Hellobee Boards

keep an eye on zulily. i bought E a nice fleece coat for $25 I think!

Have you looked at Lands End via Sears? They also have 3-1 coats, I think they're the best option, honestly.

Just bought a Patagonia down jacket for LO for the winter (from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale). Last year he wore a North Face Denali, and he probably still fits into it this year as well. I don't mind paying more because I know LO2 will be able to wear it too.

I'm pretty sure that baby Gap will be having heavier outerwear, probably next month. I got my DD a down coat there last year. It was on deep discount by November since our weather is really mild.

@mrsjyw: I bought a size 2T for my LO when he was 18 months old. It was big, but I just rolled up the sleeves. He has always been in the 5th percentile in weight, and it worked last winter for him.

I live in North Dakota--it is quite cold here.... I got LO a patagonia coat in eBay. Brand new with tags, but only $30 (instead of retail which was like $75). She's only going to be between 5 and 11 months old throughout the winter, so I also got her a down-fill bunting with the fold over hands and feet, I think columbia brand, and also got that on eBay new with tags for about $30.

I was at Once Upon a Child yesterday and saw they have tons of children's winter coats that are good for an 'actual' cold climate...not these cutesy fleece things that won't hold up below 20 degrees... if you have that or a consignment store in your area (or garage sales) I bet you could find one because other moms have had the same issues finding something warm enough.

Edited to add link - I just searched for a brand I knew made good winter gear, and the size, then i scrolled through to find stuff that looked warm enough and a good pattern!
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=columbia+12+months&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xpatagonia+12+months&_nkw=patagonia+12+months&_sacat=0

We love LL Bean!! But since toddler boys are hard on their winter gear we've bought winter coats (puffers) from Old Navy. Hand me down snow bibs from Circo (target).

Oooh, I'm trying to figure this out too! Last winter DD was still in her infant bucket when we were outside, and I would just bundle her up with blankets. This winter she'll certainly want to play outside in the snow so she needs a proper coat, snow pants, and boots. I haven't had much luck finding ones that appeal to my sense of style that aren't as expensive as adult gear. (Sorry, but I'm not willing to buy my daughter $100 snow boots and $100 winter coat when she is 18 months and will grow out of it all within a year.)