Mom Hacks for Surviving Winter with Little Ones

1. Buy multiples of everything snow-gear related. The first winter Hudson was able to walk I made the mistake of having just one snow coat, one pair of snow pants etc…..but I quickly realized that was NEVER going to cut it. Little kids fall down and get wet, or want to go outside multiple times a day…and if you have wet snow gear it’s zero fun for everyone. So now I’ve learned my lesson here’s what I buy each child: 2 puffy “snow” coats, 2 pairs of snow pants (the overall style), 2 lighter weight fleece coats, 3 hats, 2 scarves, 2 pairs of warm mittens, and 2 paris of snow/water-proof mittens. With boots it’s a little easier, and I usually just have one pair of rain boots and one pair of snow boots per child. It seems like a lot but trust me, it’s needed. And here’s another tip: buy the snow pants in two different sizes….chances are they will both fit and then the bigger pair will also fit the next year, so you only have to buy one each year. 

2. Buy mittens that clip together. Let me repeat, buy mittens that clip together!!!! And clip those babies together as soon as your child takes them off. It always happens that whenever you are running late for something the gloves and mittens suddenly disappear. I can’t tell you how many times I sent Hudson to school last year with mis-matched gloves because I didn’t follow my own advice. So clip them together, they are much less likely to get lost!

3. A staying organized tip: have a basket for each kid where they can keep their hats and mittens and a designated spot to hang their coat. And a separate spot where wet stuff can be put to dry out. Otherwise all the gear ends up on the floor….and with two kids and two adults that can really pile up! We have a mud room in our house and everyone has a cubby to place their things. I’m teaching Hudson to put his stuff away and Sadie is already starting to help put things in their place, just by watching us!

4. Have your kids go to the bathroom before gearing up. Trust me on this. It’ s zero fun for everyone to put on snow pants, and a snow coat, and mittens, and gloves just to have to come back inside ten minutes later to frantically strip your toddler down to use the potty. And then put back on ALL THE THINGS. So the rule is, whenever we have snow gear involved, you must sit on the potty first.

5. Have a great indoor plan to keep kids entertained. Some of our favorites are painting, coloring, watching a movie, playing play doh, baking cookies, cleaning the house (both of my kids LOVE to help with this so I totally take advantage!), and playing in the basement. Our basement is large and unfinished, so it’s the perfect spot to use all of our normal “ourdoor” toys like bikes, scooters, ride on cars, etc. I have my eye on a little bounce house that would be perfect to help the kids burn some energy….but Santa (aka my husband, isn’t convinced yet).

6. Stock up on supplies. If you live where the weather can get bad….or really anywhere, it’s important to sock up on supplies, just in case there is a storm and the roads are bad. You don’t want to run out of snacks, wipes, or heaven forbid diapers! I’ve planned ahead for the winter months and stock piled our favorite go-to diaper: up & up™ diapers from Target. We love these diapers because they are a great value and their new breathable outer cover is so soft and cozy!  And now the enhanced breathability helps your baby’s skin to stay drier and healthier, too.

The up & up™ diapers also have a new quilted ultra-absorbent core that provides enhanced softness and fit for your little one. The unique design channels wetness and keeps it locked away to help support healthy, dry skin…..perfect for any time of the year. The up & up™ diapers have up to 12 hours of protection for sizes 3 to 6! Want to try them for yourself? Free product samples in sizes 3, 4, and 5 are available if you register here.

So what do you do to surive the winter months with littles?

This is post is brought to you by Target up & up™ Diapers, but all opinions are my own.