Snowsuit or coat for 18mo?

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Do they need a snowsuit at this age? The type without feet so boots can be worn or is a big coat enough?

A snow suit is very handy to have at that age, yes. But, if it's coat OR snowsuit then best to go with the coat.

Also, when you're out an about and they've been walking do you take boots on and off when they get in the pushchair (dirty feet) or just keep cleaning mud off?
What about the footmuff or have I been conned and they're a total waste too?!

I always kept the boots on. Footmuffs are very handy - it's extra cold when you are sitting still...

Do you just keep washing everything then?

Can you not sponge clean in between washes? Or if just mud, allow to dry then brush off?

Good idea. Can you tell I can't be arsed am not too bothered about more washing?

I don't think I ever got the whole coat thing right with DD. She switched to coats early on, partly because she was an autumn baby and an early walker, so she was walking around outside in the cold from 1 year. Looking back on it I think she probably wasn't dressed warmly enough on her lower half. Top half fine. But her legs might have been a bit chilly. Oops.

Another hassle is how coats can ride up when you strap them in the buggy. I had one with a zip that was hopeless. Buttons were easier because you can button it up round the straps that go between their legs. We had a foot muff. Got it off Ebay for not very much and it was very necessary. If it was really cold, we used a blanket as well. Just brushed the mud off and washed when it really needed it.

I used to see other mums in the playground with their DCs who they had dressed in thick padded jackets and a matching pair of trousers. I think this might have been better. Jackets were shorter - so no riding up. I never asked anyone, but I suppose they had more normal clothes on underneath - leggings, thinner trousers, etc?

In the last paragraph, I meant that the trousers were thick and padded too - so kind of like a snowsuit but in 2 halves.

Have you considered an unlined all in one waterproof? Not as cosy but they can layer up underneath in the winter & wear it with fewer layers for the rest of the year. DD is almost 4 and I've just bought her yet another all in one waterproof as they're still so useful - she can go on swings & slides in them, fall over in them without worrying about being wet & muddy. She can either go out & play in the rain in it or go out after its rained and not be bothered by the wet grass. Given how much happier the DC are if they are warm & dry, they've always had a winter coat (Sainsburys do really good waterproof, fleece lined, hooded ones), an all in one unlined waterproof (JoJo do good ones but they are £££) which they tend to wear all year round as its such a useful thing and then a snowsuit for their first couple of winters and they're spending a lot of time in the pushchair but will be getting out of it to go for a toddle, trip to the park etc.