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The best baby snowsuit is the Columbia Snuggly Bunny Bunting, according to parents on the What to Expect staff and testers in the What to Expect community. When choosing a baby snowsuit, experts and parents say the most important factors to consider are warmth, comfort and waterproof or water-resistant features.
Wintertime means walks in fresh snow, ski trips and fun outdoor activities — but dressing baby for the cold can be tricky. After all, your little one can’t exactly tell you if they’re warm enough. Plus, finding the right baby snowsuit to keep them warm and dry during the winter isn’t an easy task with so many different options out there. Luckily, we have the information you need to find out the best baby snowsuit for your little one depending on where you live.
Dressing children of any age in warm, weather-appropriate clothing is important. “Infants and children can lose heat faster than they can make it when it is cold outside,” explains Charisma Garcia, M.D., a pediatrician with the Center for Children and Women at Texas Children’s Health Plan. If children are not properly dressed for the elements, they could get hypothermia — for which babies are at an increased risk — or frostbite. If you live in a cold or snowy climate, a baby snowsuit is one essential piece of winter gear to make sure your child is comfortable while outside in the cold.
Just remember, infants and children should not wear large coats or snowsuits while riding in their car seats, per the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).How we chose the best baby snowsuits
To find the best snowsuit for baby, we spoke to two pediatricians, Dr. Garcia and Daniel Ganjian, M.D., a pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. We asked them about the most important features to look in baby snowsuits to keep babies safe and comfortable in cold temperatures. Considering their responses, as well as the feedback from parents in the What to Expect community, we reviewed and select the best baby snowsuits based on the following criteria:
Material and fit: “Babies fall asleep often and the latest safe sleep guidelines recommend that children not be in weighted swaddles or blankets — a snowsuit would fall into this category if your child sleeps in it,” Dr. Ganjian says. Given this recommendation, avoid overly-thick snowsuits that would add extra weight and restrict your baby’s movements. Most of our picks are polyester snowsuits, which is a lightweight material that should be comfortable for baby. And, if your child will be out in wet conditions, you’ll also want an option that’s waterproof. This way, the fabric won’t become heavy and weigh your baby down when it gets wet. Finally, the suit should have a snug fit but still leave room for removable layers underneath.
Ease of use: You’ll want a suit that you can easily unzip or unsnap when your child comes back indoors as well as for easy diaper changes. And, of course, there are bonus points if it’s easy to get your child into the suit. Most snowsuits on our list are machine-washable, but avoid any that require dry cleaning if you'd rather avoid this extra hurdle.
Safety: “You want to make sure that, if your child falls asleep and their head nods downward, their airway will still be clear,” Dr. Ganjian says. So, you should avoid snowsuits with straps over baby's mouth or snowsuits that are too loose and will result in their airway being covered. Also, because little fingers can get frostbite easily in cold conditions, having a snowsuit with built-in mittens can be a good option, especially if baby likes to take off their mittens.
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Size range: 0-3 months to 18-24 months
Available in a variety colors and patterns (from bright red and classic black to critter-patterned picks), there’s a style of this soft down Columbia baby snowsuit for every child. No matter which option you choose, you’re guaranteed warmth via a soft microfleece hood, duck down and foldover cuffs to keep little hands and feet warm. The exterior fabric is water-resistant, ensuring your baby will stay dry if she plays in the snow.
"It's easy to get on, easy to clean (and quick to dry), and super soft on the inside," says Christine Mattheis, Group VP, Content & Brand Solutions. "[My daughter] Rose is 4, and I've stuck to Columbia brand for every snowsuit I've bought her just because I had a positive experience with the first one."
And, at around $100, it's on the more affordable side when it comes to baby snowsuits, so you'll get a lot of value for a good price.
"For 18 months we used a Columbia one piece. So much easier. My kid who gets cold easily was always toasty in it."
"We used the Columbia Snuggly Bunny Bunting one piece last year and I LOVED how warm it was. We tried to reuse it this year but it's just a tad too small. She didn't have troubles walking around in it though. I would have bought a new bigger one for this year but my cousin gave us a hand me down 2 piece so we're just using that."
"I loved the Columbia snowsuit. Warm enough for playing outside in a Montreal winter and not super bulky so it’s easy to walk and move around in the snow."
Size range: 0-3 months to 18-24 months
This North Face baby snowsuit with fold-over mitts for baby’s little hands is made from recycled synthetic down fill and is a high-performance pick that’ll hold up during cold and wet winter days. The North Face’s ThermoBall technology also packs warmth into a sleek, lightweight (read: packable!) product. It also has built-in fold-over mittens and booties so you don’t have to separately buy mittens to keep baby’s hands warm. Parents rave about the quality and warmth, so if you’re willing to splurge, this might be the baby snowsuit for you.
"We like The North Face Thermoball."
"For a snow suit I got the north face bear one piece suit and the north face Thermoball one piece, so I can layer the two."
"We bought her a snowsuit from the north face that is excellent for cold and wind."
Material: Nylon and polyester
Size range: 6-12 months to 18-24 months
This Columbia waterproof jacket and bib set for babies or toddlers includes an extra inch-and-a-half of material on the pants and jacket for your little one to grow into. Waterproof, it’s perfect for rainy or snowy days, and the knees and bum areas are reinforced just in case baby takes a tumble. Also good? The jacket is reversible if you want to change up baby’s look. Parents love the adjustable straps, although some say the fabric is thinner (and less warm) than expected.
"Also in Canada! We just bought the columbia double flake 2 piece snowsuit. It passes the pinch test (I tried it). I put him in the carseat with his jacket but no snowpants and then plan on using the snowpants to play outside. I have a columbia winter jacket made of the same material as his and it’s about the same thickness. It keeps me warm all year (I add a sweater underneath when its like -20) , so I know he’ll be warm in his."
Material: Down, nylon, polyester
Size range: Newborn to 18-24 months
This heavy-duty Patagonia baby snowsuit doesn’t feel heavy, even though it’s packed with (recycled!) 700-down duck and goose fill. A soft, furry hood makes it a cozy pick for baby, but you can rest assured that your little one will be super warm (this is the brand’s warmest one-piece pick). And those two down-the-side zips make getting her in and out a little bit easier. Plus, every Patagonia product has a lifetime warranty, so you can always get it repaired, replaced or refunded — often for free.
"I live in Northern Canada in the Yukon Territory. I bought my baby a Patagonia snow suit that Isnt bulky at all and still warm, insulated and water/wind proof… warm enough for outings in the freezing cold."
Size range: 0-3 months to 12-18 months
Adult snow bunnies love Obermeyer gear for its reputation on the slopes (founder Klaus Obermeyer, a skiing aficionado, is 100 years old!). Get your kiddo started early with the Obermeyer baby snowsuit, which is wind- and waterproof (with adorable animal ears and fun patterns, too). This one has features like a Sherpa fleece lining, a fleece chin warmer and fold-over hand and foot warmers to ensure your little one stays toasty while playing in the snow. There’s even a small chest pocket and accessory ring to hold a binky. And with longer double zippers, it’s easy to get on and off (the most important feature of all).
Size range: 0-3 months to 12-18 months
Don’t live somewhere that gets super cold, but still need to keep baby warm? This L.L. Bean soft fleece baby bunting is your best bet. It has all of the top-notch features of a made-for-winter-storms snowsuit (rollover cuffs, one long zipper for simplified changes), but you won't have to worry about overdoing it on warmth. Plus, who can resist those bear ears?
" We live in Maine. I like the L.L. Bean jackets, snow suits and boots. Plus they usually last 2 seasons."
Size range: 1T to 4T
Getting your child in and out of their snowsuit quickly is important, and the Fairy Baby suit makes it easy. Double zips allow you to open one side or both, giving you plenty of room to place your little one inside or make outfit adjustments on the fly. The zippers have covers at the top, so you don’t need to worry about your child accidentally getting poked. A down alternative filling provides extra warmth, while the suit’s windproof exterior helps your little one stay cozy. And, of course, the dog theme is adorable.
"Our daughters love these. Because of the way they zip, we love them because we can pop the girls in and out, fully clothed no problem."
Material: Polyester, nylon taffeta lining
Size range: 6-12 months and 18-24 months
One of the toughest parts about buying seasonal clothes for little ones is that they grow out of them quickly. This L.L. Bean baby snowsuit (which currently comes in purple, pink and blue) has hidden “grow cuffs” that can lengthen out 1.5 inches to accommodate a growing baby (and hopefully make the snowsuit last for multiple seasons).
In fact, Sarah Darby, Senior SEO Strategist with What to Expect, used a 2T for her 1-year-old last year and confirms that it still fits great this year (with even a little extra room). "It has been a great budget saver," she says. "My son wore it for an hour long walk while it was snowing and he was toasty warm when we got home! The hood also has a stretchy band that keeps it on his head."
A full zip at the front makes this suit easy to get on and off (a plus) and gaiters on the inside keep snow out. It’s also weather-resistant and non-restrictive enough for baby to play with ease.
"We love the LL Bean Cold Buster Suit. My son had one for 2 seasons (I order big) and now my daughter has one."
"I love the L.L. Bean one piece snow suit with grow cuffs that extend an extra 1.5in. Light weight and easy to move around in, but super warm and a breeze to put on and take off."
Size range: 0 to 9 months
Your baby may not fit into her snowsuit next season (or even next month), which is where this affordable H&M baby snowsuit comes in handy. This puffer-style one comes with a hood, foldover mitts and feet, and a cozy fleece lining for head-to-toe comfort. The zipper at the front is full-length, which makes for easy changes, too.
"They have the cutest padded snowsuits at H&M. …You can do layering with zipper onesies and a bodysuit."
We referenced information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and spoke to the following experts and pediatricians: Charisma Garcia, M.D., Pediatrician, Center for Children and Women at Texas Children’s Health Plan, Houston, TX.Daniel Ganjian, M.D., Pediatrician, Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
Additionally, we consulted several What to Expect staff members, including:Sarah Darby, Senior SEO Strategist, mom of a 1-year-oldChristine Mattheis, Group VP, Content & Brand Solutions, mom of a 4-year-old
Finally, we canvassed the What to Expect community boards to learn which snowsuits parents felt were warm and most comfortable for their babies.
It might be a good idea to invest in a snowsuit as soon as you plan on taking baby outside in cold climates. The AAP specifically recommends that you dress your child in thin layers before going out in the cold, starting with close-fitting layers on the bottom like tights, leggings and long-sleeved bodysuits. After that, you can add pants and a warmer top, like a sweater or thermal-knit shirt, along with a fleece jacket. Finally, you'll need protection in the form of a hat, mittens, socks, booties and, of course, a snowsuit.
When the weather is extremely cold, however, don’t risk bringing your baby outside, says Dr. Garcia. In general, it’s best to avoid temperatures below -15 degrees Fahrenheit, as AAP recommends. The wind chill, i.e. what the air temperature feels like thanks to a combination of cold temperatures and winds blowing on exposed skin, matters as well.
Wind chills below -15 degrees should also be avoided with your baby, the AAP recommends. Keep in mind, though, that if it feels cold to you, it may feel even colder to your baby, because little bodies can’t retain heat as well as adults, says Dr. Ganjian, it might be best to stay inside and be safe.
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