When the temperature dips and the snow flies, there’s nothing better than snuggling up inside with your little one. But when a caramel macchiatto calls your name–or you just need to get somewhere–sometimes you gotta head out. Are you ready? This mini winter gear guide can help you brave the elements with your baby.

Winterize your baby’s ride. If you live in a seriously snowy climate, you’re a candidate for an all-terrain stroller, such as the Stokke Trailz. Large, air-filled rubber tires are the key for plowing through the white stuff and maneuvering through snowy streets and paths. The Trailz also features an oversized waterproof shopping basket, which is strong selling point for any stroller.

 

Warm up your baby’s walk. It’s easier to trek through crowded stores and push a grocery cart with a strap-on carrier than it is a stroller. But when you get outside, some infant carriers are more weather worthy than others. The Lascal M1 Carrier features a built-in hood to block the wind and driving snow. If you have or are considering a Baby Bjorn, adding a cover can help keep your baby toasty.

 

These stroller gloves keep themselves handy. Never lose your gloves again! Micro-fleece-lined Polar WarMMuffs attach to any stroller handle or cross bar with hook and loop fasteners.

Cozy up the crib a little. When it comes to your baby’s crib, bare is always best. A wearable blanket, like the Halo SleepSack in winter weight, is a safe and cozy substitute for a crib comforter or blanket. Never use an electric blanket in your baby’s crib or a heating pad. Keep the temperature in your baby’s room between 68 and 72 degrees F, too. A simple thermometer, like the Dreambaby Room & Baby thermometer, can help you keep tabs on air and bath water temp.

Give your baby’ s infant car seat a coat. Big DON’T: Bundling up your child in a thick, bulky winter coat or snowsuit, then strapping him into his infant car seat because bulky clothes can change the car seat’s effectiveness. In the event of a crash, the harness might not be snug enough to do its job.

Big DO: Before heading out to the car, bundle up your baby in the house with an infant car seat cover or warming boot that’s been crash-tested and approved by the manufacturer of your baby’s infant car seat. (In other words, don’t buy just any car seat cocoon unless you’ll only be using it when you’re strolling.) The Britax B-Warm Insulated Infant Car Seat Cover, for example, has been crash tested and approved for all Britax infant car seats, which includes the B-Safe 35 and B-Safe 35 Elite.

But…recall alert. If you bought a Britix B-Safe 35 or B-Safe Elite between November 2014 and January 2016 at Babies R Us, buybuyBaby, Target and other stores nationwide or online at Amazon or Diapers.com, be sure to visit www.bsafe35recall.com. The handle on these seats can break, which prompted a recall. Britax will send you a free repair kit. Don’t use the handle until you get the repair kit. But you can continue to use the car seat when it’s secured in a vehicle or on a stroller.

More Winter Car Seat Dos, Don’ts

If you can’t find an infant car seat cover or foot muff that’s been approved by the manufacturer of your baby’s infant car seat, do dress your baby in a thin jacket and winter hat and gloves. Then, warm up the car and put your baby in her infant car seat and secure the harness. Then, snap the infant seat into the base in your car and tuck a blanket around her so it doesn’t interfere with the harness. Don’t put the blanket near your baby’s head (radar: suffocation hazard).

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By Sandra Gordon, copyright 2016 Baby Products Mom