 months old, we bought the 3-6 month size & she still had room to grow in it!)
RAIN SUIT (My almost #1 Recommendation 😉) - This is a TOP recommendation similar to the above! I specifically love and use this brand! We buy a size larger as the 2-piece suit cinches on the sides of the overalls. They also come in one-piece suits for little ones! We love the option of taking off the jacket on Spring days when the sun comes out, but our girl still loves to jump in mud puddles. For a little more money, this brand is always highly recommended among forest schoolgoers. If you are looking for even more budget friendly, check this one-piece rain suit out, too!
WOOL BALACLAVA - Since we moved to Idaho when Winnie was 9 months old, we bought this Danish merino wool brand! It is the softest Merino wool I’ve ever touched! Unfortunately, this small business is selling off all its inventory as the owner is in her 90s. Sizes are limited! Since we needed to size up, we found this balaclava on Amazon, and it’s working great so far!
WOOL BONNET - We love to keep Winnie warm with a simple wool bonnet for winter days that aren't bitter or windy! Oftentimes, we pair this with a Carhartt hat (we also do the same with the Danish wool Balaclava above!). This is from the same brand above with the softest Merino wool - dream-worthy!
RAIN BOOTS (These are the ones!) - I swear, I’ll be 80 years old with a collection of Winnie’s yellow rain boots from this brand. She is obsessed (and honestly, so are we.) They are easy to use, she can put them on by herself (major mom plus), and BOY, do they keep her warm! She has often worn them for forest school in the snow with her wool socks, and after 2 hours, her feet are still toasty. This is a shoe she wears all year long; however, I don’t recommend it in summer as they are toasty… we just haven’t been able to convince Winnie of that yet. ;)
BABY WOOL GLOVES // INSULATED GLOVES - These wool mittens were a saving grace when Winnie was 9 months to 16 months, even though the size we got was 1-2 years. We stuffed her hands in them, tied them off, and rolled the cuffs on her wool suit as we went snowshoeing, watched sled dog races in negative temps, or had to drive to the Post Office on a cold January day. // Insulated gloves, now that Winnie is older & can get her fingers properly in them, are a hit! She can get them wet & muddy as she works hard during forest school making pinecone brownies ;) TIP: I’ve seen moms put tall adult wool socks on their kid’s hands/arms for gloves to ensure they stay on! To each their own, but if it works, it works!!
WINTER BOOTS - Besides her beloved rain boots, we often look to thrift WIDE-TOED winter boots! Make sure you get ones that have some wool or other insulation material. We often hear people love this brand and of course, THIS is a brand favorite in our home!
SNOW BIBS / INSULATED JACKET - As a 9-12 month-old, Winnie screamed anytime she was in an insulated onesie — it wasn’t until we switched to the Wool Suit that she enjoyed being outside for hours on end in the Ergo baby carrier. I think because the puffiness of the jacket wasn’t her favorite! We still occasionally put Winnie in snow pants & an insulated jacket if we know we will be outside without a lot of movement (i.e., watching sled dog races), but more often than not, we use our Wool Suit x Rain Suit combo!
IN-BETWEEN SEASONS
FLEECE LINED OVERALLS - This is a favorite in our home! We wear these anytime we feel the weather change from Fall to Winter with the cold breeze. They are comfortable and thick! Perfect for rainy days, playing in the mud, or looking cute for an outdoor breakfast. ;)
OUTDOOR OVERALLS - These are such a staple in our home that we have them in multiple colors hehe. For the in-between of Summer to Fall and Winter to Spring. They are thick but comfortable, which makes for playing outdoors a breeze!
MERINO WOOL JACKET - This is the perrrrfect jacket for when you don’t need a full wool suit but would love a little layer & to keep warm. A great staple piece to pass on from kid to kid! We have it on our Christmas list this year. <3 Click here for a discount applied at checkout!
WOOL PONCHO - This wool poncho was gifted to us by family and it was the best surprise! We are asked about it everywhere we go. An easy pull over for car rides, dinner, airport travel days, etc. that keeps you warm and cozy.
KNIT BONNET - A simple & cute way to keep warm in those late spring, early fall days!
RAIN SUIT & RAIN BOOTS (listed in the above section!)
OUTDOOR PLAY
DIY OUTDOOR KITCHEN - This is a hit at forest school every. single. week, and you can make it in your backyard! Simply thrift stainless steel kitchen utensils, muffin pans, colanders, pots & pans, and set them up on a basic wood plank held up by stumps (or something more permanent!). You can have an activity center for your kids to play for hours in the snow, rain, mud, and sunshine. NOTE: If you’re looking for one already made, check out this Outdoor Mud Kitchen!
THRIFTED BASKETS - I keep a small woven basket in the car for when I go to the forest to walk with Winnie; this is her basket to pick up any treasures she finds along the way and helps keep her moving and out of the wagon/stroller.
IGLOO BOXES - These little boxes are genuinely so therapeutic to build any kind of snow fort, igloo, fence, or whatever your mind can imagine! 😂 Like, you’ll find me out there by myself building in the snow.
SNOW PAINTING - Get a regular ol’ paint brush & washable paint for them to paint the snow OR take a step further and fill spray bottles & condiment bottles with a mixture of washable paint and water to spray over the snow. We first saw this done in forest school & the kids loved to “paint their igloos” with all the colors. :) If you’re looking for a kit, then click here!
WINTER SCAVENGER HUNT - First, scavenge through your mom’s beanie baby collection from the 90’s & take out all the woodland critters to hide around the backyard for your little ones to find. This is a great way to keep them entertained, moving, and learning about wildlife, and even a bonus activity to learn about tracking and animal prints.
KID SIZE SNOW SHOVELS - For the little helpers ;)
SLEDS WITH BACK - For babies and toddlers to keep upright when pulled around! This is also a way to keep your kiddos entertained by taking out some stuffed animals they can tote around with their sled.
INDOOR PLAY
*AESTHETICALLY PLEASING STEPPING STONES ;) - Recommended by a Children’s Occupational Therapist, I have these currently in my cart as a Black Friday Deal for Christmas! When the sun sets earlier but bedtime feels eons away, these stepping stones will be a way to play inside & in multiple ways. These are sensory stepping stones used to promote coordination and balance skills.
WOODEN INDOOR PLAY GYM - Another great indoor activity for those days you don’t want to get outside but want your child to burn off energy! This was a great way for Winnie to build confidence as she climbs and balances. Orrrr a great way for her to put her stuffed animals down the wooden slide for a good hour. ;) If you have the space and looking to upgrade to something bigger, then check out this gym here!
KIDS COUCH & FORT - I know everyone loves the Nugget Couch… but personally, we were recommend this brand & LOVE it. It’s way more sturdier & thick, which makes sitting, lounging, and building easier. Note: if you have cats, they will probably destroy the cover because of the materials unless you go for the waterproof one! We went for the double couch!
SENSORY TABLE - This table with storage bins built-in is a great way to start a sensory table activity. From shaving cream to water, bubbles, etc, you can find endless ways on Pinterest for your little one to play indoors while you drink your morning coffee. We love using our Gather leather mat under any activity like this!
SENSORY BOX - We bought this stunning box of wooden sensory toys for Winnie for her 2nd Christmas, and it was (and still is) a hit. From dried black beans looking like dirt with little toy carrots in there to colorful poms for her to scoop & organize, I know she’ll be playing with this for years to come. A great way for individual play as well! Note: We “protected” them with Coconut Oil the night before and let dry and the MOST beautiful stained & soft to the touch wood is what we have.
UNBREAKABLE BEESWAX CRAYONS - I’ll never turn down a box of crayons for $2.99 at the store, BUT they often are broken in a minute, and I’m still convincing Winnie not to take a bite of them 🫣 These beeswax crayons are jumbo size, non-toxic, and unbreakable! Game. Changer.
TINY SPACE INDOOR KITCHEN - We were gifted this kitchen for our tiny space & love it. It’s aesthetically pleasing, minimal, but still a “staple” decor piece in Winsome’s room. It is more fragile, like most modern “wooden” furniture. However, if you have the budget for it and want something more heavy-duty WITHOUT the plastic, do us both a favor and buy this wooden heirloom kitchen instead! I’ll live vicariously through you, hehe.
SCREENLESS ENTERTAINMENT - This little device is a screenless way to play, learn, listen to music, classic stories, podcasts, and so much more for your kiddos. You have to buy each “card set” individually, but I can’t think of a better way to spend time getting access to things like this without being glued to a screen! You can also check out the mini-version here.
KID-FRIENDLY DIGITAL CAMERA - Winnie grabs my mini digital camera every time I take it out and loves to capture things around the house & outside from her POV. Having a digital camera that is kid-friendly but also allows you to sync the photos to your computer & phone is such a beautiful gift & way to celebrate their creativity. However, I would get this camera for children a little older!
MONTESSORI INSPIRED KID COOKING UTENSILS - This little set is a staple in our home & kitchen! It teaches children how to work safely in the kitchen next to you and gives them the freedom to learn with their hands. We would buy this again in a heartbeat!
TRAVEL
CHARIOTS - Whether you decide to go for the wider Chariot (like the one we have in red) or a slimmer modern as the Burley Chariot, you’ll have the foundation to attach a front jogging wheel, a bike attachment, sled attachment that you can pull as you snowshoe or skate, or keep it as is with the four wheels to go over multiple kinds of terrain. This is an investment but one you’ll have for years. We bought ours off of FB Marketplace after lots of research & then purchased the ski attachments new! We bought the 2-seater for more babies to fit in AND it does come with an infant sling for those tottin’ around littler ones! NOTE: If you are looking to buy second hand for a fraction of the price, Thule bought out the original brand, so search: “Cougar Chariot” :) I did some research to see if I wanted the Cougar Chariot or the Burley - do some Reddit deep dives!
SKI ATTACHMENTS - After moving to Idaho, I was * shooketh * to find that people actually bought SKIS for their STROLLERS! When you have icy and thick snow conditions, even the best all-terrain strollers can’t keep up like the skis do. Note: This is for the Thule/Cougar Chariot :) Not the Burley!
STROLLER COVERS - When the snow hasn’t quite come & you don’t want to haul your big chariot, OR you live in an area that gets cold, but you don’t quite need a chariot, you’ll be using your stroller! I loved having this stroller blanket for Winnie (we kind of jigged it to use as a car seat cover, too). Making walks a whole lot cozier for your babe!
MEDICAL SHEEPSKIN BABY/TODDLER SLEEPING BAG (BASSINET WALKS)- Same as above, but wool! A perfect investment piece to keep your little one cozy on your travels & one we’ll invest in for a future little one. :)
THE PERFECT SHEEPSKIN RUG (BABY ESSENTIAL) - Hear. Me. Out. If you know me, you know I love all things sheep & wool already, BUT besides being the cutest little fluffer butters ever… there’s SO many benefits to using wool for your baby as a warming layer. Sheepskin rugs help regulate your little one’s body temperature; they deter dirt and bacteria (anti-bacterial!), are hypoallergenic, and moisture-wicking for skin protection! I’ll use our sheepskin rug for an extra padding on cold weather walks with the chariot, a bottom blanket for bassinet stroller walks, and and indoor bottom rug in a cradle for any future newborns. This small business comes HIGHLY rated: Fair Trade Naturally Tanned European Made USA Owned Non Toxic.
BABY CARRIER - We use this specific baby carrier for long walks! You can use this as a 360 option, but after much research, I’ve found that front carrying with the baby facing you is the best for their hips or regular back carrying! A great way to keep baby close to you with ACTUAL support… and one your husband isn’t ashamed of wearing hehe.
PULL SLEDS WITH BACKS - Having a little pull sled that has a back for your little one’s support is one of the best purchases you can make for Winter. We use these for long walks, playtime, or shopping around downtown when Winnie couldn’t walk just yet. It’s light enough that your toddler can pull it themselves for a fun activity with their stuffed animals or dolls.
A LITTLE SOMETHIN’ FOR YOU :)
MY FAVORITE * COLD-WEATHER * MUCK BOOTS - The perfect Winter slip on boot that keeps your feet TOASTY. I mean it. I do not wear these on Fall days when the sun is out… the tops of the boot suction to your calf to keep you well insulated. I often wear these with thinner socks or thick wool socks on days outside where I won’t be moving around as much. 10/10. Chef’s Kiss. Worth the money! Plus, look how cute!!
MY TRIED AND TRUE SNOW BOOTS - I’ve had these classic snow boots for over 10 years and they are still holding up beautifully! These heavy shoes are perfect for snow days, snowmobiling, outdoor events in the cold, etc. This year I’ll replace the inner wool lining with a new one to keep things fresh & warm. I hope these are boots Winnie will always remember her momma in. :’)
MY TRIED AND TRUE ALL-SEASON LEATHER BOOTS - These all-season leather boots are some of the comfiest boots I’ve ever worn. I have sensitive feet and was able to wear these out of the box to Ireland, where we walked for miles and miles each day - not a single blister. They come in all sizes and styles, but the craftmanship and quality makes the price worth it. I’m on year six of heavily wearing these boots and they are holding up just great. My mom and husband now are major fans of the brand and have a couple styles in their own personal closet.
SHEEPSKIN GLOVES - A friend recently sent these to me from a company she loves & instantly added them to my Christmas list!
WATERPROOF PARKA** - ** I have not bought this coat yet (same with the one below!) but I’m in endless search of the perfect Waterproof jacket that goes below the waist, I’ve narrowed my options down to these 2 through extensive reviews, comparison, and personal recommendations from those who own it! My first pick is the Swedish-designed Waterproof Parka which is higher in price but I love the thoughtful design & personally was able to try it on in the store. Flattering, warm, & with great reviews. My second choice is a favorite among a lot of my friends and it’s this Waterproof Parka. I’m still stuck between the two!
COZIEST DOWN JACKET TO ANKLES** - Exactly the same as above, I’m in need of a down-filled jacket that goes down to my ankles that I can keep for (fingers crossed) the next 10-20 years. That’s right - I buy for present Joelle and 40 year old Joelle 😂 My MIL, who lives in the cold of Wisconsin and thrives being warm, raves about this exact coat. I tried it on recently in the store and I almost bought it right there and then. It’s truly the PERFECT mix of cozy sleeping bag that doesn’t feel like you're the Michelin tire man walking around in a puff. It goes down to your ankles (bonus) and is rated “Warmest” among its competitors. I stopped a woman at the sled dog competitions (where it’s negative degrees) asking if she was wearing * thee * coat, and she raved on about it being the best coat she’s ever purchased. It is NOT waterproof, but water resistant, so keep that in mind!
FLEECE LINED PANTS - A great cozy pair of pants for forest school, cold weather walks, and running around town. I’ve used these as “spare” snow pants, but if you’re going to fully commit to playing in the snow, then I’d invest in an actual pair of snow pants alongside these!
KNIT HOOD / ADULT BALACLAVA - A great addition to any jacket that doesn’t have a hood or a hood that isn’t cozy. I love keeping my neck warm, and this is a major plus!
WOOL BASELAYERS - Simple baselayers to keep warm as you layer under your jackets and fleeces!
FLEECE SKIRT (OVER LEGGINGS) - I’m a legging girl all year & these are a great way to keep your booty warm when you’re out walking, XC skiing, running errands, or going out to dinner. They are big in my little ski town, and I think they are the cutest. I’m trying to get my hands on an all-wool one from a local vendor!
WINTER BEANIES - A staple in our home. We love getting this brand because Noah and I can use them interchangeably. :)
FLEECE NECK WARMER - Anothers staple in our Winter wardrobe. The easiest way to keep warm when you’re going out is throwing on a fleece neck warmer and putting on a jacket, hat, and gloves. Great to use for your neck or pull it up higher to cover your nose on those reaaaallly cold & windy days.
“There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”
Let’s intentionally choose to embrace all that Fall & Winter have to offer us by being prepared.
Let’s give our kids the gift of PLAY in every season.
Let’s give our families the joy of loving each season, no matter what it brings.
I hope this guide helps you navigate the change of cold weather & gets you excited to get outside!
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Did I miss anything that you would add to this list?!
Have you tried any of these products above? Let me know in the comments!
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