No. VA / DC Moms...how heavy of a coat for 2 y.o.?

[lmwbasye]

I've been looking at the posts re: HA vs. LE vs. LL. Bean, but not sure how heavy of a jacket I need for a 2 year old this winter. We were in TX last year, so the HA Fleece jacket was great for him, but worried it won't be enough for this year. Ones I'm considering:

HA Baby Sherpa
HA Expedition
LE Squall
LL Bean Katahadin

Any other suggestions? I'm also concerned about car seat safety. Are there jackets that I can take of the shell and just use the fleece underneath when he's in his car seat?

Thanks so much!

[hudsonam]

I'm in NJ, but I think we have very similar weather, if not the same. You'll definitely need more then just a fleece. What I do in the winter is put the jacket on him to go out to the car, then take it off to put him in the car seat, then put it back on to get out of the car. It's a pain, but a necessity. You can always layer a fleece underneath. I'm not sure which jackets might come with this option. I have the LL Bean Katahdin parka for my DS. HTH!

[HallsofVA]

I live by Dulles airport, and have lots of different jackets for my DS. You just never know what the weather will be. On snowy days, obviously you want a nice heavy waterproof jacket like the HA snow coat, or the LE winter squall or a LL Bean-type jacket. Last year we only had 1-2 snowy days though so my snowsuit purchases only got used once or twice.

Last winter we used either a HA love a bug fleece coat or a LE squall coat with hood for most of the winter, depending on the specific weather that day. We also did layers, with a LS shirt or t-neck under the jacket. On really cold days, we might have added a sweater.

Part of the decision will depend on how much you expect them to be outside. So many places are so warm inside that I didn't dress DS too warmly with his core layers (thus not too many heavy sweaters) and might have used a warmer jacket for the time spent going from the car to school.

[laretce6]

I know I'll be the exception here, but we're in central VA (halfway between Richmond and Lynchburg) and we've been fine 90% of the time with a hanna fleece and a winter hat. We had a heavier coat last year and it was probably worn 3 times. I think a lot depends on your perception of winter weather. If you're used to Texas you may think it's super cold up this way. I'm from central PA and the winters there are much worse, so I tend to be pretty mellow about the cold snaps we get here. As others have said the amount of time you'll be outside is a factor as well.

Caroline
Mama to Eleanor Katherine 8.2.04
and baby sister arrivng 2.2007

[egoldber]

Generally, I buy what would probably be considered a medium weight coat and just plan to layer with a fleece jacket or pullover underneath for really cold days and layering a thin long john layer under that for REALLY cold days or for playing outside in the snow (if we even get any, LOL!).

The weather here in winter is really odd. It can get really cold, but it seldom lasts more than a few days. In general, I think the winters are really mild here. The "coat" she gets by FAR the most use out of is her fleece jacket.

But she had an LLBean coat last year (a model no longer available) probably most similar to the Warm-Up Jacket. This year I have a down coat for her, but its very lightweight. I got it on clearance at Company Kids last spring.

But take my advice with a grain of salt, because going by these boards, I think I tend to underdress my kid (for warmth) compared to most people. Personally, I tend to overheat really easily and just assume that DD would too. I tend to be of the mindset of how cold can you REALLY get, when you're mainly just walking from the car to the door of school or the parking lot at Target, KWIM? Even if its 20 below, can you really get that cold walking 100 yards?

[crl]

We recently left the DC area. DS wore a LE squall parka one winter we were there and a LL Bean Katahadin the other. He loves to be outside though and we went out very nearly every day all winter. Even in 2 feet of snow. Even in 30 degrees, minus windchill. And if it was above freezing and not too windy we usually stayed for up to an hour in the cold. Many days we were the only people at the park. LOL. So, your mileage may vary!

We never had a jacket where you can separate the shell and the fleece, but my understanding is that the fleece part gets zipped in so I'm not sure that it would be any easier than just taking the whole jacket off.

Despite our heavy use of the warm parka, it was almost never an issue for the car seat. Our outside time was usually within walking distance of our house. Unless it was super cold (maybe 4 or 5 times a year) if we were going someplace indoors I just put DS in a fleece and carried him out to the car and into the playgroup/store, etc. I kept a blanket in the car too. And sometmes warmed the car up before taking DS out to it.

We always had a winter parka, plus at least two fleece jackets for DS, and a raincoat. They all got plenty of use.

HTH,

[daisymommy]

I'm in No.VA and have bought DS a LE Squall for the last 3 years in a row. It was perfect for him I believe. But do have something more lightweight as well for those not-so-cold days...yes, the weather here can be weird!

[1964pandora]

Laura, I just wanted to tell you that we have the Hanna sherpa coat, and that while cute, I think it's worthless so far as warmth. Cold air shoots up the bottom and sleeves, and it isn't lined, so it looks sorta cheap when you see the inside. I know others love it, but I just think it's cute because of the ears, but not very functional. If you do decide to buy one, they're all over ebay for a lot less than you'd pay full price. Still, I'd say skip it when you're talking about warmth. Buy it if you want a cute photo at the pumpkin patch.

We live in Northern Virginia, and we bundle up most of the winter because I think it's COLD!!

[kcimato]

I agree with Beth. How cold can you get walking to and from the car? I think a fleece jacket is plenty warm enough for most of the winter. There are a few cold and snowy days where you might need a heavier jacket but I would not spend a lot of money on it. Something from Target or Walmart would do.

[SnuggleBuggles]

We were a bit further south when ds was that age (NC) and I certainly second the above advice. A fleece and then a not so expensive coat from Target or Old Navy. They really will be fine in a no name brand coat and for the amount of the coat will probably get it is just practical.

If the weather is freakishly cold you can always pick up a warmer coat later.

Beth