I’m going to be completely upfront and honest.
I’ve been putting off writing this post for a few weeks now. And even now, sitting down to finally write it, I’m struggling.
First of all, it’s incredibly hard to think about what one might need in the winter months when it’s still a warm 80 degrees out. Second of all, winter in north Texas looks a lot different than winter in many northern states.
So even as I did research, trying to brainstorm some ideas, see what others felt was necessary so that I could think about what I use in the winter months that are particularly helpful, I struggled. It was struggle-town, population me.
Regardless, I’ve come up with ten products that I feel are absolute must-haves for the winter months… or weeks… depending on if you live north or south of the Mason-Dixon line.
Tubby Todd Winter Bundle
So here’s the thing, I could piece together several items to explain why you should get an item here or an item there or… I could just tell you about how Tubby Todd has done that for you! Introducing their winter bundle!
The Tubby Todd winter bundle includes the chest rub, 2-pack lip balm, dream cream, and all-over ointment. Not only does it include all of these products, but you are getting these products with the knowledge and guarantee of Tubby Todd’s standards. Their products are safe for babies, kids, and adults, free of all of those nasty toxins, and made in the USA.
I can’t speak enough good feelings about the all-over ointment. It is one of the best diaper rash creams we have used and it’s cloth-diaper friendly. It’s also great for treating dry spots. I get dry spots on my hands and a quick use of the all-over ointment moisturizes and helps relieve the pain from the dry skin. And best yet, a little goes a long way so with the size included in this bundle, it’s sure to last you through all of the cold months.
I also love that they include the chest rub. Most chest rubs that you find at your local supermarket are not recommended for under 2 years old. Now, I don’t know about you, but my 1 year old is more likely to get a coughing-related illness than my 3 year old. I have had several nights where we spent a good chunk of time in the steamy bathroom, playing with toys, letting the shower create steam to help relieve the cough because the chest rub from the store couldn’t be used safely with Little Miss. Well, the Tubby Todd chest rub can be used on babies ages 3 MONTHS and up. There is nothing that seems to help more than rubbing a little bit of this on their chest or feet.
Tubby Todd Sunscreen Stick
While we are talking Tubby Todd, let’s talk about their amazing sunscreen stick. When I think of sunscreen, I always think of the summer and sandy beaches or the pool. But the suns are just as strong and harmful in the winter as they are the summer. Not to mention that if you are spending any kind of time in a snowy climate, then the sun can be almost more harmful, reflecting off of the bright white snow.
There are so many sunscreen sticks on the market, but my absolute favorite is the Tubby Todd sunscreen stick. With other mineral sunscreen sticks, the sunscreen is difficult to blend in, and I always feel like I’m about to bruise my child trying to rub it in. The Tubby Todd sunscreen blends in quickly and easily. Not to mention you’re getting the high standard set by Tubby Todd free from all toxins, safe for all ages, and made in the USA, just like all of their products.
To find more on my review of the sunscreen stick by Tubby Todd, check out my Tubby Todd review.
Cool-Mist Humidifier
If you didn’t receive a humidifier as part of your baby registry, your first winter is the time to get one. Not only will the humidifier help with things like chest congestion, but it will also keep the air moist so that your little one’s skin doesn’t dry out as easily.
Before Little Mister, when I was making my first baby registry, I did a lot of research on whether to get a traditional humidifier or a cool-mist humidifier. Generally speaking, traditional humidifiers work better to get the job done. That being said, traditional humidifiers can become very hot and the steam can become dangerous. That is why cool mist humidifiers have become so popular for baby’s and kid’s rooms.
Another thing you want to look for in a humidifier is whether it is easy to clean or not. Humidifiers need to be cleaned regularly so that they do not develop mold or mildew. If you humidifier starts to grow these things, it can be dangerous to your little one.
Finally, the last main thing you want to look for with a humidifier is how loud it is. Many humidifiers are quite loud and, though they may act as white noise, they will shut off when they run out of water and really, that’s the truly nerve-wracking moment. Most babies can sleep through white noise – it may even help them – but absent that white noise you risk them waking. Remove that risk by finding a quiet humidifier – that way they won’t realize it’s gone when it turns off!
Check out this cool mist humidifier by Everlasting Comfort. Not only is it quiet, have a night light feature, and auto-shuts off on either a timer or when it runs out of water, but it also has an added tray where you can add essential oils. Although I caution uses oils around babies and kids as they can have adverse effects, assuming you will also personally use this, the added essential oils may be really beneficial – such as eucalyptus oil for stress relief!
A Good Blanket
Just in case you didn’t know – coats and jackets do not mix with car seats. It is highly recommended that all persons are not wearing a coat while in the car – and that includes you! When you wear a coat in the car, the seat belt is not able to get as tight as it is needed in order to keep you safe should you be in a collusion. There are actually several videos and demonstrations of children flying completely out of their car seats because of the coats.
So here is where a really good blanket can come in handy. Find a blanket or a swaddle, maybe one that is easy to pack or keep in the car, and cover your kiddo’s lap while in the car on colder days and take their coat off.
I personally really love these blankets from Captain Silly Pants. Not only are the patterns absolutely gorgeous, but they are triple layered 100% bamboo so they are thick and soft, getting softer the more they are used and washed.
A Versatile Coat
At some point during the wintery months, your little one is going to need a coat. If you live somewhere like Texas, a versatile coat is always best – one that has inner shells that can zip out and be used on their own. Target’s brand Cat & Jack made one last year that was 3 different coats in one – aptly called a 3-in-1 coat. I’m hoping they make it again this year.
Here’s the downside to the 3-in-1 coat. They are made by many companies and they are typically on the pricier side. There are some great quality ones made by The North Face, Columbia, and Underarmor. If you live in a climate where your little one will be wearing a coat often, then it might be worth shelling out the money for these amazing coats.
If you, on the other hand, live in North Texas and just need a coat to get your kiddo through the couple of days we might have snow, then I suggest checking the nice selection of winter coats at your local store.
Either way, this is my biggest suggestion – buy a size up from the size clothes that they wear. First of all, they need to be able to fit layers of clothes beneath their coat. Second of all, if it is on the bigger side, it might be able to last just a little longer (at least for the beginning of the following winter until you break down and finally get them a new coat).
Elderberry Syrup or Gummies
My grandfather took his elderberry syrup every day. Let me tell you – the man was hardly ever sick.
We follow suit and, especially during the months when flu is rampant, we each take our elderberry syrup or gummies.
Elderberry has been used for its health benefits for hundreds of years. The belief is that the antioxidants help to boost your immune system, helping to fight off colds and the flu. Most often you can find elderberries in syrup or gummies.
Here are the important facts you need to know in case you decide to take elderberry syrup or gummies:
- Raw elderberries are poisonous, so do not consume them!
- Elderberry syrup is safe for pregnant women, but some syrups do contain honey (depending on the recipe), so it is not recommended for babies under the age of one. Consumption of honey under the age of one can lead to infant botulism.
- Double check dosage. It is an excellent source of fiber, so – if you take more than the recommended dosage – though you may avoid the symptoms of the flu, you will still be making friends with your bathroom.
- Only consume elderberry products from a trusted and reliable source. This can include ones that you may find and purchase in the store. Our family uses the products made by Zarbees. Keep in mind that there may be variations in recipes if you are consuming syrups, so there may be one you like more than another.
Easy to Pack Hats
I’m not going to lie – my kids are not the best at wearing hats. Little Mister will really only wear a hat when he’s cold. If we are indoors, the hat is coming off his head. With Little Miss, she loves to try on the hat, but doesn’t always want to keep it on for any length of time. Regardless, hats are an important staple of colder weather. So much body heat can be lost through the head, so keeping a hat on helps keep you warmer.
I love having an easy to pack hat in my diaper bag for those just-in-case times. In particular, I love these knotted hats by Kyte Baby. They fold up small and make it easy to stuff in a pocket in my diaper bag but also, they are so soft and keep baby’s head warm. They are made of 100% organic bamboo and come in solid colors or adorable patterns.
Baby-Wearing Sweatshirt
If you are wearing baby often during the winter months, think about checking out this nifty baby-wearing sweatshirt! This fleece hoodie can start while you are pregnant and then has a kangaroo pocket for once you are wearing baby. The jacket has a zipper closer that creates the perfect pocket to go over your baby and carrier. Keep in mind that these are just fleece, so you’ll want to make sure you and baby are wearing the appropriate number of layers beneath the jacket.
Art Cart Supplies and Craft Kits
With the winter months comes more time indoors. Be prepared with art projects, craft kits, and plenty of supplies to keep little hands occupied, learning, and their imagination growing.
Craft kits are a great way to take up some time and have an end goal in mind. You can find fun craft kits are your local craft store such as Michael’s or Hobby Lobby. There are craft kits to make everything from jewelry or friendship bracelets to soap or even “fairy potions.” I personally like these craft kits that make string art. String art is very popular now and this would be the perfect opportunity for your little one to make something that they can display in their room.
And don’t forget to stock up your art cart! Some days are just days where you pull out the art cart and let your child’s creativity take them where it may. Ensuring you have a variety of crafty items will ensure that your little one can design to their imagination’s content. You can find some great ideas on what to include on your art cart in my post on Making an Art Cart.
Subscriptions and Memberships
Following suit of the previous must-have item, more time will be spent inside so be sure to check out subscription services and memberships to your local museums. Some museums may even have reciprocal privileges, so you’ll end up getting access to hundreds of museums for the price of just your membership. Tackle the museums just a little at a time to spread out your trips as well as spend more than just a cursory glance at the items. Looking for a fun activity to incorporate into your museum visit? Check out our free museum scavenger hunt printable!
Spending some time at home but looking for new activities to do every month? Subscription services are the perfect option and there are a variety of different kinds that cater to kids. Two of my favorite subscription learning kits for kids are Green Kid Crafts and Little Passports.
Green Kid Crafts is a subscription service where kids will receive a monthly box filled with STEAM activities meant to engage their creativity and passion for discoveries. Each month brings a new themed box such as “Mad Scientist,” “Nocturnal Animals,” or “Outer Space.” They have boxes for a variety of age levels so you will be sure to receive something that interests your child and that they are able to do.
Little Passports is also a monthly subscription service for kids based around knowledge of the world. Each month kids will receive a themed package that teaches them about the world they live in. They receive fun games labeled as souvenirs and activities to complete. You can find out more about Little Passports in my subscription spotlight!
What must-have items are on your list for the winter for your kids? Do you live in a colder climate or a more temperate climate for the winter months? No matter what the weather is outside, there is definitely something a little magical about the cooler air and bundling up together.