Winter coat for wee one

[Anonymous]

I recognize that this is about the most naive question ever, and that in posting it, I invite ridicule. I just ask that you try to be funny about it, 'cause I could use the levity.

So... it's getting cold. My kid (first one, obviously) is 13 months, almost-but-not-quite walking. I've been saying for weeks that I need to find a winter coat, but I have no idea how to go about it. She's in her car seat to and from daycare, so I worry about the bulkyness of a coat making the straps less secure, and also about her comfort while in the seat. But we live in the city, so we walk a lot, too. In the stroller, I worry that her legs are cold in her little cotton pants. She definitely doesn't put up with a blanket over her legs.
Do I go for a long coat? But wouldn't that make walking hard?

I basically don't know where to begin. If you bought a coat for a kid this size that you love, I would be forever grateful if you told me about it, or better yet, posted a link.

Cheers.

[Anonymous]

LL Bean has great kids coats. They are a little on the expensive side ~$40-50 but if there are any issues they can be returned no questions asked. A less expensive option might be The Children's Place.

[Anonymous]

I bought down jackets for both my little ones and a one piece down suit at REI. Kept them warm and comfy and not too bulky.

[Anonymous]

when we are out and about we were fleece pants or lined pants - pick some up from old navy. also other heavy pants ..

for jackets we have heavy warm wiery jacket for walks and out and then for the carseat I have more of a fallish style one peice(no feet) zip up fleece outfit that goes over his clothes

[Anonymous]

You are not supposed to strap a kid in a carseat with a winter coat on. The safety guidelines are to remove the coat. I did not get my son a winter coat last year, he was 18-21mos. We just wore sweaters and a fleece. We did not spend much time out in the cold, he does not like the cold wind blowing on his face. I got a remote start for my car, so it was always warm when we got in.

This year, I'm sure he will want to play outside, so we will be getting one at LL Bean.

[Anonymous]

I love the one piece fleece jumpsuits from LLBean. We had one for DS last year, and may do one again this year. (llbean website - baby and toddler - coveralls).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love the one piece fleece jumpsuits from LLBean. We had one for DS last year, and may do one again this year. (llbean website - baby and toddler - coveralls).

I have one like this from Lands End and LOVE IT! I was lucky enough to inherit a second one for when DD is older.

[Anonymous]

Old navy has nice, inexpensive down jackets and matching snowpants. Also loved the fleece lined jeans from there and the Gap. Down vests are a good option too, see LLBean.

[Anonymous]

When my kids weren't walking, I went with the one-piece fleece suits. When they were crawling, they didn't like the snow that much. Once they started walking, I went with the ski bibs and a ski jacket over it, and boots, mittens (several pairs) and a hat. I like LL Bean or Lands End for stuff like this. I alway kept a warm blanket in the car to cover them up with on the way to school in the morning, and didn't bother with the coat until we went into school (we have a garage though).

[Anonymous]

MY DS is 13 months and I just got him a jacket at Nordstrom's yesterday-$65 I think it's Columbia brand? not too bulky-removable hood-we got 3T so he could comfortably wear it over sweatshirts, etc which are size 2T. Good to know you can't use that in the car seat-that is what I thought but good reminder--we got him a bunch of outfits that come with pants and a matching sweat tops and I put a t underneeth (sp?)to layer

[Anonymous]

Lots of great advice above. Here are a few more suggestions:

1. Buy the coat big, so that you can get two seasons of use out of it. We sprung for a Bean parka last year, but it still fits DS this year. (Just roll up the sleeves in year 1.)

2. In the car, put the coat on backwards, so that it functions as a blanket with sleeves.

3. Leggings, tights or even pajama bottoms are all good to layer under pants if you're going to be out and about.

4. Keep a stroller blanket handy. She may change her mind about having something to snuggle under once it gets colder.

5. Don't forget that gap where the pants meet the feet. Buy long socks that you can pull up underneath the pants, so that no skin is exposed when she's sitting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When my kids weren't walking, I went with the one-piece fleece suits. .

Is it safe to put the baby in a car seat while they're wearing one of the fleece suits? I know winter coats are not OK to wear in the car seat, but fleece seems thinner and probably wouldn't compromise the safety.

[Anonymous]

We have been buying 'Widgeon' Fleece Jackets for an 18 mos and a 2.9 year old.

They are:
300 Polartec Fleece
Machine Washable
Velcro Closure

We buy ours at Beyda's Lad and Lassie Shop off of River Road (behind American Plant Food) at the Giant strip mall in Bethesda.

[Anonymous]

We are in the market for a winter coat for our 13 month old DS. Any thoughts on this one from Lands End:

http://www.landsend.com/pp/SquallJacket~176300_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::ZTU&CM_MERCH=IDX_00007__0000001032&origin=index

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I'm really confused about coats. Can somebody help me too. My son used to have one of those old navy polyester puff jackets but we used to stay indoors and he had a bundle me.
now that he's started school, i really want to get him the warmest jacket since the school allows the kids outside in 20-30 degree weather. i am confused by the options at
LL Bean. Is 100% down the way to go? Today I purchased a Ralph Lauren jacket at Filenes but it doesn't specify the fill while LL Bean and Lands End both say their down jackets are 650 fill. There are some non-down jackets they are advertising as well.
It looks like I'll be spending over 75 on this jacket so I'd like to make an imformed decision before I purchase it.
Thanks!!