One Piece Snow Suit for Toddler or Separate?

You will want two seperate things, one for car use that is thin (no heavier than fleece)...those are safe for carseats, anything thicker compromises safety, and then a big thicker outfit for the snow. We do a one piece for everyday in and out of the car (my son is 21 months). I haven't gotten an outfit to play out in the snow really yet, but I may just use the same outfit with layers underneath. I would imagine a one piece might keep them warmer outside (no way for snow to sneak in) but a two piece might be more convenient and easier to put on (I know getting the one piece over the shoes etc is difficult).

I have used both and I prefer the snowpants and jacket. The pants go up high enough where they are still warm and I find it much easier for many things.

I use a one-piece at that age for playing in the snow, but for day-to-day my toddlers wear jackets, hats and mittens. Children at that age get overheated more often than too cold. Their skin should be covered when directly exposed to cold (i.e. when playing outside), but they shouldn't even be wearing a jacket when in a car seat (the seat is not as effective and can be unsafe). The rest of the time they don't need to wear more than you would wear. Would you wear ski pants out running errands?

I think the two piece is easier, although if she is rolling around in the snow, it may get in at the waistband. But she probably won't grow out of it as soon.
Also- I wanted to remind all the moms that you should NOT put your child in the car seat while wearing a snowsuit, heavy coat, etc. If you have to loosen the car seats straps to accommodate it, then take it off. Loosening the straps is dangerous, because in a crash, the jacket will compress and your child is not as well protected.
If we are going in and out someplace (not playing or walking outside) then I just dress her in a warm fleece sweatshirt, hat, and then wrap her up in a thick blanket to put her in car. She keeps the blanket over herself in the car too. Of course if we are spending time outside then we do the coat/snowsuit.

I like two piece as snow pants are rarely necessary, even in this climate.

We have both. We have not used either yet, but I think that there are times that call for each. We got his coat and one piece from Once upon a child (kids resale store, really we buy a lot of his clothes from there)and the snow pants from Target. I felt having both could be handy. He goes to daycare and they do take them outside. Plus if they are playing in the snow, you have a back up that is dry for later. I have been looking for a less bulky coat for the car. Good luck.

My Kids always liked the 2-piece snow pants. The advantage of 2-piece is that you can use the jacket for fall and winter, my kids can move around better in 2-piece than the one piece, and if they get hot in the car for a long trip...they can take their jackets off.

Since you already have the coat, it would be cheaper to buy the snowpants for her jacket.

I prefer separates. My son gets hot in his car seat rather quickly so separates are away to help him stay warm but not overheat. Also separates allow me to get longer wear out of the jacket portion as he will continue to wear this long after he no longer needs the pants.

We have always done the two pieces. When out in the snow you definitely need both, but there are many times that they are outside not playing in the snow where a jacket, gloves and hat suffice. Also, kids are not supposed to have on their jackets while in their car seats.

as someone who has taken LOTS of preschoolers out in the snow over my years as a daycare provider, it's best to have a 2 piece set. This way you only have to use the pants when there is snow or you go to like the zoo where you are out for hours. Otherwise you have to buy a coat and a snowsuit.

I have used two pieces with my son since he was about 2 years old. We use the coat when it's not that cold and just put on the coverall part when it is. I wasn't aware until recently that kids shouldn't wear snowsuits or bulky coats in their carseat. This video clip explains why and shows us what other types of things can be used to keep kids warm in the car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM1LJaOIu34

Hi Celina,

I definitely recommend a two-piece snowsuit for a child who can walk. It does take a bit longer to get it on/take it off, but it allows for more flexibility. You don't need to have your child wear snowpants in the car (or in the stroller if she'll keep a blanket/stoller bunting (muff) on her legs -- unless it's really cold). I've started putting my daughter's snowpants on to go for walks with the stroller, because she won't keep anything else on her legs and she gets cold sitting there. And then, of course, you'll want something warm and waterproof (not fleece) for playing in the snow.

Best,
R.

I would agree on the one-piece for outside. Just going in and out from store to home and stuff she won't need snow pants unless you live in the city and are walking alot. They really do get over-heated, you don't want her to be sweaty and then take her out in the cold that would be worse.

Celina M
I did the 1 piece for my Daughter because it was easier to take off and on for the car. I'm not sure if you realize this but you should not put your child in a car seat with a jacket, snowsuit, etc.. nothing thick like that. It's a big safety issue, her car seat safety belts will not work properly in an accident. I would cover my daughter and still do (she is 5) with a big fleece comfy blanket.
Good Luck
V.

I vote for a two piece outfit. Most days you aren't going to be "hanging" out outside, and she won't require a full bundle. A coat, and maybe a blanket to cover her legs would work to get her from house to car, car to store, etc.
Keep in mind, when you do take her into a store that you plan to be in for a longer than 5 minutes, you'll most likely want to strip her of her outerwear, and having a one piece outfit is a lot more hassles, since you have to remove shoes and all that...
Plus, 18 month old kiddies have a hard time walking when they are all bundled like that...

I have three girls and have tried it all: two piece snowsuits, one piece, jacket with blanket, etc. I have found our best bet to be having a one piece snowsuit (I think hannah Andersen's is the best) and a winter coat. We use the snowsuit for any outdoor adventures or extremely frigid weather when they need coverage from car to store. The HA snowsuit is not bulky and I do put them in their carseats with it on, because I think they more likely to suffer from exposure than a car accident! So, that's how we operate around here...

Oh, if you go the HA snowsuit route, wait for the semi annual clearance (if you can); it should be happening soon. The prices are the best of the year, but the snowsuits get snapped up fast.

I agree that you would need separate snow pants because she'll be too hot in a one piece during day to day acivities.