Babble Best: Snow Suits

Kushies Zebra Car Bag - $77

Tiny snow bunnies will be safely shielded from the cold thanks to this bunting-style snowsuit from Kushies. Lined with snuggly fleece, this suit is wind- and water-repellent. Loading up junior is a snap with the suit's handy dual zipper (with easy pull tabs). And cutouts allow a baby to get strapped into the car seat without being exposed to the frigid air. There's also built-in entertainment. We distracted our tot with the suit's toy zebra while waiting in line for our Starbucks fix. Adorable details (the hood is trimmed with white faux fur) and stylish touches (check out the color assortment) helped us justify spending big bucks on baby's first winter coat. (0-6M)

Buy it from Kushies.

LL Bean Katahdin Snowsuit - $65

Admittedly, not the hippest design, but this functional suit has plenty of pluses. For instance, the shell has a special coating that resists water and stains and special "grow" hems that allow both sleeves and legs to be extended by 11/2". So there's a chance this item may see more than one winter in your family. Go ahead and plan a full day tromping in the snow: LL Bean's snowsuit is fully lined with Thinsulate to keep kids warm without unnecessary and uncomfortable bulk. We're also keen on the Scotchlite reflective back triangle — essential for sledding at dusk — and the suit's ankle gaiters, which keep snow from sneaking into boots and turning socks soggy. (6 mos-4T)

Buy it from LL Bean.

Molehill Shelled Snowsuit - $99.99

Eager to get your child addicted to skiing? Picking the right gear is crucial. Meant for snow sports, this well-constructed suit will all but guarantee your child's first trip to the slopes isn't wrecked because of chilly conditions. Doug Faude, Molehill Mountain president and father of two, knows what it takes to keep kids smiling in blustery conditions. "We are dedicated to getting kids outdoors," says Faude, an Idaho resident. Performance comes from high-tech fabrics, such as a nylon shell with special Teflon coating and ballistic reinforcements on the suit's knees. These fabrics bring the cost up, but will most likely pay off in extended outdoor play. (3 mos-3T)

Buy it from Molehill Mountain Equipment.

Columbia Sportswear Snow Powder Down Bunting - $75 (on sale for $45)

For non-walkers, this one-piece snowsuit is an excellent pick — we just wish the styling were a bit cuter. Looks aside, we were happy to skip the "getting out the door struggle" provided by Columbia's clever design. The all-in-one suit has a long diagonal zipper along the front, allowing us frazzled parents to quickly stuff our child inside before they can mount a resistance effort. The suit's down feather insulation traps warm air inside, and the fold-over foot and hand flaps protect tiny digits from wriggling free and becoming exposed to wind and snow. (6-24 mos)

Buy it from Amazon.