Whether you’re a new parent or have a toddler in daycare this winter, you’ll quickly learn that cold weather calls for a few new additions to your parenting toolkit. Read on for smart products to help you and your little one get through the season.
We all remember the ominous, “Winter is coming” tagline that teased the pilot episode of Games of Thrones. It spawned comedy sketches and memes galore, and it’s arguably one of the most recognizable phrases in pop culture. The dread it evokes with just three words is marketing genius—and also happens to apply to the first few winters as new parents. Extra layers, coughs and colds, hats (why do kids hate hats?!) and more all wreak havoc on families with babies and toddlers. But we’ve been there and done that, so we’ve got the goods to help you weather the chilly season ahead.
Keep reading for seven baby and toddler products to help you get through the winter months.
JJ Cole Car Seat Cover
There’s good news and bad news when it comes to kids and car seats in the winter. First, the good news: Your child should not wear a snowsuit when buckled into their car seat. Thick winter outerwear between your baby and the seat can actually compromise car seat safety. That means no wrestling babies into snowsuits for you. The bad news, though, is that you still need to keep them warm. That’s why a cozy car seat cover that fits around the seat, like this one from JJ Cole, is brilliant. The five-point harness isn’t affected and your little one stays toasty. $47, well.ca
Dr. Chase Pediatrics Koff and Kold Herbal Cough Syrup
Many new parents don’t know that traditional cough syrup isn’t approved for children under six years old. But that doesn’t mean you can’t try a natural remedy to offer relief for sore or itchy throats, coughing and more. Dr. Chase’s Koff and Kold line, available in both daytime and nighttime formulas, includes echinacea, elderberry, thyme and honey (the nighttime formulation also includes chamomile, to help with sleep). Suitable for kids ages two and up. Coming soon! drchasepediatrics.com
Dapple Baby Bottle and Dish Soap
Soap is your best friend in the winter months. Stay on top of germs (oh, so many germs) with this plant-based bottle and dish soap. It effectively cleans everything from pacifiers and baby bottles to toys, breast pump components and more. It’s pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested, non-toxic and fragrance-free. $8, amazon.ca
Stonz Baby and Toddler Booties
This product has become a bit of a cult classic with parents. Stonz booties are different from regular boots because they have an extra-wide opening that allows you to easily slip them over thick socks, Stonz liners (sold separately) or even shoes. You then use the drawstring technology to tighten at the ankle. These are a must-have for winter weather—you can thank us later. $50-60, stonz.com
Munchkin Float Foldable High Chair
If your child has started solids, you probably have a love-hate relationship with your high chair. It’s so nice to include your child in mealtimes, but it’s a pain to clean all of the nooks and crannies. Many high chair designs are also pretty bulky, so it can be difficult to find a place to store them. This beauty from Munchkin takes care of both issues—the one-piece design is easy to wipe clean, and the foldable legs make for easy storage. $260, amazon.ca
Crane Cool Mist Humidifier
The winter often means dry air, which can irritate tiny nasal passages and impact breathing. A cool-mist humidifier adds moisture back into the air, offering relief. This adorable little pachyderm features whisper-quiet operation, a removeable water tank for easy carrying and filling, and an auto-off function when the water is gone. $60, babiesrus.ca
Braun No-Touch Thermometer
We aren’t including a thermometer on this list to freak you out. We just want you to be prepared. Winter means the potential for viruses, so adding a thermometer to your medicine cabinet is just good planning. This no-touch option means you can check your little one’s temp without disturbing them, and the easy-to-read fever gauge leaves little room for error. $60, amazon.ca
