Winter must haves for kids, toddlers and babies

Unlike some of my friends, I am NOT a fan of the Canadian winters. Too cold, too much snow and don't get me started on freezing rain!

When I became a mom (YAWN! Most boring expression EVER!), I told myself that I was going to make an effort to make peace with winter... which meant that the kids and I needed to be ready to brave the cold and snow.


Here are some of the "must haves" for winter. Some of these items are part of my everyday life, and some I simply find ingenious!


STONZ http://www.stonzwear.com/

Have you ever had a hard time putting your child's boots on? As a baby, my son had "meat feet" and it took me weeks to find him winter boots that were warm enough and had an opening wide enough for his feet: STONZ!

Made for the Canadian winter, these "boots" are water and wind resistant and they slip easily over socks, slippers, bare feet, shoes, etc. If you have troubles putting boots on your baby/toddler, these are for you and will save you time and a lot of frustration.


Snuggly/Baby Björn Carrieer Cover

For walks, outdoor shopping or simply for spending a little time outside, this is perfect for you and your baby. Just put your child in your usual baby carrier and cover your bundle with this soft, fleece cover. It also has a hood that you can use or keep hidden.

It is much like a blanket, but the elastic bottom wraps under your child's feet to keep them warm - just like a cocoon! The "pocket wholes" for mom are perfect to keep your hands warm too! This neat little accessory can also be used on your stroller or car seat. For sale at Toys R Us.


Extra mittens and Hats

By the end of winter, we have usually lost all but a few mismatched mittens, a hat and, if we are lucky, a scarf! This year, I needed to be better prepared.

I often discard the dollar store, but not this time. They carry inexpensive mittens and hats that can help you when you can't find your kids' accessories. I stock up on a few pairs for each kids, and even a few pairs of gloves for us.

Mitten clips

These might save you from using your dollar store mittens... Outdoor Kids sell them online, but you can find them in a few kid's stores!!

(Another way to keep your kids' mittens from disappearing is to label them!)

Creative mittens

Some will argue that keeping the mittens on your kids is the biggest task of all. At my son school, they would tape his mittens on because he would always take them off! Maybe if he had "cool bear hands mittens", he would not have taken them off!

These come in two styles. Regular ones for babies and toddlers, and some with an opening for older kids. As you can see in the picture, kids can "flip" them open when they need to use their fingers, instead of taking the mittens off.

http://www.bearhands.net/index.php?section=100

Car protector

Anyone who has a new car or takes good care of their car understands how frustrating it is to see how kids get your car dirty. Salt, sand, rocks, snow and slush...

When I was a kid, the only thing to protect your car were those plastic mats you put on the floor. Now with the new car seats, dirty boots are right against the back of the front seats.

Now there is a great way to protect your car and keep it clean. The first is a seat cover you put under the car seat. It is great for any food that might escape your kid's hands and any potty accidents that might happen in the car. Be sure to get one that is waterproof!

The second protects the back of you front seats. Some are simple, and some have different compartments for toys, books and snacks.

Balaclava

I'll admit, I can't pronounce this word without having it written in from of me... or else it sounds like a Greek dessert!!! BUT, these are awesome for kids, toddlers and babies! They keep you kid's head, ears and neck warm with one piece of fleece that won't move while your kid is playing. These are comfortable and perfect for playing, skiing, skating or any other outdoor sport you and your kids enjoy.

http://www.kidskiandrain.com/balaclavas.html

SPF cream and lip protection

It's not because it's winter that we need to put the sun screens away. When your kids are going outside, don't forget to put it on every patch of skin that is exposed.

Now it's your turn to let us know what are YOUR "winter must haves"!