Marin turns 8 months old today and I just can’t believe how fast time goes. It feels like everyday goes by in a blink. When I went up to Vermont two weekends ago to help Craig I was gone for 48 hours. When I got back I felt like Marin had changed so much. Maybe it was getting away that made me notice things I hadn’t before, but I am really trying to be present and soak in each day with her.
Marin LOVES being outside, I guess most babies and toddlers probably do? She is so happy being outdoors either on a walk or playing in the yard. I bring her high chair out on the deck to eat most meals because it just makes her so happy. When I posted this photo of her all bundled up a few weeks ago I got a lot of questions about baby winter clothes, and how to dress your baby for winter, so I thought I’d share what we use the most.
Since she was a February baby she spent all of her time as a newborn very bundled in winter clothing. Craig started taking her for morning walks with the dogs when she was just a few weeks old and I think that might be what solidified her love of the outdoors. Of course she has completely outgrown all of her winter gear (luckily I saved it all for cousin hand-me-downs) and I’ve had to get her a new cozy wardrobe for this fall and winter. I imagine Woodstock will be even colder than on the island so I stocked up on lots of baby snowsuits, cozy fleece and outer layers for the colder months.
Cold Weather Baby Clothes
SleepweaR
My go to for most of Marin’s clothes and onesies is Hanna Andersson. Everything is organic cotton, the quality is really good (they can withstand a lot of washing) and they often run sales. For colder nights I put her in either this long sleeved onesie or if it’s really chilly the footed onesie. She got this onesie from Monica & Andy as a gift for Christmas and it’s SO soft. For daytime naps she usually sleeps in this wearable blanket (it’s SO soft) and if it’s really cold I put her in a Mori UK sleep sack (they are expensive but I just bought two and alternate and the quality is great-sometimes they have sales). She doesn’t need any additional blankets with the sleep sack.
jackets
This Patagonia fleece was a baby shower gift and it’s very soft and warm (and luckily still fits!). I found this Patagonia Better Sweater hooded jacket at a local store in Woodstock and it’s perfect for layering in winter. I sized up to a 2T and it fits fine with room to grow. Anything that’s a full zip vs a pullover half zip I find is a lot easier, especially if she gets too warm since the temperature can change so dramatically here in a short amount of time.
Pants
Marin gets a TON of wear out of these knit leggings. They’re a great, stretchy and comfortable thick pant for fall. They’re washable and I’ve had no problem getting stains out. These fleece leggings from Primary are also very cozy and perfect for wearing as a thin layer. My Aunt got her these quilted pants from Baby Gap in white last year and they’re perfect for a cozy layer on cold mornings.
Fleece and Down Snowsuits
When Marin was really tiny this fleece one piece kept her really cozy. As she grew I got her this Patagonia fleece suit (I sized up to 18M so it will fit through the winter). We used this Patagonia bunting a lot for middle of the winter walks last year (on really frigid days). It’s VERY warm and she only needed a onesie underneath. It was great for the newborn stage too because you can fold over the hands and feet so there’s nothing exposed. This year she has a water repellent Primary snowsuit that I layer fleece leggings and a jacket underneath. She’s pretty much outgrown that so I ordered her a new set of bibs and a jacket in size 2T (luckily they are on sale!).
Hats, Mittens and Booties
This Patagonia hat was another baby shower gift and it’s so flipping cute. It’s very warm and soft. She’s wearing the 6 month size in the photo above. I got some Old Navy hats that velcro under the chin too and come with mittens. For neck warmers I use the Skida kids alpine and I also got her some Turtle fur balaclavas.
The Zutano booties are great for babies because it’s hard to kick them off. For more winter boots I got Marin the Ugg Lassen booties (they stay on really well) and the Keelan for outdoors.
I just ordered these Lands End mittens for outside because all the fleece ones get so wet in the snow. Hoping they stay on.
Blankets and stroller buntings
Craig got a Pendleton stroller blanket and we use it a ton. It’s super thick and cozy, very easy to wash and a great way to protect your baby from the intense cold. ChappyWrap also makes really cute stroller blankets and their stuff is great quality (this would be a great gift for an expecting mom). It can easily can be used over a car seat, as a seat cover or in a stroller.
I got the 7AM Enfant Stroller Blanket for our BOB stroller and it’s an absolute must have for winter in Vermont. She is totally covered and cocooned and it keeps her super toasty and warm for our winter walks. It’s adjustable and long so will last for a while too. Definitely and investment but totally worth it because we can bring her out in almost any weather and she’s so happy.
Cold Weather Baby Skincare
I make sure to load Marin up with protective balm on her face and lips so her sensitive and delicate skin doesn’t get chapped. The best I’ve found is Earth Mama Organic Baby Face Nose and Cheek Balm. I slather this generously on her cheeks and chin all the time (it’s great for diapers rashes too). When it’s sunny this sunscreen stick is great and so easy to apply.
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