Here’s What Your Kid Should Wear to Preschool During Winter, Says a Former Teacher

Dressing your child appropriately for winter weather sounds simple, but according to my mom, a former preschool teacher, parents don’t always hit the mark. Between temperature changes throughout the day, your child’s activities, and what your child is actually willing to wear, there are several reasons why it’s easy to miss key details in your kid’s winter attire. As a mom to a preschooler myself, I’m certainly not immune.

I asked for my mom’s input and found 12 preschool-friendly winter clothing items to keep kids warm, dry, and comfortable during cold temperatures and fun snow days in between. From colorful merino wool socks to kids’ snow boots and a classic coat (with a removable hood!), it’s safe to say that my kiddo is ready for winter weather. Is yours? Keep scrolling to find out.

Eboot Kids’ Gloves

Gloves are essential in the winter, especially during recess. Since gloves can get lost easily, my mom recommends buying inexpensive pairs that come in a pack. This knit set comes in a pack of three with 12 different color combinations and multiple sizes (up to 10 years old). 

One grandma bought these gloves for her 3-year-old granddaughter, who “loves the bright colors and was happy to have gloves instead of mittens.” The gloves also “held up very well when building her snowman, and after washing and drying them,” she added.

Miles the Label Colorblock Snowsuit 

You’ll want this Miles the Label Snowsuit on hand each year because it’s so warm and cozy. One of our writers received a sample for her 5-year-old, who couldn’t stop raving about the “extra soft” fleece lining and removable faux fur edge on the hood, which “keeps my face warm.” Our writer says she saves the snowsuit pants for snow days and sends her son to school with the jacket nearly every day when it’s cold.

This kids’ coat is wind-resistant and can withstand temperatures down to -22 degrees Fahrenheit. It also features an elastic waistband and cuffs to trap heat and a Velcro cover over the zipper for extra protection. The pants have even more thoughtful features, like reinforced knees, adjustable and removable suspenders, and more. 

Bonus: The parka includes a sewn-on label to write your child’s name. 

Amazon Essentials x Sofia Grainge Unisex Toddlers and Babies’ Midweight Field Jacket with Hood

This classic kids’ coat from the Amazon Essentials x Sofia Grainge Collection is best for more fair winter days. It’s insulated to keep kids warm and features two closure options: front snap buttons and a zipper, which is helpful as kids learn to put on and take off their coats independently. We love the removable hood to protect your child from wind, rain, and snow—or if kids prefer to wear a beanie or hat instead. 

The quilted look is sophisticated, too. “Honestly, the prettiest jacket I’ve found for my kids,” gushed one parent, adding the coat has “amazing quality [and] beautiful details.

Bumeex Toddler Sweatshirt

For some places during winter, the weather can go from chilly to confusingly toasty on the same day. When that happens, your toddler can rely on layers to provide insulation throughout the day. A thinner sweatshirt can be worn solo, over a shirt, or under a jacket, and this option comes in dozens of adorable patterns. One grandma said, “The shirt is soft, well made, colors are bright, and the design is beautiful.” She added that “some kids’ clothes don’t last a season,” but her granddaughter has had this “for almost two years!”

Omuky Kids Scarf 

The neck can be vulnerable to the elements on windy days, even if your coat is buttoned or zipped. I love how this kids’ scarf is short rather than long and loose and has a built-in loop to wrap it around their neck seamlessly. The fleece interior is extra soft and cozy, with a knit exterior available in 10 colors. One reviewer confirms that the scarf is “easy for a kid to use independently”; another says their daughter “can put this on herself when going out for recess.”

Paladoo Knitted Winter Beanie for Kids

If your child has short hair, my mom recommends keeping a hat in your child’s backpack to protect their bare ears from the cold. This kids’ knit hat is super soft and stretchy enough to stay on their heads regardless of how much fun they have outside. It’s available in over a dozen colors and features a fun smiley face logo, which may help incentivize your toddler to keep track of theirs.

One parent shares that they’ve bought multiples of this hat for their son and praises that “they are thick, so they definitely keep his head super warm.” They added that “he’s grown since I bought them, and they still fit him since they have a lot of flexibility.”

Dream Pairs Faux Fur Lined Boots 

Is there anything more cozy than a pair of boots lined in faux fur? Tiny feet will stay warm and dry against inclement weather during drop-off, recess, pickup, and more. The best part? Kids love them. One parent says their daughter wore these kids’ boots from Dream Pairs for nearly 3 months straight, and “they are still looking like new.” She added that “the quality is unbelievable, they don’t stick and any stains come off very easily.” 

Loops on the back heels make it easier for little kids to quickly slide their heels into the boots. 

Antsang Kids Merino Wool Socks

For those in extra cold climates, merino wool is the way to go. Not only does it keep feet warm and cozy, but it also has moisture-wicking properties that help nix wet socks in the bud. “The snug fit prevents them from slipping off, and they are durable enough to withstand the active play of a toddler,” one Amazon shopper says. Each set has six pairs of socks—one for every day of the school week, plus an extra—in a mix of playful patterns.

Hobibear Toddler Snow Boots 

How cute are these toddler snow boots? They’re water-resistant and have a durable textile upper, allowing kids to play in the snow longer than regular shoes. The interior seams are sealed to prevent water from seeping in, and the soft faux fur lining keeps tiny toes warm all day. 

“I was worried the water would soak through bc his boots felt wet on the outside, but the inside was dry,” explained one parent. A Velcro fastener makes it easier for tiny hands (and teachers) to put shoes on or take them off before and after the fun. 

Adidas Unisex-Child Grand Court 2.0 Sneaker 

Sometimes, boots can be too clunky for recess, or for whatever reason, they just don’t make sense for the day. These adorable Adidas toddler sneakers are an ideal alternative—complete with velcro instead of laces, so your toddler can slip them on themselves. ”They’re super lightweight, making them comfy for all-day wear, and the stylish design goes with everything,” gushed one parent. “Plus, they’re easy for her to slip on herself, which is a big win.”

Bonus tip from my mom: Stay away from light-up shoes if you can since they end up becoming a major distraction in the classroom. 

Afunbaby Warm Crewneck Sweatshirt

This crewneck sweatshirt is stylish, comfortable, and warm for newborns up to 7 years old. I love how the cotton blend is breathable, preventing kids from overheating during the day. It also has a slightly oversized fit, so it’s a great winter layering staple if your kiddo runs hot. One parent says this is a “picture day worthy sweater” and fits her son “great.” 

Levi’s Baby and Toddler Pull On Jeans 

My mom is always begging parents to put their toddlers in pants they can take on and off themselves. It makes using the bathroom independently a lot easier, which helps prevent accidents and allows teachers to focus on everything else in the classroom.

The button and fly on these kids’ Levi jeans are purely decorative; instead, there’s elastic so kids can pull them up and down. Plus, Levi’s is known for their quality, so you can feel confident that they’ll last a while. One parent says these are the “only jeans I’ll buy for my toddler!” They say they’ve “bought every size from the time he was walking at 9mo to now 2T and have never had any holes or much wear that can be seen at all, really.”

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