8 Cold Weather Essentials for Your Tot

Well, we've survived our first big blizzard of 2016. If there is anything I have learned as a parent who has seen six snowy winters with small humans it's that the secret to their (and therefore your) happiness is: 

• OVERALL WARMTH
• DRY FEET AND HANDS and 
• PLENTY OF WINE FOR AFTER BEDTIME. 

Therefore, I've gone ahead and compiled a short list for you of some cold weather essentials we wouldn't be able to survive a winter without. I promise you, some of these might even pacify the pickiest of kids who refuse to put on torturous things like gloves and/or boots.

God speed my parents friends- remember, with each snow day that passes, you're one day closer to Spring. At least that's what I've been chanting to myself since last Friday... 

StrideRite Made2Play Sneaker Boot: If there is anything more difficult to squeeze your toddler into than gloves, it's boots. I don't know what it is about boots but my kids are incapable of shoving their foot all the way down on the first, second and third tries. These Made2Play Sneaker boots by StrideRite eliminate the hassle of shoving your child's foot into a clunky, heavy boot by bringing together a flexible lightweight sneaker and seam-sealed, fleece-lined upper designed to keep warmth in and water out. What's even better is that these "snoots" are so flexible they can easily be folded up and tossed into any bag for on--the-go fun. Available in many colors and even a couple of fun character prints, be sure to head to StrideRite to learn more about them. 

Kid's Snow Bib: If I learned anything at all from six winters as a parent, it's that snow bibs are greater than snow pants in all of the ways. Okay, maybe not so ideal when someone inevitably shouts, "I have to go potty!" but the less ways for snow to creep into someone's pants, the better. We love these snow bibs but the truth is, any snow bib will do whether it's a $70 Columbia brand suit or $15 suit from OshKosh. We've tried them all, trust me. 

SnowStoppers Waterproof Mittens: Hands down, no pun intended, these are the greatest waterproof mittens ever invented for kids. The best part about them is the extra fabric sleeve that reaches nearly to their elbows, making sure snow stays out and warmth stays in. I tell all of my mom friends that their kids need these mittens, that's how much I love them. Plus you don't have to scream at your child, "EVERY FINGER HAS A HOME" when putting them on because they're mittens and not stupid motherf*&^%ing gloves. (no? just me?)

Kid's Merino Ski Socks: One surefire way to ruin any fun snow day is wet feet. We've found that merino ski socks are the best at keeping little feet warm and dry and do you know what little warm and dry feet like to do? Not come inside three and a half minutes after they walked outside. Winner winner, chicken dinner. 

Lucky Bums Plastic Torpedo Sled: Lightweight and easy enough FOR THEM to drag back up the hill once a pull string is attached. Need I say more? 

The Ultimate Ideal Multiple Snowball Maker: We love it. I mean, my kids love it. Although I can't say who has used it more- my husband and I or the kids themselves. It's great for the ones who just can't quite perfect the art of snowball making on their own just yet. Gives them a bit of an advantage ;)

Original Turtle Fur Fleece Head/Neck Shell: Whether they're throwing snow, rolling in it or making snow angels, snow inevitably finds it way down the backs of my kids jackets and the minute it hits their warm chubby necks, you'd think they were melting in a pit of molten lava. Toddler scarves? Forget it. Turtle Fur is the way to go. It might look like we're headed out on an Alaskan Frontier adventure when my boys leave the house for snow play but one thing is for sure, once they're dressed they stay warm AND dry the entire time they're out there. This is a must-have. 

Monogram Knit Hat: Of course your child doesn't need a monogrammed knit hat for the winter months but this hat from Bridier Baubles The Monogram Shop is one of my absolute favorite winter pieces. The best part is that it starts getting use during the chilly Fall months and keeps our tiniest head warm clear through the winter ones.