I have taken my kids on a few snowy hikes already, and having the proper winter gear for them makes all the difference. They can play in the snow for hours (literally) and when we get back to the car, their toes, ears, and fingers are all toasty warm. Over the years I have perfected the art of how to dress a toddler for winter hikes.
I put together exactly what my daughter wore on our most recent hike. It was around 23°F and not windy. She is almost 2 years old and tends to run warm. Sometimes in these conditions I would opt for a mid layer, but for this hike, since I knew it was going to be short and she would be moving a lot, I skipped it.
What My (Almost) 2 Year Old Wears On a Winter Hike
Base Layer
Iksplor Adventure Onesie: When it’s really cold, I love this Onesie. It’s a zip up and a little thicker than the 2 piece set. On their website, they call it a mid layer, but I use it as a base all the time. Of course you could put the 2 piece set underneath and treat the Adventure Onesie as a mid layer for extra warmth. (My code is HaileyOutside)
Outer Layer
Reima Gotland Snowsuit: This snowsuit is waterproof and well insulated. It is breathable as well which is great since my toddler hikes a lot on her own. She has no problem running around in it and the fur hood helps block the wind as well. (My code is Hailey20)
Hands
Reima Ote Mittens: These are my all time favorite kid mittens. They have an adjustable cinch around the wrists to help them stay on. They come up to about mid arm. They are waterproof and insulated as well as abrasion resistant which is great for my toddler who loves to pick up lots of rocks and sticks. (My code is Hailey20)
Feet
Wool socks: I bought these socks when my toddler was a baby and they are going on their 3rd winter. They are really thick and warm. Great for babies, toddlers, and kids. Like I said, they are thick, so they aren’t going to work great if your kid’s shoes are at all too small.
Reima Kids Boots: These are the boots have been great so far this winter. The smallest size is size toddler 4.5. They are waterproof and insulated with a wool/fleece blend. The sole is thicker and the kids feet have been plenty warm every time I take them off. They are very easy to get on and my 4 year old is even able to get these on himself which I love. (My code is Hailey20)
Head
Reima Balaclava: A thick, warm balaclava is very effective in keeping kids warm in the winter. There are no gaps so the heat gets trapped. My kid’s both like to wear them and if they get warm, I just pull the hood off so they are wearing it like a neck gaiter. I do love this thin balaclava as well especially under my kid’s bike helmets or if the weather just isn’t too brutal. (My code is Hailey20)
Reima Balaclava: This is another favorite balaclava of hers. I love the pom poms and she loves wearing it because she thinks they look like mini mouse ears! This is just as warm as the above balaclava, but I do recommend sizing up. (My code is Hailey20)
If you have questions about how to dress a toddler for winter hikes or how to have successful winter hikes with kids, check out these posts!
