The best winter gear for kids: 14 must-haves from our editor who lives in Alaska❄️

For any prolonged winter activity outside in the cold, it’s best to layer up to create air pockets of warmth. These moisture-wicking base-layers from Smartwool are a family favorite for their performance and durability. Made from 100% Merino wool fabric, they’re best in class for breathability and comfort (they’re not itchy at all!) and easily live on as hand-me-downs making the high price point easier to swallow. (The pants are a great investment as well!)

When a winter hat just isn’t enough, this fuzzy balaclava gives their face, neck and head max coverage. Pull it down and wear as a gaiter when it’s time for hot chocolate!

This sherpa bear bunting wins winter wear MVP for being a comfy snowsuit for your littlest babe, or base-layer under another snowsuit for the chilliest of winter outings. Bonus: your baby bear will never look cuter!

These adjustable snow pants keep kids warm and the bib style keeps snow from going down the back of their pants. Bonus: the price is excellent for the quality and they can grow with your child. The Velcro strap also makes bathroom breaks for kids so much easier.

This jacket is windproof, waterproof and the built-in hood means one less piece of gear to worry about (or one more layer for your little one’s head). It’s a best buy if you live with cold winter temperatures for many months of the year and still love to get outside to play. The reversible style also helps keep it in great condition for hand-me-downs to your next kid.

Similarly, this pick from Patagonia is well worth the investment. The down fill is incredibly warm but breathable without being bulky. The hood is also down filled and fits great with some nice coverage over their neck as well. Super bonus for the reversible design!

Reima’s been making high-quality outdoor gear for kids since the 1940’s. Based in Finland, one of the countries known to let their babes take naps outside all winter long, they’re a go-to for our Alaskan temps. The Baby Down Bunting is my pick for the littlest in my crew for its supreme warmth and hand-me-down durability. I also love the option to zip the legs together and use it sleeping bag style.

The holy grail of kid’s snowsuits, the Reima Gotland is insulated, waterproof, windproof, and its dirt repellent finish makes it virtually stain proof and very durable. The elastic cuffs and silicone foot loops keep snow out of kid’s boots and suit. This suit has a roomy fit which is great for layering and allows your child to grow with the suit. (Read: less snow gear for mama to buy next year.)

Keep their little toes warm with these cozy boots from Sorel. With insulated uppers and waterproof bottoms their feet are sure to stay warm. They’re well constructed and hold up over time, making them a great hand-me-down option for your family.

Cramming baby and toddler feet into clunky, heavy boots is no one’s idea of a good time. And getting them to walk in them? Even worse. They may as well be standing in cement. Much preferred are the soft constructed, fleece-lined stay-on-booties from the Canadian brand Stonz. The adjustable fit makes them easy to get on and the toggles keep them in place. No more searching for one boot in the grocery store parking lot!

Ever tried to keep gloves on a 1-year-old? It’s a tough task, but Stonez has that covered too. (Literally.) These gloves make it a breeze with a wide opening and two adjustable toggles for a snug fit they can’t pull off! Warm and waterproof, and come in sizes from infant to big kids.

For older kiddos, I love these rugged mittens from Flylow which are great for getting out on the mountain. The leather exterior keeps them gippy and waterproof while also keeping the wind out. The inside is soft and breathable. And while they’re on the pricier side for kid mittens, they actually keep hands warm which keeps kids outside for longer. And that’s priceless.

Keeping heat in starts from the top. We love this Carhartt kid’s watch hat for being simple, stretchy, and of course, warm. Plus you can grab the twinning version for mom or dad .

Whether they’re building snow forts in the yard or bombing down the mountain, all the fun is over the second their feet get cold. The best line of defense is a cozy pair of wool socks. Darn Tough is a perennial fave given their quality (top notch), fit (nice and tall to keep snow out) and manufacturing (made in Vermont). But the best part? They’re guaranteed for life. If your kid manages to wear them out, you can return them for another pair.