A mom and her two children all warmly dressed for winter look at a frozen waterfall

How to Dress Kids in Winter: Keeping Your Little Ones Warm in Alaska (or Anywhere Else!)

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Clarice Amorim Freitas

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When I moved to Alaska in January 2021, I was certain that my two-year-old just hated the cold. Anytime we went outside, he’d scream like his life depended on it! The problem? He wasn’t properly dressed (and, honestly, neither was I). After a couple of years, lots of advice from seasoned Alaskans, and way too many online searches, I finally figured it all out. Now, I’m here to save you from all that trial and error and tell you exactly how to dress your kids (and yourself) for winter, whether you’re braving the Alaskan bitter cold or just dealing with chilly weather elsewhere. Keep reading until the end to find special discount codes for some of our favorite gear.

This Isn’t Your Average Quick-Outing Guide

If you’re just running errands and will be hopping in and out of the car, dressing how I am going to describe below is a bit much. Most importantly, remember that children should never wear these many layers while riding on their car seats. However, if you’re planning to actually spend time outside—think sledding, hiking, or even just playing in the snow for more than a few minutes—this guide is for you. Trust me, wearing the right layers is key when dressing your kids for winter fun!

The Three-Layer Rule: Dressing Kids for Winter Fun

Here’s the magic formula for keeping your kids (and yourself) properly dressed in winter: three layers. It’s simple but works like a charm.

1. Base Layer: Keep Kids Warm and Sweat-Free

The base layer is super important. You want something snug and moisture-wicking, made of a fabric like polyester or merino wool. The goal here is to keep sweat off the skin, so your kids stay dry and warm. Stay away from cotton! Cotton absorbs moisture and will leave them feeling damp and cold—nobody wants that.

I usually find my base layers second-hand on Facebook marketplace. As long as something is made or 100% merino wool or polyester, snug fitting, and has a good price, I will purchase it. I have also found inexpensive base layers at stores like Costco and REI.

My Picks:

  • 32 Degrees Base Layer – if you have access to a Costco, you can purchase these for adults and kids for super affordable prices. These were the first base layers we invested on, and we still use them for mild winter days or cold summer days
  • Reima Base Layers for Kids – our favorite outdoor gear brand has base layers in a range of materials and price points, starting at infant sizes (which are notoriously hard to find at other stores)

2. Mid Layer: Insulate for Warmth in the Coldest Days

This layer is all about trapping body heat and keeping the warmth circulating. It should be a bit looser so that it can fit over the base layer—think cozy, not snug. You can often find solid mid-layers second-hand, which is a total win. Fleece is a great budget option – brands like Columbia, North Face, and REI all carry good top and bottom fleece layers! If you want to go all out or if you live in a very cold climate, wool is where it’s at (as usual).

My Picks:

3. Outer Layer: Dress to Protect Kids from the Winter Elements

The outer layer is your child’s defense against the snow, wind, and rain. It should be insulated, waterproof, and roomy enough to fit over the other layers. If you are going to invest in one solid great-quality layer for your children, focus on the outer layer – especially if your kids love being outside all winter long and hate being cold and wet. I strongly prefer one-piece snowsuits for my young children – it keeps them warmer and prevents snow from falling into their pants or sneaking into their jackets. Pants and jackets should work fine for older children if that is what they prefer.

My Picks:

  • Therm Kids Snowrider Collection – Canadian-made with an affordable price point for quality gear
  • Reima Snowsuits – excellent gear made for the Nordic winters and will last through several kids (Stavanger and Gotland and tried and true styles for us)

Don’t Forget the Cold Weather Accessories!

Once you’ve got the three layers down, it’s time to think about the extras—because cold fingers, toes, and ears can ruin a good snow day real quick no matter how well dressed your kid might be. You can’t go wrong with any of Reima’s winter accessories, or read below for some alternative options.

  • Hats or Balaclavas: Go for synthetic or wool materials to keep those little heads warm.
    • Kids Sherpa Hat – Great for little kids who pull their hats off
    • Smartwool Hat – I love this hat for myself and it is the only one my oldest will use because it is soft and malleable
  • Waterproof Mittens or Gloves: Cold hands are a no-go. Invest in waterproof, insulated gloves or mittens. I personally find that mittens work best especially for younger kids whose fingers refuse to go into gloves correctly.
  • Wool Socks: Say it with me—no cotton! Wool socks will keep their feet warm and dry.
  • Waterproof Boots: Look for lightweight, waterproof, insulated boots with room for thick socks. Make sure they aren’t too tight, though—tight shoes can make feet colder by cutting off circulation. I find that children can be very particular about what shoes they will wear, so try a few different brands if you must. Good ones are Reima, Boggs, Merrell, Stonz, and Baffin.
    • Reima Baby Winter Footwear – non-mobile babies will do great with these booties!
    • L-Bow Baby Winter Booties – same as above, but a little more affordable
    • Stonz Scout and Trek Boots – The Scout is the younger toddler version of the Trek and it was the only boot my kids wore as toddlers because it is super lightweight and flexible on the ankle. I haven’t been able to find it new, and have only purchased it second hand, so I believe it has been discontinued.
    • Bogs Neo Classic Kids Boot – Our favorite boot! Completely waterproof, rated to -35F/-37C, excellent grip. It is a bit heavy though, so early walkers could struggle with it.
  • Handwarmers and Toe-warmers: Kid’s hands and feet are small and will be the first part of their bodies that will get cold. Disposable or reusable handwarmers and toe-warmers will buy you more time outside on very cold days! You can purchase them at almost any store, including Walmart.

Wrapping It All Up

And there you have it! Once you’ve got the right layers and accessories, dressing your kids for winter doesn’t feel so daunting. Your kids will stay warm and happy, and you’ll actually enjoy spending time outdoors. Whether you’re in Alaska or somewhere a little less extreme, these tips will set you up for winter fun that doesn’t involve frozen toes or tears.

Ready to gear up? Use the links I’ve shared to grab what you need, or hit up your local second-hand store for some bargains. Stay warm and enjoy winter!

Note: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. As a thank you for supporting my work, use the code WANDERLAND for 20% off your purchase at Reima and the code CLARICE10 for 10% off your purchase at Therm Kids.

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Posted by

Clarice Amorim Freitas

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