Winter coats, bunting, etc.

[myshel]

We live in a colder climate and the weather is starting to turn chilly. I've been wondering what to get for DS during the winter. DH believes that a blanket and heavy clothing will do BUT I suspect that mid-winter, DS will be transitioning from the Snugride to a infant/toddler seat. So, this means that a blanket won't work because we'll be physically carrying him into places (stores, homes, etc.).

What would you suggest I get? More importantly, where do I look? I've tried my usual haunts but can't really find anything there.

We live in the Midwest where temps can get below zero. Also, depending on the year, my state has a tendency to get a fair amount of snow.

[Mrs.Chappy]

i have the same issue..my DS is 4 months now...i'm interested in responses

[goldengbridge]

We had a fleece snowsuit from LL Bean last winter. It was really warm but not too bulky and heavy to not fit in the car seat. It is waterproof too!
Heres the one we had!

http://cdn.llbean.com/products/kids/37929/images/L37929_Red_Royal.jpg

[sdauer21]

We had one from Lands End http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0,,1_2_52357_63663_133173_111620_5:view=-1,00.html?CM_MERCH=PAGE_63662&sid=4282131178077168040 for DD #1. It was very similar to the one previously posted, and worked great in the winter. We loved it.

[phart]

For Aiden's second winter (he was a bit over 1 though) we used a lightly quilted jacket from Children's Place (they seem to always have them at the outlet) over regular "cold weather" clothes.

[jeggink]

Goldenbridge That is the one my MIL got for DS. It seems really nice, can't wait to try it on him. It does seem to run a little big though.

[usafwife]

We have a pink Winnie the Pooh fleece hooded snowsuit similar to the one pictured above but it has feet in it and has snaps. We got it at JC Penney's just about a month ago. DD will be 6 months old in late, late December. We also have one of the fleece carseat covers that we will use as well (we not use the snowsuit and cover at the same time). If I get a picture of it I'll post it.

[Klo.]

Thanks for asking this question Myshel. I've been wondering what to do also. I did got a "Bundle Me" by JJ Cole and was hoping I could just use that and a jacket for him and avoid a snowsuit type thing altogether.

I got my bundle me for about half price from e-bay - there are lots for sale. Or you can also get them at Target and I've seen them at other baby places too.

[Sarah]

Most people don't bring babies out much in the winter- it's usually just from home to car, car to store or wherever. I think a Bundle me type thing is good enough. But if your child will be in a covertible seat, then you'll need a jacket or something heavier, IMO. Just in case you don't know- you can't put the kiddo in the convertible seat with a jacket/bunting/coat on- it's not safe. So it's annoying, but you have to take it off/put it on each time you get in and out. That's why I always choose something easy to get on.

[kimthebride]

Just in case you don't know- you can't put the kiddo in the convertible seat with a jacket/bunting/coat on- it's not safe.
Why not?
As long as the coat/bunting is unzipped and the straps are adjusted....?

[Sarah]

Well, what I have heard is because the coat compresses and makes the straps less tight in an accident scenario, and the extra bulk in the back between the kiddo and seat and the kiddo and the straps is unsafe. I personally will put my three year old in her seat with a lightweight fleece, but I am not that carseat-safety minded. I just wanted to put the idea out there, so people can make informed choices.

(says the woman who rides in cabs with the kid on her lap) :)

[maggieb]

Helena was born in December and we just dressed her in winter clothes, strapped her in the SnugRide, put a blanket over her and then put the Bundle Me over the carseat and she stayed cozy and warm all winter long. It was much easier than having to take the coat off and on b/c of the safety issue, like Sarah mentioned.

[Klo.]

I agree with Sarah. I forgot to mention that with my post yesterday. The lady who installed our carseat said something like the Bundle Me is much safer than a snow suit too. All that bulk really compromises the safety of the carseat.

[myshel]

I completely agree that the Bundle Me is the safest option for a Snugride. My concern is the fact that at nearly 24 inches at his 2 month appointment, DS will probably outgrow the Snugride lengthwise by December. Because I live in Iowa, there is still January and February to consider.

I guess what I'm wondering is whether or not a fleece number similar to the one posted would be okay in a infant/toddler seat (like a Roundabout or other similar seat). Obviously, I don't want to compromise DS's safety, but it seems silly to sequester DS all winter because we can't take him out. Would I be really harming DS by putting him in a fleece suit and putting him into an infant/toddler seat?

[phart]

myshel~~We're in Ohio and it's already cold here (for today, anyway). I have no plans to stay inside all Winter and didn't last year either. I figure as long as I'm not putting a bubble coat on DS then he's still very much safe in his carseat. I don't usually pull the straps very far out on the Marathon to get him out and just today they fit the same with his coat on. It's a lightly *quilted* coat and not too thick. He wore the same coat all last year when out and about with a warm shirt on underneath and all was well.

[goldengbridge]

I think there is a lot of controversy regarding the bundle me, snowsuit, etc. You can put your baby in a light snowsuit or a bundle me as long as you use common sense.