Key Points
-
Any parent wants to protect their child from cold temperatures in the winter.
-
The right winter gear, including infant snow boots for 12-18 months, keeps extremities warm.
-
Babies and toddlers need different snow boots as they age.
When you have a baby shower, you get many products you never knew you needed. A wipe warmer? What is that? A diaper genie? Do trash cans not work for babies? You might even get a pair of infant snow boots for 12-18 months and wonder whether your baby really needs winter footwear.
Infant snow boots aren't just fashionable accessories like that cute baby octopus costume on Amazon. Even if your little one isn't hitting the slopes, you still need to ensure that their toesies are snug as a bug. Dressing an infant or toddler for the cold wintry months is challenging. Knowing the ins and outs of picking the right winter clothes for your baby means you can stress less about their safety and focus more on snapping cute snow day pics.
Recognizing a Cold Baby
As a parent, you want to be in tune with your child to meet their needs. Warmth is important for infants and babies. Even though they have a higher body temperature than adults, little ones have a hard time regulating their internal temperature. Their blood circulatory system is still new, and blood flow focuses on the core of their body, leaving their fingers and toes vulnerable. There are plenty of times when cold feet are normal and nothing to concern yourself about. However, if their toes hit extreme temperatures, like those found in the winter months, they become a danger to a child's health.
How do you know when baby is cold? Most babies show their discomfort through crying, just as they would if they're hungry or need a diaper change. First check their hands and feet for signs of coldness. If their hands or feet start to get red from the cold, that's another sign that their body isn't handling the temperatures well. Taking a baby outside in the winter is okay, but only if they are well protected.
Dressing a Baby for Winter
Many products on the market help you to dress your baby warmly for the wintertime. You can't stay inside the whole season — and it's fun to take baby to see the snow for the first time. Start making those happy memories with the right attire for your infant. Be careful not to overdress baby, however, because little ones can overheat.
Here are a few things to consider when dressing your baby for an outdoor adventure.
How Long Are They Out?
If you're running errands and your baby is in their car seat, you don't have to put them in a full snowsuit with tons of layers. Cover the car seat with blankets or a car seat cover to protect them from the brunt of the cold.
If you're outside sledding with the family, that's a different story. Your baby needs layers and complete skin protection for that kind of exposure.
How Cold Is It?
Check the temperature before you go outside to judge how much you need to place on your baby. Winter days range anywhere from 30 degrees to lower temps. You need to dress accordingly, and so does baby. On a sunny winter day, babies are snug in a winter coat and hat. On colder days, they also need gloves, boots, and layers.
The Bottom Layer
When dressing your child for the winter weather, place a lightweight, long-sleeved onesie on them for the bottom layer. This gives you easy access for a diaper change, but the onesie is tight and soft against their skin and helps to keep their core warm. Use footed pajamas that cover their feet or add pants and socks.
Winter Gear
Your baby needs winter gear, just like older kids and adults. Get them a coat with waterproofing and insulation. Ensure they have gloves that fit and pin them to the coat so theydon't go missing when baby pulls them off. Hats are critical as the baby's head loses much warmth and may not have enough hair to help protect them yet. Find a hat with a strap under the chin so they can't pull it off quickly. You want it to cover their ears as well as their head.
Babies love to pull off socks, but you need their toes covered and warm. Put a tight pair of socks on first as a liner and place a larger, warmer pair on top. Boots might seem like overkill on a child who is not walking yet, but baby boots are adorable and offer high-level protection to little toes that quickly freeze.
Wearing the Baby
Baby carriers are a practical way to keep your child warm. Your hands are free to shovel, build snowmen, or get the mail while your child is held tightly against you, warm and cozy.
Cheryl Murfin, the managing editor at Seattle's Child, certified doula, and lactation educator says, "Baby carriers keep your newborn or infant close to your body, which means close to the warmth you generate. Especially in winter, when both of you are more bundled, be sure your baby's face is not pressed into clothing and there is a free flow of air around their head."
Choosing Winter Snow Boots for Babies and Toddlers
If you want some winter or snow boots for your baby, the next step is to figure out what you need to protect their toes. There are several factors to consider, including insulation, waterproofing, and fit.
Insulating Qualities
Many adorable baby boots are on the market, but some are just that — adorable — and offer very little protection from the cold. You must look at the insulation value on any baby boots you consider.
Insulation levels measure in grams. The larger the number, the warmer the boot. You may see boots with 100g of insulation, which is the lowest-rated value. Babies are not likely out in the snowy conditions for hours on end, so you do not need boots insulated to higher levels, like 1000g. Look for boots that are 400g, and count on your baby's toes staying warm and comfortable.
Waterproof Materials
No matter how insulated your baby's boots are, their feet are still cold if wet. Some baby snow boots are water resistant, which means they handle a little moisture, but water still permeates the boots and gets to their feet. You want waterproof boots that guarantee snow and ice aren't able to get through the materials to the feet inside.
Good Fit
Babies are highly active. You need boots that fit well and are hard for the baby to pull off, but the boots need to be easy on. The boots might slip on with a Velcro closure that helps you tighten them. They could have a buckle or elastic that tightens around the top. The tightening helps the boot stay on and keeps snow from getting down through the top of the boot.
It's hard to find the right fit since your baby isn't able to tell you which boots feel best. Get a slightly larger size than their shoes, so thick socks fit on their feet before the boots go on.
Snow Boots by Age
Your child may be an infant now, but babies quickly become rambunctious toddlers. Their feet need to be warm now, but also several months and years from now. Here are some of the best snow boot options for different age ranges.
Infant Snow Boots: 0-6 Months
There's no need for the heavy tread on snow boots for a baby as they aren't able to get down and walk around in the slush. The Jonbaem Newborn Soft Sole Boots are an excellent fit for newborns up to 6 months. The soft, lightweight boots are easy to take off and put on while keeping little feet warm all day. They work well as boots outside but double as indoor slippers if your child's feet get cold overnight. The fur lining is comfortable and cute at the same time.
The UGG Bixbee Ankle Boot comes with terry cloth material and a rubber sole. The machine washable, unisex boots have a hook and loop closure that is easy for parents but hard for the baby to pull off. This customer favorite keeps the baby's feet warm during outdoor trips.
Infant Snow Boots: 6-12 Months
Babies with increased mobility and curiosity call for boots like the Kuner Waterproof Warm Winter Snow Shoes. These boots are flexible and comfortable, allowing the baby to get used to having something on their feet. With gray, blue, and pink options, boys or girls wear the boots with style. Not only are they soft and comfortable, but they're also waterproof and windproof. They feature non-skid bottoms, so if babies start to get up and around inside, they won't slip on hardwood floors. The elastic ankle design helps you to close the boots tightly around the baby's legs so snow doesn't get in through the top.
If you want practical boots that are also cute as a button, the Nomere Baby Winter Buttons Snow Boots are a good fit. The boots look like corduroy materials but feature wool materials and a hook and loop closure. The comfortable materials are breathable and stable. Close the boots around the baby's feet with Velcro, and they stay on and look adorable at the same time.
Infant Snow Boots: 12-18 Months
As your child grows and starts to toddle around, you need snow boots with more soles. The BMCiTYBM Cold Weather Baby Faux Fur Shoes help kids explore the snow for the first time. The warm fur interior keeps feet warm and comfortable, and the rubber soles allow kids to stay upright when they hit slick spots. The boots have elastic laces and toggles to slip on and off easily.
For waterproof and insulation protection, the Dream Pairs Insulated Waterproof Snow Boots take footwear for kids to the next level. These boots have 200g of insulation for a temperature rating of 25 below. The bungee lacing system is easy for children to work with, and the soft faux fur lining seals in the warmth for hours. Boots are waterproof and include color options for style.
Infant Snow Boots: 18-24 Months
Babies get around when they hit 18-24 months and need the non-slip durability in the KVbabby Winter Ankle Boots with Warm Fur. These boots zip on the side and take care of little feet in the cold. They're perfect for outdoor play as they resist deformities. The water-resistant materials keep feet comfortable, and the toe cap adds protection from anything that happens to little feet.
To keep the snow and ice off your child's feet, the Komfyea High Ankle Fleece Snow Boots are a great idea. These higher boots have anti-slip rubber soles and fun patterns for kids starting to show style in their personalities. The soft fur lining warms feet and touches the skin without irritating it. Consider half a size larger to accommodate thick socks.
Toddler Snow Boots: 2-4 Years
Kids run through the snow without abandon at this age, and the Equick Waterproof Lightweight Snow Boots keep up with them. These boots come in various patterns, so kids can choose something to suit their personality. The slick exterior material is water-repellant, and the boots easily slip on and off. The faux fur lining is plush and thick for everyday wear, and the boots feel lightweight and comfortable.
A front zipper helps the WOJWSKI Winter Outdoor Warm Hiking Boots easily slip on. These boots have rubber along the bottom but also wrapped around much of the foot, creating a waterproof element that goes above and beyond. The boots double as rain boots but have insulation that keeps feet warm and comfortable in cold temperatures. The low heel and the textured sole grips the snow and ice well.
Start Shopping Now
Winter sneaks up on you every year, and snow boots are often in stores before the temperatures drop. If you want to have the right options and take your time in finding boots without surprise from winter weather, it doesn’t hurt to start shopping sooner rather than later.
Not every newborn has to have snow boots if you can keep their feet warm and covered when they're outside. Once your child starts exploring the outdoors, snow boots are a must to keep their feet warm and dry.
For more up-to-date info on the latest boot trends, styles, and purchasing options, check out BootAuthority.
