How To Dress Babies and Toddlers For Stroller Runs in the Cold

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

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

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 that can be purchased to go over the stroller. Sometimes just blocking the wind can make a huge difference in how it feels outside.

Try adding a Footmuff

A footmuff 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

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 toddler?

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 gear do you need for stroller runs in the cold?

Here are some of the items I use for stroller runs in the cold. (These are affiliate links)
Fleece footed Pajamas
Thule Stroller Footmuff Sport
Stroller Weather Shield 

This week we are participating in a stroller race and stroller mother runner chat on Instagram. The stroller race takes place all week and the chat is tomorrow (10/22) starting at 7 pm EST. You can find it by heading to the post I’ll share on my feed at 7:00 pm. I’l be posting about stroller running in the cold, and if I get any other helpful tips I will add them to this post!

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 in the winter?
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, Runs with Pugs , and Laura Norris Running to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.