First Winter?

Hiii so I've only been in Minnesota for about a year (we're from Florida!) and have been told many times that last year's winter wasn't actually a normal one. How do you prepare for winter? What kind of clothes do you need? What's the best way to dress your toddler for snow? Literally anything and everything would be helpful considering last halloween was the first time we've ever seen snow 😭😭😭 we are clueless on where to even start

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Boots that are high on the ankle/leg so snow doesn’t get in it, I love the coats that zip up and button so they don’t come undone when ur kid is playing rough outside

Welcome! Layers are key. A good fleece or flannel underneath a decent down parka-style coat will go a long way. Beyond that, definitely invest in some good boots. And then mittens and scarves and hats! For outdoor play, a snowsuit or snowpants are necessary. But really my main advice is layering.

Welcome to MN! Get gloves/mittens, snowpants, and a jacket that are water resistant-- the cheap stretchy gloves are so cold when they're wet. Have extra, I don't know where they go but it's just like socks, somehow one just dissappears. For your car, keep a blanket, jumper cables, sand or cat litter to put under your tires for traction if you get stuck, and a blanket at minimum.

@Menna 💡 also a window scraper/brush and mini shovel!

all that and remember coats and car seats do not go together. I recommend a car seat poncho and keep an extra jacket in the car

Thanks everyone for all the advice! ❤️ As far as clothing and whatnot are there any preferred places or brands to buy from or anything to avoid when looking?

Just got here lol so I’ll skip the outerwear question and answer your second question here: Tbh I’ve never really shopped for specific brands, really anything works. Like some of the other ladies have said layer up, for example when I go skiing I’ll wear a tight long sleeve then a turtleneck then a sweatshirt and my coat on top that way I can take off layers. I like putting leggings under my pants or doubling up sometimes. Columbia is obviously a really good brand. If you’re outdoorsy maybe check out scheels. But I typically thrift and shop cheap and I’ve been fine my whole life. Also I always keep extra hats, gloves, and blankets in my vehicle during the winter for emergencies

For brands I really like the Columbia convertible jackets where you can take out the inner lining and wear that like a warm zip up or use the outer lining as a raincoat or use it all together when it's really cold. It's worth it to get what you like for adult items but I'd try Facebook marketplace or a thrift store for your toddler because they grow out of everything so fast! I also love Under Armour Cold Gear hoodies for layering, I get mine from Poshmark.

Oh awesome! Yeah I was planning on just going to goodwill or something to get clothes and stuff I just wasn't sure what was necessary and what wasn't since we're kinda tight on money rn. Thank you guys for all the advice I really appreciate it! I feel way more relieved now that I have some starting points! 😊