Tackling winter with a baby or toddler can be a challenge, especially if you don't know what to buy and how to use it. There are many different ways to get ready for outdoor adventures, and none of them are wrong. As we reflected in a recent post about choosing winter coats, every family has a different lifestyle and it's important to reflect on that in choosing gear. 

What is a bunting suit?  A bunting suit is a one-piece garment designed to keep babies warm and cozy during outdoor adventures. It provides full-body coverage, like a cozy sleeping bag, with openings for the face, arms, and legs. Bunting suits are convenient, versatile, and perfect for active babies on the go, making dressing and staying warm easier for parent

My Love of Fleece Bunting Suits for Babies and Toddlers

As fellow parents, I have experienced firsthand the joy and convenience that fleece bunting suits bring to our winter living. The right-sized fleece bunting suit effortlessly passes the pinch test, providing both comfort and safety during car rides without the need to remove layers. Much like a cozy poncho, these one-piece wonders make dressing and undressing a breeze, leaving more time for memorable moments with your baby.

Fleece is an easy layer when you don't need a waterproof experience, especially for young babies who aren't walking, playing, and falling in the snow. If it's just errands and about, a fleece bunting suit is a much more affordable solution to layering in the winter months than other 'snow suits'.

While my husband has always been concerned about the wind resistance of fleece, we have found that layering the suit with a windproof option is the perfect solution for outdoor explorations. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through the park, a quick run to the store, or braving the cold Northern BC days, fleece bunting suits have been our go-to choice for keeping our little one toasty and content during their 0-24 month lifespan.

What Is Fleece and Why Is It Used in Outerwear?

Fleece is a marvelously soft, synthetic fabric renowned for its exceptional insulating properties and feather-light texture. Fleece is available in a variety of weights and textures. There's the lightweight fleece available in children's sleepwear, and then more heavyweight fleeces used for outerwear.

One of the primary reasons why fleece is widely used in outerwear, including bunting suits, is its unique ability to effectively trap body heat. The fabric's intricate structure creates tiny air pockets that act as insulation, retaining warmth and keeping your baby snug even in chilly weather. Unlike traditional bulky winter wear, fleece provides an optimal balance between insulation and lightweight comfort, ensuring your little one stays cozy without feeling restricted.

I personally love to wear fleece as my outerwear layer during the colder warm days - it's like a sweater but better at regulating the temperature. I'm a huge fan of my fleece coat from Alder Apparel.  Most importantly, fleece doesn't make that swishing noise that water resistant materials makes. It's definitely as sensory thing for some.

The lightweight feel of fleece adds to its allure, making it an ideal choice for babies and toddlers who are always on the move. The fabric's softness and flexibility allow for unrestricted movement! Snow suits with their insulation can sometimes become too bulky, especially with more heavy insulation that collects around the joints.

Fleece is highly breathable, allowing air to circulate and moisture to escape. This essential feature helps regulate your baby's body temperature, preventing overheating. Unlike winter coats which often have a breathability rating, fleece is not tested and measured with a number.

Bonus: Fleece is easy care. You know how you'r supposed to wash your winter coats in a special detergent so you don't strip all the goodness of it? Fleece is just wash and dry. It's super easy to take care of and makes it a great choice for your day-to-day outerwear that's going to dirty from just existing. Launder as needed with no concern for weather your detergent will strip the fabric of the water resistance you need the few times it rains. 

What Weather Is Kids Fleece Outerwear Good For?

Fleece outerwear, including bunting suits, are a versatile option for providing warmth and comfort during cool to chilly weather. While they are not typically recommended for extreme cold conditions, fleece jackets are perfect for various shoulder seasons and as a cozy layer during colder months. They can be great to have on hand during the summer months for late nights, and cold mornings. 

Cozy Layers for Colder Months

As the colder months approach, fleece jackets become an essential layering piece for your baby or toddler. They work wonders when combined with other winter wear, such as insulated snowsuits or waterproof outer shells. The breathability of fleece ensures that your little one stays comfortable and dry during playtime, even when the temperatures drop.

What Are the Disadvantages of Fleece Outerwear?

Fleece isn't perfect. It's just one tool you can use to feel warm and cozy this year. 

Fleece sucks for extreme cold conditions. In sub-zero temperatures or blustery winter storms, it's essential to layer fleece with more insulated and weatherproof outerwear to ensure your child stays adequately protected and warm. Check out our guide on how to shop for winter wear including reading all that information you need to know to navigate the right thermal goals for your winter adventure. 

Fleece is not naturally water-resistant. While it can wick away moisture and dry relatively quickly, it may not be the best option in heavy rain or wet conditions. Consider adding a waterproof outer layer to keep your baby dry during wet weather adventures - this can be as easy as muddy buddy or other wide fitting waterproof layer. 

Fleece jackets may not be as windproof as some other materials. In windy conditions, especially during outdoor activities, consider layering fleece with a wind-resistant garment to provide extra protection from chilling gusts. Again this really speaks to extreme cold conditions.

With regular use and washing, fleece jackets can develop pilling, which are small fabric balls on the surface. While this does not affect its functionality, some parents may find it less visually appealing. Proper care, such as gentle washing and avoiding friction, can help minimize pilling.

Comparing Our Top Baby Fleece Suits: Find the Right Fit for Your Little One

Choosing the right outerwear for your baby or toddler can make all the difference during the colder months. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which suit will best meet your family's needs. To help you navigate these choices, we've compared four fleece suits — Jan & Jul Fleece Suit, Reima Tarhaan, Reima Tähti, and the ever-popular secondhand favourite, the Columbia SNOWTOP II Bunting. Each offers unique features tailored to different weather conditions, lifestyles, and preferences, so your little one stays warm, comfortable, and cozy all winter long.

Why Choose the Jan & Jul Fleece Suit?

Great for parents who want a cozy, easy-to-use suit with fold-over mittens and booties built right in — no separate gloves or socks needed. A favourite for everyday outings with younger babies, up to 18 months.

Why Choose the Reima Tarhaan?

Built for toddlers on the move. The brushed, elastic fleece flexes with crawling, climbing, and active play, and the one-piece design means no cold drafts sneaking in at the waist — a solid daycare staple through age 3.

Why Choose the Reima Tähti?

This one's less about outdoor play and more about warmth-as-a-layer — a soft, quick-drying mid-layer to wear under a snowsuit on frosty days, or on its own indoors. The chin guard on the zipper is a small detail that makes a real difference for wriggly toddlers.

Why Choose the Columbia SNOWTOP II Bunting (Secondhand)?

A longtime favourite in our preloved collection. Lightweight and breathable at just 250g, the fold-over hands and feet make it an easy grab-and-go option for car rides, strolling, or quick errands — without needing separate mittens or booties.