At what temperature should a child wear a snow suit?

Because most snow suits are designed to be worn in the snow, many parents wait until temperatures dip below freezing to dust off their childrens’ snow suits. If you’re sending your children out to play in yesterday’s snow once things warm up, waterproof clothing may be sufficient; otherwise, kids may complain of being too hot.

How do I clean a snow suit?

Many snow suits are machine washable, but you should always follow the manufacturer’s directions when laundering a snow suit or any other item of clothing. When washing down clothing, you may opt to use dryer balls to prevent feathers from clumping.

What should my child wear under a snow suit?

Thin layers can help trap warm air and act as an insulator beneath a snow suit. Long underwear or pajamas can make a good base layer. Add a turtleneck or sweater, warm socks, and accessories such as a scarf, waterproof mittens, and hat to complete your child’s outdoor outfit.

The 10 Best Snow Suits for Kids of 2023

A good snow suit won’t just shield your child from cold temperatures and wet weather. It can prolong outdoor play sessions and help foster an all-season appreciation for the outdoors. Depending on where you live, snow suits could be an infrequent need or a nearly every day wardrobe staple.

No matter how often you'll need one, you’ll want to purchase a snow suit that’s well-made and durable enough to do the job of keeping your kiddo warm, cozy, and mobile. We carefully considered design, material, sizing and age recommendations, and value when reviewing products.

Here are our top picks for kids' snow suits for every budget and need.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Pink Platinum Snowmobile Snowsuit at Amazon

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Best for Toddlers:

L.L. Bean Cold Buster Snowsuit at L.L.Bean

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Best for Newborns:

Patagonia Infant Hi-Loft Down Sweater Bunting at Patagonia.com

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Best Two-Piece:

Columbia Toddler Double Flake Set at Amazon

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Best for Big Kids:

HOTIAN Snow Pants & Jacket Set at Amazon

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Best Snow Pants:

Columbia Kids' Bugaboo II Pants at Backcountry.com

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Best for Playing:

OAKI Kids' Snow Suit at Amazon

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Best Fleece:

Columbia Boys' Western Barlow Bunting at Amazon

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Best Waterproof:

Reima Waterproof Rain Pants at Reima.com

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Best Bib:

The North Face Insulated Bib at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

Pros

Affordable
Reinforced canvas elbow and knee inserts

Cons

Some kids may need help taking it on/off
Hood is not removable

The Pink Platinum Snowmobile Snowsuit earned our top spot because it's affordable and will keep kiddos warm in the most freezing temperatures. It's easy to take on and off thanks to a full zipper, so independent kids can do it themselves.

With sizes ranging from 2T through 6X and three color choices, this fleece-lined, polyester suit fits true to size. Zipped ankle gaiters make it simple to slip on snow boots and then zip the gaiter over the boot.

Price at time of publication: $60

^{Key Specs:
Lining: Fleece | Size Range: 2T to 6X | Outer Material: Polyester}

L.L.Bean

Pros

Full zipper
Comes in infant/toddlers sizes
Hidden "grow" cuffs

Cons

Costly
Sizes run big

Highly rated and perfect for very cold climates, this wind- and water-resistant snow suit crafted by the experts at L.L. Bean is packed with Thinsulate insulation to provide toasty warmth without bulk. The one-piece suit has a full zip for easy on and off. It is reinforced at the knees, seat, and cuffs for extra durability. Velcro closures and elastic cuffs keep in the warmth and lock out the snow.

This suit comes in infant and toddler sizes. All sizes include hidden “grow” cuffs. These add up to 1.5 inches of length at the wrists and ankles to accommodate mid-season growth spurts.

Price at time of publication: $109

^{Key Specs:
Lining: Thinsulate | Size Range: 6 months to 4T | Outer Material: Polyester dobby}

Patagonia

Pros

Double zipper
Made with recycled polyester
Three-panel hood

Cons

Sizes run large
Costly

Whether your babe is outside in a stroller or just beginning to crawl, sit, or stand in the snow, they will need a warm and easy-to-wear suit. This one-piece is insulated with 100% recycled down and lined with super-soft polyester. Generously sized for layering, it will keep those little bodies warm and protected. Parent reviewers do note it runs large, so it may last you through two seasons. The double zipper is appreciated, especially when dressing squirmy toddlers.

Price at time of publication: $169

^{Key Specs:
Lining: 700 fill power | Size Range: Newborn to 24 months | Outer Material: Polyester}

Columbia

Pros

Adjustable hood
Grow system

Cons

Two pieces

Perfect for little ones, this two-piece set comes with a polyester waterproof jacket and separate snow bibs. Suitable for outdoor play, skiing, and other snow sports, the articulated knees and reinforced seat make the set ideal for winter fun. Parent reviewers appreciate that the set is warm and not too bulky, so it’s easy for kids to play and move. The snow bibs have Columbia’s OUTGROWN feature, which extends the lengths of the cuffs so they last through another season.

Price at time of publication: $150

^{Key Specs:
Lining: Fleece | Size Range: 6 months to 4T | Outer Material: Nylon}

Amazon

Pros

Temperature rating of -30 degrees Fahrenheit
Thumb holes

Cons

Some pants run a bit small

Big kids will love staying warm and looking great in this snow pants and jacket set that's perfect for skiing, hiking, camping, or playing outdoors. Waterproof and breathable, this set is rated for temperatures dipping below negative 30 degrees! With sizes ranging from 4 to 16 and over 20 color combinations, there’s a style and size for any kid.

Parent reviewers praise the brightly colored set since it’s super-easy to find their child on the ski slope or anywhere outdoors. Kids love the warm sleeve liners that include thumb holes. Use the size chart, since some reviewers note the pants run a bit small.

Price at time of publication: $106

^{Key Specs:
Lining: Not Listed | Size Range: 4 to 16 | Outer Material: Not Listed}

Columbia

Pros

Unisex
Silicone grippers at leg openings

Cons

No jacket included

If all you need are snow pants, splurge on this versatile pair. With sizes ranging from XXS through XL and 12 color choices, these gender-neutral pants will keep kids warm on even the coldest days. Great for skiing, snowboarding, or just playing outdoors, they’re waterproof, breathable, and have reinforced knees for extra support. Silicone grippers at the leg openings keep the pants secure and the snow out. Columbia’s OUTGROWN feature allows parents to extend the length of the pants, so they may last two seasons.

Price at time of publication: $75

^{Key Specs:
Lining: Polyester | Size Range: XXS to XL | Outer Material: Nylon}

Amazon

Pros

Removable hood
Washable
Elasticized legs and arms cuffs

Cons

Costly

Extra-durable, parents praise this as “the best snow suit around” for a multitude of reasons. Made of washable, extra-durable, two-layer polyurethane shell and a polyester filling, it’s rated for negative 15-degree temperatures. With sizes from 12 months through 14/15, this unisex suit comes in four colors, including the “real tree snow camo” style that nature-loving kids will love.

Outfitted with a three-panel hood, it can snap around your kiddo’s face or snap completely off if they are wearing a ski helmet. Elasticized legs and arm cuffs keep snow and cold out and elastic stirrups help pant legs stay put.

Price at time of publication: $125

^{Key Specs:
Lining: Polyester | Size Range: 12 months to 14/15 | Outer Material: Polyurethane}

Amazon

Pros

Fold-over cuffs
Animal ears on hood

Cons

Costly (depending on size)

Super warm and styled with oh-so-cute animal ears, this fleece bunting will keep little ones warm and snug all winter long. Made of 100% polyester, the fold-over cuffs at the wrists and ankles make it easy to cover up little hands and feet (and keep them covered). Six colors provide lots of options for you to choose from while sizes range from 0 to 3 months all the way up to 18 to 24 months.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Lining: Polyester microfleece | Size Range: Newborn to 24 months | Outer Material: Polyester microfleece}

Courtesy of Reima

Pros

Waterproof
Suspenders keep pants up/secure

Cons

May be tricky for bathroom breaks
Sizes run large

Leave it to a Scandinavian company to develop waterproof rain pants that are perfect for all-weather play. For warmer climates, wear the pants over regular clothes, and in colder temperatures, simply layer fleece pants or other layers below the rain pants. Made from flexible materials and available in a range of fantastic colors, these are made to fit kids from 9 months old to 8 years old.

The suspenders help keep them up and secure, but parents note it can be a little tricky going to the bathroom with them on (although not much different than snow bibs). All of Reima’s products run about one size larger than traditional US sizes, so ordering your child’s current size is like ordering up one size.

Price at time of publication: $38

^{Key Specs:
Lining: Not Listed | Size Range: 9 months to 8 years old | Outer Material: Not Listed}

Amazon

Pros

Encased elastic on back
Waterproof
Adjustable shoulder straps

Cons

Costly (depending on size)
No jacket included

Snow bibs are great because they're similar to overalls, meaning you can put whatever you want for warmth underneath or over them. This bib is waterproof with seams fully sealed, and comes in seven different colors, so children can pick their favorite style.

There are also adjustable shoulder straps inside to get that perfect fit and a side pocket for any small necessities. Designed specifically for toddlers, this bib comes in sizes 2T to 6T.

Price at time of publication: $99

^{Key Specs:
Lining: Fleece | Size Range: 2T to 6T | Outer Material: Polyester micro-dobby}

Final Verdict

For a snow suit that’s affordable and rated highly by other parents and caregivers, check out the Pink Platinum Snowmobile Suit (view at Amazon). With sizes ranging from 2T through 6X and three color choices, this fleece-lined, polyester suit fits true to size. For a washable snow suit, there’s the OAKI Kids’ Snow Suit (view at Amazon). Made of washable, extra-durable, two-layer polyurethane shell and a polyester filling, it’s rated for negative 15-degree temperatures.

What to Look for in Snow Suits for Kids

Sizing

Determining a size for a snow suit may seem easy, but it can be tricky because you have to factor in a few things. While it may seem like a no-brainer to buy the size your child normally wears, you’ll want to consider the amount of clothes they’ll be wearing underneath their suit. A snow suit should be able to fit over all clothes to ensure there’s extra warmth.

First, check the company’s size chart to get their exact sizing recommendation. Some brands run small while others run big. Many size charts will have measurements, so you can take your child’s measurements first before making your final purchase. This will help give you an idea of how much extra room they’ll have and if you really do need to go up in size or possibly down.

Material

Kids are bound to play actively in a snow suit, so you want fabric that will keep them warm without overheating them. Most snow suits are made from heavier materials, like fleece, nylon, and polyester. These fabrics tend to trap in heat better than other materials, like cotton.

Also think about if the material is waterproof or water repellent. Purchasing a waterproof snow suit will keep children warm and dry, which is vital when they’re out in freezing temperatures.

Purpose

Many parents and caregivers may not realize that snow suits are not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to activities. There are snow suits designed for snow play, cold temperatures, and sports. You’ll want to think about the purpose of the snow suit for your child to ensure they’re as warm as possible for whatever activity they’ll be participating in.

For example, snow suits that are designed for cold temperatures may be windproof and more insulated than regular snow suits. Regular snow suits are designed for just that: snow and colder temperatures. They’ll most likely be waterproof to keep kids warm while they are playing in the snow.

Hand-Me-Down Value

If you have (or plan to have) more than one child, consider a snow suit that you can hand down from sibling to sibling, or to a cousin or friend. You'll want one that is durable and washable, and possibly gender-neutral, too, depending on how much color and pattern choice matter to you and your children.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what temperature should a child wear a snow suit?

Because most snow suits are designed to be worn in the snow, many parents wait until temperatures dip below freezing to dust off their childrens’ snow suits. If you’re sending your children out to play in yesterday’s snow once things warm up, waterproof clothing may be sufficient; otherwise, kids may complain of being too hot.
How do I clean a snow suit?

Many snow suits are machine washable, but you should always follow the manufacturer’s directions when laundering a snow suit or any other item of clothing. When washing down clothing, you may opt to use dryer balls to prevent feathers from clumping.
What should my child wear under a snow suit?

Thin layers can help trap warm air and act as an insulator beneath a snow suit. Long underwear or pajamas can make a good base layer. Add a turtleneck or sweater, warm socks, and accessories such as a scarf, waterproof mittens, and hat to complete your child’s outdoor outfit.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year-old daughter. With three active kids, Maya’s snow suit stash is constantly being rotated as her kids grow. Maya recommends having a backup pair for each kid since they often come in from the snow for some hot chocolate and then are ready to go right back outside.