boy wearing merino wool vest and white sweatshirt standing on the snow

How to survive the cold Swiss winter (without freezing your baby or yourself!)

2026-01-07T19:30:00Z

If you’ve stepped outside in Zurich lately, you know exactly what I mean. The temperatures have dropped to that bone-chilling kind of cold, and when you add wind and thick winter fog, it feels even harsher. You bundle up, pull your scarf higher, and still feel the cold sneaking in everywhere.

But here’s the real winter struggle:

You’re freezing outside… and then suddenly you’re overheating inside. Shops, cafés, trains - the heating is blasting everywhere. One moment your baby is shivering in the pram, the next they’re flushed and sweaty on the train. And honestly? That constant switch between cold and warm is a perfect recipe for catching a cold — for babies and for us.

This is exactly why I’ve become such a big believer in wool for winter. When the weather  and indoor heating can’t make up their mind, you need clothing that adapts. And that’s where merino wool and cashmere truly shine.

If, like me, you absolutely hate freezing and want to make sure your baby stays warm, comfortable, and protected, this article is for you.

Today I’m sharing my top 5 winter essentials that help us survive the cold season  and even enjoy it a little more.

Why I always choose wool for winter

I’ll be honest,  I used to think wool was scratchy, itchy, and something only grandmas wore. Then I discovered merino wool and cashmere, and everything changed.

Merino wool is a winter hero. It keeps little bodies warm without overheating them which is exactly what we need when moving between icy streets and overheated trains.

Here’s why I choose it again and again:

Temperature-regulating: Merino wool naturally adapts to the body. It keeps your baby warm outside and prevents overheating inside.

Breathable: Moisture escapes instead of getting trapped, so your child stays dry and comfortable.

Incredibly soft: Fine merino fibers are gentle enough even for sensitive baby skin.

Naturally antibacterial: Less odor, fewer washes - every parent’s dream.

And then there’s cashmere - the luxury version of comfort. Cashmere is unbelievably soft, lightweight, and incredibly warm at the same time. Whether it’s wrapped around a little head or tucked over tiny legs in the pram, it feels like a warm hug on the coldest days.

Once you experience winter with merino wool and cashmere, it’s hard to go back to anything else.

My top 5 products to survive winter with your baby

These are the pieces I rely on, not just because they look beautiful, but because they truly work when the weather feels like it’s testing our limits.

1. Merino wool & silk base layers (bodysuits, leggings, or an overall)

This is where every winter outfit should start. A merino wool and silk base layer is the perfect foundation, soft against the skin, warm without bulk, and breathable enough to wear all day.

Whether you choose a cozy bodysuit with leggings or a practical overall, these pieces keep your baby warm from the very first layer. They fit easily under jackets, snowsuits, or wool fleeces and are comfortable enough for naps, playtime, and everything in between.

2. Merino wool vest

The vest is one of my favorite winter pieces - simple, but incredibly effective. It keeps your child´s core warm, which makes such a difference on cold days, without restricting arm movement.

My daughter can still walk, run, climb, and play freely, while staying cozy where it matters most. I love how easy it is to layer a vest over long-sleeve tops or base layers — it’s one of those pieces you’ll reach for again and again.

Child wearing a red beanie and blue coat pointing upwards

3. Merino wool fleece jacket

When the cold really bites, this is the jacket I always grab. Merino wool fleece is soft, cuddly, and so much better than synthetic alternatives. It warms beautifully while still letting the skin breathe.

I use it for morning walks, playground trips, and those days when the wind seems to come from every direction. It’s warm, practical, and looks great — which is always a bonus. And you can easily layer it up and combine it with snowsuits when it gets freezing outside.

Two children sitting on a white couch in a bright room.

4. Cashmere Balaclava

This one deserves a special mention. Windy winter days can be brutal on little faces, and a cashmere balaclava has completely changed our outdoor routine.

It keeps the head, ears, and neck warm in one simple piece, no scarves slipping off, no cold air sneaking in. And because cashmere is so soft, my daughter actually keeps it on (a small miracle in itself). Add a bonus of cute bunny ears and you have a perfect solution for winter. This balaclava will also fit your child for more than 1 season (my daughter is wearing her second winter and it still fits perfectly).

Baby in a gray bunny costume

5. Cashmere Blanket

Confession time: we own a beautiful pram footmuff and my daughter absolutely hates it. She refuses to stay in it. So what actually works every single time? A warm cashmere blanket.

We tuck it around her legs and body, and she’s instantly cozy without feeling trapped. It’s flexible, familiar, and perfect for pram rides, car trips, or cuddling up after coming in from the cold. For us, this blanket has become the key to peaceful winter walks.

And moms — let’s keep you warm too

We spend so much time making sure our babies are warm that we often forget about ourselves. But winter is a lot more enjoyable when you are cozy too.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces to stay warm, sometimes even in matchy-matchy style with my daughter:

Fleece jackets & vests

A good fleece jacket or vest keeps your core warm without making you feel bulky. Perfect for layering under your coat or wearing around the house while sipping your morning coffee.

Cashmere headbands

Cold ears are no joke. A soft cashmere headband keeps you warm, protects your ears from icy wind, and looks effortlessly stylish — even on days when you didn’t have time to style your hair.

Final thoughts: Warm kids, calm parents

Winter will probably never be my favorite season. I still hate freezing, the grey fog, and that moment when you step outside and instantly regret it. But having the right winter essentials truly changes everything. When I know my daughter is warm, comfortable, and protected, I can finally relax and actually enjoy our walks, our little adventures, and even those cold morning errands.

For me, merino wool and cashmere have become more than just fabrics. They’re part of how I care for my family in winter. They give me peace of mind, simplify our daily routines, and make sure that even on the coldest days, we step outside feeling prepared.

If this article helped you feel a little more confident about getting through winter with your baby — then I’m so happy I shared it. And if you ever need advice, product links, or just want to talk about how much we all secretly hate freezing — you know where to find me.

Here’s to warm babies, cozy moms, and making winter feel just a little bit kinder.

 

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