What clothes do I need for my toddler for a British winter?

[westwardho]

I've just moved to the UK from far sunnier climes and don't really know where to start with winter clothes for my 1yo DS (just started walking).

Do I get an all in one snow suit? Or just a warm coat? Do I need a cosy-toe type thing for the push-chair (or does that tend to be just for smaller babies)? And will he need wellies (at the moment if we go out in the rain, he has been in the push-chair with the rain cover on). Any other winter clothing advice?!

We do a lot of walking around in all weathers (school run for older child / walk to shops, playgroups etc).

Sorry - all this probably seems blindingly obvious to anyone who lives here, but I just don't want to make expensive mistakes.

I would probably get a cosytoe for the pushchair, especially as he has only just started walking and if you go out for long days he might be in there sitting for a while. On a lot of them, they can be unzipped while inside shopping centres.

Layers will be your friend, and maybe consider putting tights on underneath socks and trousers in the coldest weather. Wellies, or snow boots might be a good investment if you are living somewhere that will have lots of the latter.

As I'm sure you've already noticed, UK weather is not that predictable - can be 20 degrees sunshine one day, rainy and windy the next and then drop to 8 degrees the next!

So layers are the key - short or long sleeved vest, long sleeved top, cardigan/fleece/jumper, warm waterproof coat, maybe a bodywarmer on milder days. Jersey lined jeans / trousers, tights under trousers if very cold, otherwise thick socks, wellies a must in UK (even in summer!), heavyweight leather shoes or boots. Hats and mittens (on a string).

You can get all in one fleece lined waterproofs ( see jojo mamon bebe) which are thinner than snow suits so easier to walk in, or waterproof trouser/sallapette things, again jojo mamon are good.

Happy shopping!

DD1 hated the cosy toes and always fought it, she also hated to have a blanket on her in the pushchair, so I had to buy her a snowsuit.

Wellies are good for the park, even if you use the buggy there and back.

Hats and gloves are essential.

Brilliant - thank you for the advice!

All-in-one waterproof and wellies for puddle jumping.

wellies.
all in one waterproof OR waterproof dungerees and coat. waterproof is more important than warm, you can put layers under a waterproof.
mittens.