During the winter months it can be challenging to figure out what to wear on runs in varying temperatures. It becomes even tricker to dress babies and toddlers for stroller runs in the cold. Now you not only have to figure out how to dress yourself, but also how to dress your little one! However, there are lots of options for keeping kids warm (if they cooperate!) Here are some ideas for dressing babies and toddlers for winter runs.
How to Dress Babies and Toddlers for Stroller Runs in the Cold
Start with a warm base layer
Fleece footie pajamas are the perfect base layer because you know that they will be fully covered from the neck down, and you don’t have to worry about missing socks or shirts that slide up their belly. This also gives you some options to work with depending on how cold it is. For runs that aren’t too cold, you can probably leave them in these pajamas and add layers like a hat, gloves, blanket, etc. When it’s really cold, this is a good starting place because you can add a warm jacket as well as blanket and stroller covers.
Use One Piece Outfits When You Can
Going along with the base layer, anything that is one piece will make your life a little easier. We use a one piece fleece bunting as an outer layer that is warm, not too thick (so they still fit in the stroller just fine) and has a hood, and fold over cuffs for the hands and feet. You don’t want to be searching for missing hats, gloves, and booties while you are out running!
Use blankets as layers in the stroller
If you think that it might get warmer as you are out running, blankets are easy to take on and off. For older kids they can take their hands/arms in and out from under the blanket as needed. Beware that the blanket may get thrown out of the stroller though! I usually tuck the sides in and this hasn’t been too much of a problem.
Provide wind protection on stroller runs
Often times the wind is the worst part about winter running. You can pull down the cover of the stroller to block some wind from your baby or toddler’s face. There are also external rain/wind covers (affiliate link) that can be purchased to go over the stroller. Sometimes just blocking the wind can make a huge difference in how it feels outside when doing a stroller run in the cold.
Try adding a Footmuff
A footmuff (affiliate link) is like a sleeping bag for the stroller. It attaches to the stroller and has openings for the straps. It’s warmer than most blankets and your little one can’t throw it out of the stroller. This is a good option for really cold days. You can use both a wind cover and a footmuff to really provide warmth.
Dressing babies vs toddlers for stroller runs in the cold
While babies are usually more sensitive to the cold than toddlers and children, the older they get the harder it can be to dress them for cold runs. Once they figure out how to take off any layers it becomes very challenging to keep them warm! Often times toddlers like to eat, drink, and play with toys in the stroller, and want their hands free to do those things. Having gloves or cuffs over their hands makes this difficult.
What I’ve done so far this year with my toddler is we start out with his hands covered, and then midway through the run I’ll take them out for a bit so that he can use his hands. I try to watch and see when he is done eating/drinking/playing and then cover them again. I also like to use a blanket so he can put his hands under there on his own if he needs to.
How cold is too cold for stroller runs with babies and toddlers?
This is going to be different for everyone and it depends on different factors like if it’s sunny or windy. Generally if its over 30 degrees I will take my son for a stroller run. If it’s in the 20s I might take him for a shorter run with lots of layers as long as it’s not too windy. It also helps to go a little later in the day when the sun is the warmest.
What else do you need to know about stroller runs in the cold?
If you are just starting out with stroller running in general, you probably want to ease into it with your little one and not take them when it’s cold out. Get them used to the stroller on nicer days and see how they do in slightly cooler temperatures. If they are upset early on you won’t know if it’s because they are cold or because they just don’t like the jogging stroller.
If you are looking to start stroller running make sure to check out this post about how postpartum moms can start stroller running with babies!
Also, remember that safety and your child’s comfort is more important than getting in your miles. Getting fresh air and movement is good for everyone, so try to find a time to run that isn’t too cold and try these tips to keep your baby or toddler warm and comfortable in the stroller.
You may also like:
What Makes Stroller Running So Challenging? (Besides Pushing Extra Weight!)
What It’s Like To Stroller Run With a 1 Year Old
5 Ways for Runners to Handle Winter Weather
If you run with a stroller, what’s your favorite way to keep your baby or toddler warm for stroller runs in the cold?
What is the coldest weather you will run outside in?
Do you try to run later in the day in the winter months?
Now it’s time for the Runners’ Roundup! Link up your running and fitness posts below! Join myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, and Runs with Pugs to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.
Grayson looks perfectly comfortable in the stroller, with all his layers and snacks and drinks.
It’s interesting to see how much preparation goes into running with a stroller in winter. Well done!
And a virtual stroller race sounds like great fun!
It is alot of work! I think its getting easier the more I get used to it.
I used to have this one piece cocoon thing that I’d put my oldest in…it kept him toasty warm! Once I had 2 boys, I would have to leave them home with Dad while I ran.
Oh that does sound warm! I don’t blame you for leaving them at home when there were two. Double strollers are so intimidating!
These are fantastic ideas and I will share them with my MRTT group! That foot muff looks super cozy
It does seem cozy! Make me jealous!
I rarely run in the am except on weekends. And I leave later as it gets colder.
I will run in any temp. You just dress for it.
I won’t run in ice and snow.
I’ll run in snow if its not too deep. I kinda of like running in fresh snow!
Thankfully, I never had to worry about bundling any of my kids for a stroller run LOL I’m pretty sure a lot of this stuff didn’t exist 20+ years ago when my kids would have been of that age. Your stroller race sounds like a fun event 😉
Haha I have no idea if there was stuff like this then! I mean warm jammies and blankets work well too!
Just the perfect post for me! We’ve been thinking about this a lot and I love the fleece footie idea! The biggest struggle has been keeping her hands warm. I’ll have to see what good options the BOB strolle has…Thule definitely seems to have some great gear!
Yes its so hard to keep their hands warm! I’ve seen alot of great stuff for the BOB. And amazon has some non-brand name stuff that could work too.
These are great tips. I think it’s super smart to use footies as the base layer and then go from there. Winter weather is not something I usually have to worry about, especially not with a stroller, but I can imagine kiddos don’t stay as warm as we do since we are running and they are being pushed.
Exactly! I worry that I will get warm and forget that he’s probably freezing lol.
Grayson looks so cute in the stroller! It must be a real challenge getting him all together on top of getting yourself together — not to mention running while pushing a stroller! Whatever doesn’t kill you. 🙂
I definitely run later in the Winter. I will run is some pretty cold weather (down to single digits) — depending on wind & whether or not there’s any sun.
Its nice to get out a little later in the winter! On days I don’t work we get out a little later now that we dont have to worry about the heat. I still like getting it done early though!
There is so much to think about when you run with a stroller! I love that Footmuff and would like one for myself. 🙂
Haha yes me too!
I use the fleece bunting all the time, because she takes off her shoes and mittens otherwise. I should look into the footmuff also. Grayson is so adorable all bundled up in the stroller!
Thanks! Yes, anything that can’t come off their hands and feet is so helpful!
I love these tips! It’s so important to make sure that our little ones are bundled up properly with the cold weather coming!
This is such a useful resource for running moms!
How do you do it now that you have two little ones? Do you have double stroller?
Obviously not something I need to worry about but I did notice the preparation my brother in law did when we went for a run with my nephew. Great tips for moms and dads!
You are the stroller running queen! These are fabulous tips to share with moms that have young kids
You are the absolutely Boss of Running With Strollers! I love this and it’s so cool that you’ve been able to continue running with your kiddos! Keep it up!