byKorin Miller
Medically Reviewed by Tina Feeley, M.D., M.P.H.
| January 3, 2024
What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
Quick Summary
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.
Best Baby Snowsuits
Best Overall Baby Snowsuit
Columbia Snuggly Bunny Bunting
$100
See Review
Amazon
Photo: The North Face
Best Lightweight Baby Snowsuit
The North Face Baby ThermoBall One-Piece
$120
See Review
Best Two-Piece Baby Snowsuit
Columbia Infant Double Flake Snow Set
$89
See Review
Amazon
Best Down Baby Snowsuit
Patagonia Infant Hi-Loft Down Sweater Bunting
$169
See Review
Best Baby Snowsuit for Active Tots
Obermeyer Kleine Bunting
$110
See Review
Maisonette
Best Fleece Baby Snowsuit
L.L. Bean Infants' Hi-Pile Fleece Bunting
$50
See Review
Photo: Amazon
Best Toddler Snowsuit
Fairy Baby Toddler Infant Winter Snowsuit
$37
See Review
Best Baby Snowsuit for Growth Spurts
L.L. Bean Infants' Cold Buster Snowsuit
$99
See Review
Photo: H&M
Best Affordable Baby Snowsuit
H&M Padded Snowsuit
$50
See Review
Wintertime means walks in fresh snow, ski trips and fun outdoor activities — but dressing babyforthe 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 fasterthan they can make it when it is cold outside,” explains Charisma Garcia, M.D., a pediatrician with the Center for Children and Womenat Texas Children’s Health Plan. If children are not properly dressed for the elements, they couldget 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 atProvidence 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 guidelinesrecommend 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.
Why Trust Us?
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
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Best Overall Baby Snowsuit
Columbia Snuggly Bunny Bunting
Buying Options
Amazon
Columbia
Kohls
Pros
- Ultra warm
- Water-resistant
- Available in a variety of colors and sizes
Cons
- Some parents say it runs large
Material:Polyester
Size range:0-3 months to 18-24 months
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It
Available in a variety colors and patterns (from bright red and classic black to critter-patterned picks), there’s a style of this soft downColumbia baby snowsuitfor 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.
Community Reviews
babytee19
"For 18 months we used a Columbia one piece. So much easier. My kid who gets cold easily was always toasty in it."
BHA2020
"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."
poptart4
"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."
Best Lightweight Baby Snowsuit
The North Face Baby ThermoBall One-Piece
Photo credit: The North Face
Buying Options
Pros
- Water-repellent
- Lightweight
- Built-in mittens
Cons
- More expensive than other snowsuits
- Limited color options
Material:Recycled nylon
Size range:0-3 months to 18-24 months
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It
This North Face baby snowsuitwith 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.
Community Reviews
MomTribe
"We like The North Face Thermoball."
jmv91
"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."
michleeann21
"We bought her a snowsuit from the north face that is excellent for cold and wind."
Best Two-Piece Baby Snowsuit
Columbia Infant Double Flake Snow Set
Buying Options
Amazon
Columbia
Pros
- Waterproof
- Reversible
- Offers room to grow
Cons
- No sizes for younger babies
Material:Nylon and polyester
Size range:6-12 months to 18-24 months
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It
This Columbiawaterproof jacket and bib setfor 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.
Community Reviews
mama2JL95
"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."
Best Down Baby Snowsuit
Patagonia Infant Hi-Loft Down Sweater Bunting
Buying Options
Pros
- Water-repellent
- Ultra warm
- Dual front zippers for easy on and off
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Limited color options
Material:Down, nylon, polyester
Size range:Newborn to 18-24 months
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It
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.
Community Reviews
char2628
"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."
Best Baby Snowsuit for Active Tots
Obermeyer Kleine Bunting
Buying Options
Maisonette
Obermeyer
REI
Pros
- Interior windguard
- Dual front zippers for easy dressing
- Fold-over mittens
Cons
- Not available in bigger toddler sizes
Material:Polyester
Size range:0-3 months to 12-18 months
Why We Love It
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).
Best Fleece Baby Snowsuit
L.L. Bean Infants' Hi-Pile Fleece Bunting
Buying Options
Pros
- Lightweight
- Soft
- Good option for warmer climates
Cons
- Not waterproof
Material:Polyester fleece
Size range:0-3 months to 12-18 months
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It
Don’t live somewhere that gets super cold, but still need to keep baby warm? ThisL.L. Bean soft fleece baby buntingis 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?
Community Reviews
podang
"We live in Maine. I like the L.L. Bean jackets, snow suits and boots. Plus they usually last 2 seasons."
Best Toddler Snowsuit
Fairy Baby Toddler Infant Winter Snowsuit
Photo credit: Amazon
Pros
- Windproof
- Waterproof
- Double zipper for easy access
Cons
- Runs small
Material: Polyester
Size range:1T to 4T
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It
Getting your child in and out of their snowsuit quickly is important, and theFairy Baby suitmakes 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.
Community Reviews
JayCeeNYC
"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."
Best Baby Snowsuit for Growth Spurts
L.L. Bean Infants' Cold Buster Snowsuit
Buying Options
Pros
- Wind- and water-resistant
- Lasts a long time
- Gaiters keep snow out
Cons
- Limited color options
- No sizes for younger babies
Material:Polyester, nylon taffeta lining
Size range:6-12 months and 18-24 months
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It
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.
Community Reviews
MamaLinds
"We love the LL Bean Cold Buster Suit. My son had one for 2 seasons (I order big) and now my daughter has one."
LuvUs2Bits
"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."
Best Affordable Baby Snowsuit
H&M Padded Snowsuit
Photo credit: H&M
Buying Options
Pros
- Less expensive than many other snowsuits
- Stylish silhouette
Cons
- Not waterproof
- No toddler sizes
Material:Polyester
Size range:0 to 9 months
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It
Your baby may not fit into her snowsuit next season (or even next month), which is where this affordableH&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.
Community Reviews
CanadianMama86
"They have the cutest padded snowsuits at H&M. …You can do layering with zipper onesies and a bodysuit."
Our Research
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-old
- Christine 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.
FAQs
When should baby start wearing a snowsuit?
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 is the weather too cold to bring baby outside?
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.
View Sources
- WhatToExpect.com, How to Dress a Newborn Baby for the Weather, February 2022.
- WhatToExpect.com,How to Protect Babies and Toddlers in the Cold, October 2022.
- American Academy of Pediatrics,Winter Car Seat Safety Tips from the AAP, January 2023.
- Mayo Clinic,Hypothermia, March 2022.
- 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.