‘Everyone is in the same broke boat right now’
How these moms are finding ways to stretch their dollars and keep their kids warm for winter
With inflation worsening each year, how are parents able to afford to dress their kids warm and cosy for winter?
When Diana Obando immigrated to Canada last year with her two children, she was astonished.
“Last year, we had to buy everything since we come from a very warm place, so there was no need for anything for winter over there. I was in shock at the amount of money we had to spend,” said the 42-year-old, who is currently living in Moncton, N.B.
QUALITY
AND SIZING KEY
It was expensive to get winter gear for two children all at once, but Obando made sure to choose quality and gave her children room to grow into the items.
“For my 10-year-old, we bought him only one jacket, but a good quality one. We did not get snow pants. He’s using the same jacket this year because it fits perfectly, and once he outgrows it, we’ll sell it. We bought one pair of good gloves and make sure that he has them when we pick him up from school and bought boots a half-size bigger, which still fit for this winter,” she explained. “For my three-year-old, we bought almost everything through Marketplace and, for the one jacket that didn’t come with pants, we bought them at ModeChoc, as well as one pair of the really warm gloves and a couple of the cheaper pairs, since at that age they lose it, easily.”
Toddlers typically grow at super speed, and Obando’s is no exception.
“He needs a new set of snowsuits for this year since he had a growth spurt and grew two sizes all of a sudden. So, I sold one of the snowsuits, traded another one with a friend, and passed on the one I received as a gift last year to another mom,” she explained.
ADVICE FOR OTHERS
For other parents struggling to fit new kids’ winter gear into the budget, Obando has a few pieces of advice.
“Choose good quality over quantity and newness. It’s better to buy second-hand attire that is well made and will stand up to the cold than to choose something of a lower quality only because it’s new. If you need to count the dollars ... buy one of each item, but of good quality,” she advised. “If you need to make your dollars last, start early. First, go to the stores to see how much they cost new, then go to the consignment and thrift stores so you know if you’re really saving money. And do not hesitate to turn to other moms for trades or to receive something someone is not using anymore.”
CLOTHES THAT GROW WITH KIDS
Janie Ha has been dealing with the current economy by investing in “growable” snowsuits for her five-year-old.
The 30-year-old from Bedford, N.S., prefers quality over quantity and prioritizes her child’s warmth and comfort over other expenditures.
“Every year, we usually need to buy new boots, which cost around $80-$100 new.
We buy a new coat every two years typically. Last year, we got a ‘grow with me’ coat that has detachable stitching to extend the size. It’s been really helpful to make it last longer, this one will probably last until next year as well,” she explained. “I think it cost around $100-$120 from SportChek, but for something like this, I’d rather splurge and know that my child is warm. The same goes for snow pants — but the ‘grow with me pairs’ don’t last as long as the jackets. I find they get too tight in the waist.”
NEW CHALLENGES EVERY YEAR
Dealing with random growth spurts certainly adds a challenge, says Ha.
“This year, my daughter has been having a hard time with winter boots. Her feet grew a lot in the past year, so we’ve had to go up a couple of sizes. Every pair we tried seemed clunky and heavy for her little legs, so we’re still on the lookout for a warm pair of boots that won’t be too chunky,” she said. “We face new challenges every year with growth spurts and a change in taste. This year it’s the boots, next year she may decide she hates her purple jacket. It’s also difficult to find good gloves or mittens that she can put on independently.”
For new parents, Ha encourages purchasing secondhand as long as it doesn’t mean sacrificing effective protection from the cold.
“Try to buy second-hand if you can, but don’t cheap out on good brands. Their tiny little bodies get cold quickly and it always feels better as a parent to know your kids are warm.”