Dress Your Child in Warmth This Winter

We are well and truly feeling the cold snap, and one of the best ways to keep our little ones warm and cosy is by dressing them well in quality clothing.

Regardless of whether your family lives in (relatively) mild Auckland or the snowy south, with the following tips, you are sure to learn a thing or two about how to choose the best clothes to keep your children warm this winter.

Layering and the right materials are everything

Children stay warmer when they wear layers, as opposed to the thickest jacket available, because layering traps more warm air. It also gives the kids more control to adjust what they are wearing, depending on their activity.

In general, children need three main layers. If you are getting extra cold days, you can always add more layers or opt for thicker materials. Further, the materials you choose for each layer matter.

Let us take you through the functions of each winter layer and what in our view, are the best materials for ensuring your little ones stay warm and snug! The items we recommend are all available here at Bambini.

1. Base layer

The inner layer is ultra-important for retaining warmth and wicking away moisture. Our number one favourite material for serving this purpose is merino wool. While some of us might remember the wool of our childhood as being itchy, New Zealand's merino wool is super soft and comfy, flexible in fit, and perfect for wear as an inner layer.

We recommend avoiding polyester, as it will absorb moisture and prevent little ones from staying dry. Any moisture close to the skin results in cooling down, something to avoid in the coldest months, particularly for babies and toddlers who are unable to adjust their own clothing and temperature.
 
Merino is also amazingly durable, so even when your little one outgrows these pieces, they can always be passed down to younger siblings or family friends. Washing merino on a gentle cycle with cold water (up to 30 deg) and a quality, eco-friendly wool wash will ensure its longevity. Use a washbag to keep wool at its best. Washbags are great for delicate items, ensuring they don't catch on zips and the like. You may be able to use a faster spin cycle too, meaning clothes dry quicker.

Little Flock of Horrors' Wyatt Longsleeve Top is one of our favourite merino pieces at Bambini. Available in sizes ranging from 6-12 months to 8-9 years and in five beautiful colourways, it is the perfect year-round layer. It is made from 100% ultra-soft merino wool single jersey and features a tonal V insert.  For sizes up to 18-24 months, there are buttons on one shoulder, making it super easy to slip on and off little ones. Easy-fit clothing is so important for our littlest people, especially in winter, ensuring baby's warmth is retained during changes, keeping them comfortable and happy.

We also have a stunning selection of Lamington socks. Lamington is proudly made in Aotearoa New Zealand. We believe it is hands down the best brand for top-quality merino tights and socks for babies, children, and parents alike - ideal for keeping everyone’s tootsies warm.
 

2. Middle layer

The primary job of the middle layer is to maintain body heat. You can also multiply as many mid-layer items as necessary to ensure warmth on those extra-crisp days! These pieces should be easy to put on and pull off depending on the temperature or what your child is doing. Further, they need to provide enough room and flexibility for movement and play.

Jerseys, knits, cardigans, and jumpers are the ideal middle layers. We love knits from Wilson & Frenchy, such as their Knitted Bauble Jumper for little ones up to 24 months. Featuring a hand-stitched bauble design, this cosy jumper is a must-have for cooler days. It is made from a scrumptious blend of cotton, bamboo, and wool for ultimate comfort, durability and warmth.

The Huxbaby Wildcat Knit Jumper [internal link: huxbaby wildcat knit jumper] is among our favourites for toddlers and children up to the age of five. It is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and Azo-free dye. Luxuriously thick and super-soft, this jumper features a delightful Wildcat unisex design.

3. Outer layer

The outer layers are what you need to keep your little one dry on rainy or snowy days. The Crywolf Eco Puffer is available for children aged 1 to 14 and is the perfect go-to outer layer for staying warm and dry on outdoor adventures. Filled with an innovative sustainable fibre made from recycled water bottles, this jacket delivers an ethical alternative to the use of real down. 

New into Bambini this season is the Therm All-Weather Fleece Overall. Combining soft fleece with a full windproof and ultra-waterproof, weather-protective outer shell, these comfy overalls are designed in New Zealand and are ideal for rainy, chilly, and snowy conditions. They are sustainably made using recycled materials. They feel soft and stretchy, and are bonded with an ultra-soft microfleece lining.

Also just in from Therm are their ever-popular snow jackets. These are super-waterproof (10,000 mm!) and 100% windproof. Made entirely from recycled materials, Therm Snowrider Jackets are also planet friendly (diverting literally tonnes of plastic bottles from landfill), as well as being beautifully warm and comfy, come rain or snow.
 

Give your kids quality with Bambini

At Bambini, we are committed to providing the best quality clothing for babies, children, and parents. We want to help everyone stay warm and dry - and comfortable - during the colder months with our gorgeous selection of winter clothing. 

Because we carefully select clothing from ethical brands, you can trust that all products at Bambini are thoughtfully sourced and sustainably made.

Come and see us in our Wellington store on Thorndon Quay or shop online today! We’re just a few steps from the Railway Station, upstairs at Capital Gateway. Parking is FREE.