The days are getting shorter, school is back in session, and before we know it, winter activities will be here. Now is a good time to start looking ahead for registration deadlines!  

Here are a few Sioux Falls Area programs to have on your radar. 

Hockey: The Sioux Falls Flyers Youth Hockey Association offers several City League options for the 2026-27 season. Registration deadlines begin September 21st for these leagues. 

Soccer: Soccer Sprouts serves children ages 3-10 and focuses on soccer skills, confidence, and teamwork. They play indoors during the winter; pay attention to their website for when registration opens for their winter sessions.   

Basketball: The YMCA’s Y-Force Youth Basketball program is open to kids ages 4 through high school, with opportunities for players of different ages and skill levels. Registration closes on September 16th. 

Football: Looking ahead to winter, Sanford Sports Academy’s 7-on-7 football teams offer opportunities for boys ages 10-18 and girls (flag football) ages 10-14. Tryouts for boys are scheduled for November 22nd and for girls on December 13th. 

Outdoor Adventures: The Outdoor Campus offers free, hands-on programs focused on outdoor skills, conservation, hunting, and fishing. Winter registration opens on November 18th. 

All this is just the beginning! From hockey, basketball, gymnastics, music, outdoor adventures, and more, the Sioux Falls Area offers an incredible variety of ways for kids to stay active and discover something they love. 

Looking for more? 

The ‘hood’s Sioux Falls Sports & Activities Guide, sponsored by SDSU Extension, brings local youth sports, classes, clubs, and activities together in one place. It’s organized by category so you can find the right fit for your family without endless searching. 

Visit thehoodmagazine.com/siouxfallssportsandactivitesguide and start exploring what’s next! 

The post Winter Sports Registration Round-Up: Find Your Child’s Next Activity  appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

You’re not alone if January and February feel heavy. Many families around the Sioux Falls area struggle with this time of year, not in a clinical way, just in a “wow, this is a lot of winter” way. The good news? A few small mindset shifts and simple plans can make this stretch feel much more manageable.

Here are some practical, everyday ways to shake off the January blues and make the most of the season we’re in.

Give Yourself Permission to Feel “Off”

First things first: it’s okay if January doesn’t feel magical. After the excitement of December, this month can feel quiet, cold, and monotonous. Acknowledging that winter can be hard — especially in the Midwest — helps take the pressure off trying to love every moment.

Instead of pushing through, try reframing January as a slower season. Fewer commitments, earlier nights, and simpler plans can be a good thing.

Plan Something to Look Forward To (Even If It’s Small)

One of the best ways to beat the January blues is having something on the calendar. It doesn’t have to be a big vacation.

• A weekend day trip
• A family movie night
• A special recipe you don’t usually make
• A planned indoor adventure

Even small plans break up the weeks and give everyone something to anticipate. Check out our full Winter Boredom Busters Guide, filled with over 40 ideas of things to do. 

Lean Into Indoor Fun

When it’s cold, dark, and windy, staying inside is just reality, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel boring.

Sioux Falls has plenty of indoor options for families, especially for parents with younger kids. Whether it’s an indoor play space, a mall walk with a toddler, or simply rearranging the living room for an obstacle course, changing the scenery helps reset everyone’s mood.

Cabin fever, especially with kids in the house, can be so easily felt in the winter! Make sure to check out our Full Indoor Play Guide and kick that cabin fever away. 

Get Out of Town (Just a Little)

If winter feels endless, a short trip can make a huge difference. You don’t need a plane ticket to feel refreshed.

Quick getaways to places like Omaha, the Twin Cities, or Kansas City offer new scenery, indoor attractions, and a break from routine, even if it’s just for a night or two. Sometimes a change of pace is all it takes to make winter feel less overwhelming.

Try Something New at Home

January is a great month to experiment with easy recipes, simple crafts, or family projects. Comfort food, baking with kids, or tackling a low-pressure craft can bring everyone together and make long evenings feel cozier.

An easier recipe than our Cake Mix Cookies is hard to find!

Think less Pinterest-perfect and more “we did something together and had fun.”

Soak Up the Light (When You Can)

Midwest winters don’t give us a lot of daylight, but when the sun does show up, take advantage. A quick walk, playing outside for 15 minutes, or even sitting near a sunny window can help lift the mood.

You don’t have to bundle up for hours — even small doses of fresh air can make a difference.

For those of you who DO want to bundle up, we have some great outdoor winter areas to enjoy in Sioux Falls! Take an ice fishing class at The Outdoor Campus, enjoy winter sports at Great Bear, or skate around the ice ribbon downtown at Jacobson Plaza!

Remember: This Season Is Temporary

January can feel endless, but it does pass. School routines settle, days slowly get longer, and before we know it, we’re talking about spring plans.

For now, it’s okay to focus on comfort, connection, and getting through winter one cozy day at a time.

And if all else fails? February is one month closer to spring.

The post Top Tips for Beating the January Blues appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

This feature was originally printed in the January/February 2026 Issue of ‘hood. Check out the full digital issue at the link! 

From a magical skate ribbon to a cozy lodge and holiday lights, Sioux Falls’ newest destination is the perfect place to embrace the season. Here’s what you can do at Jacobson Plaza to make the most of Winter! 

Skate the Ribbon 

This 14,000-square-foot outdoor skating facility is South Dakota’s first-ever winter ice ribbon, offering a family-friendly ice skating experience all season long. Unlike a traditional rink, The Ribbon is a meandering, 20-foot-wide loop nearly two football fields long, allowing skaters to glide along a refrigerated path under ambient lighting and music and stop at fire pits along the way. 

Each 45-minute skating session is $5 per person, with skates available to rent for $3 in both youth and adult sizes – or bring your own and make it a family tradition.  

Note: There are skate assistants available to use!

Supervised skating hours vary. Check out explorethefalls.org for the most current schedule, skate sizes, and hours. 

Warm up at The Lodge 

Step inside The Lodge and be enveloped by a warm, welcoming atmosphere. For a quick refuel, enjoy a hot bite or an artisan scoop of Parlour ice cream. You can also grab a cup of hot cocoa, which is the perfect way to thaw out fingers and toes after a spin on the ice. They also offer a full bar with adult beverages to further enhance your cozy evening. 

The Lodge is available to rent for private parties in its cozy party room, best suited for groups of up to 20–25 guests. We recommend setups of 16 seats for the most comfortable experience. When booking the party room, guests also receive access to discounted skate time, perfect for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or casual celebrations. Outdoor fire pits nearby help round out the festive atmosphere. 

Visit thelodgeplaza.com for hours, the menu, and party reservations. 

Enjoy Festive Activities  

Be sure to check the Parks & Recreation calendar for seasonal events at the Falls, which often coordinate with the lights: 

• The Annual Winter Wonderland: The entire Falls Area transforms into a spectacular holiday light display from late November through early January each year. 

• Cocoa Strolls: Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the lights while sipping hot cocoa from The Lodge. 

• Themed Skates: Look for special skate events like “Mascot Monday,” “Family Fun Skate,” and “Prince and Princess Skate Party.” 

Go to recreation.siouxfalls.gov for more.  

Plan Your Visit by checking out explorethefalls.org 

810 N Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (Near Falls Park) 

Phone: 605-367-8222  

Email: parksandrec@siouxfalls.gov 

The post Welcome To Winter at Jacobson Plaza  appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to carve out intentional time to connect as a family. Between work, school, extracurricular activities, and screens competing for our attention, quality moments together can sometimes feel elusive. That’s why making family game nights a regular tradition is such a wonderful idea. Not only do board games provide an opportunity for laughter and bonding, but they also teach valuable life skills like teamwork, patience, and critical thinking.

For more ideas of family time together, check out our post on 25 Family Fun Night Activities that Don’t Involve Screens. 

Gathering around a table for a few rounds of friendly competition can spark joy, create lasting memories, and strengthen family ties. Plus, there’s a game out there for every age and personality, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.

Here are some of our favorite family board games to play together, along with why they’re great and the basics on age and player requirements.

1. Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride is a classic strategy game that invites players to build railway routes across a map, with the goal of connecting cities and completing secret objectives. The game is easy to learn but offers plenty of depth to keep older kids and adults engaged.

• Why it’s great: It encourages strategic thinking and geography skills, and the element of secrecy with route cards adds a fun twist. The colorful trains and maps are also visually appealing, making it a hit with players of all ages.
• Players & Ages: 2-5 players, recommended for ages 8 and up. They do also have a Ticket to Ride: First Journey for younger players! 

2. Guess Who?

Perfect for younger children, Guess Who? is a deduction game where players ask yes-or-no questions to identify their opponent’s mystery character.

• Why it’s great: This game sharpens observation skills and critical thinking while also being quick and easy to play. It’s ideal for introducing younger kids to structured gameplay.
• Players & Ages: 2 players, recommended for ages 6 and up.

3. Catan Junior

Catan Junior is a kid-friendly version of the beloved Catan game, this version simplifies the mechanics while keeping the spirit of resource gathering and building. Players collect resources like wood and gold to build ships and settlements on a pirate-themed map.

• Why it’s great: It introduces kids to the concepts of strategy and resource management without overwhelming them. The pirate theme adds an extra layer of excitement for younger players.
• Players & Ages: 2-4 players, recommended for ages 6 and up.

4. Uno

While technically a card game, Uno deserves a spot on this list for its timeless appeal. Players take turns matching cards by number or color, with the goal of being the first to get rid of all their cards.

• Why it’s great: It’s simple enough for even preschoolers to grasp but still fun and competitive for older kids and adults. Uno also teaches color and number recognition, making it a sneaky educational tool.
• Players & Ages: 2-10 players, recommended for ages 5 and up.

5. Pandemic

Pandemic is a cooperative game, and players work together as a team of specialists to prevent outbreaks and find cures for diseases spreading across the globe. Each player has a unique role, and success requires strong communication and teamwork.

• Why it’s great: Pandemic is perfect for teaching collaboration and problem-solving. It’s also a refreshing change from competitive games, as everyone wins or loses together.
• Players & Ages: 2-4 players, recommended for ages 8 and up.

6. Apples to Apples

Apples to Apples has been a family favorite for years now. This hilarious party game challenges players to match nouns to adjectives in the most creative or funny way possible. The judge for each round picks their favorite match, leading to lots of laughs.

• Why it’s great: It sparks creativity and humor while also helping kids expand their vocabulary. The loose, subjective nature of the game makes it low-pressure and easygoing.
• Players & Ages: 4-10 players, recommended for ages 8 and up.

They also make an Apple to Apples Junior game for even younger players. 

7. Clue

A classic whodunit game, Clue has players racing to solve a murder mystery by deducing the culprit, weapon, and location. Players move around the game board, collecting clues and making guesses.

• Why it’s great: It’s fantastic for teaching logic and deduction skills, and the immersive mystery theme keeps everyone intrigued.
• Players & Ages: 2-6 players, recommended for ages 8 and up.

8. Spot It!

Spot It! Is a fast-paced matching game is perfect for families looking for a quick and engaging activity. Players race to find matching symbols on circular cards, testing their observation and reflexes.

• Why it’s great: Spot It! is quick to set up and play, making it ideal for younger kids with shorter attention spans. It also sharpens focus and hand-eye coordination.
• Players & Ages: 2-8 players, recommended for ages 6 and up.

Have Fun Making Memories

Board games are more than just a fun way to pass the time—they’re an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow as a family. Whether you’re solving mysteries, building railways, or laughing over silly card combinations, the time spent together is invaluable. So, pick a game (or two!) from this list, clear the table, and get ready for an unforgettable family game night.

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Don’t let the cold weather bring you down this year! Our Winter Boredom Busters Guide has you covered! Discover local businesses, programs, and fun ideas that help families have fun during the coldest months. Whether you’re looking for indoor adventures, new hobbies, or simple ways to get out and play, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to make winter truly wonderful.

Outdoor Campus

Join us this winter for a variety of FREE outdoor programming!  From hunting and ice fishing to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the Campus has a class for your family!  Winter Registration opens November 12 at 8:00 AM and stays open until classes are full. Get connected to the Outdoors!

Address: 4500 S Oxbow Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Phone: (605) 362-2777

Learn More

Sioux Falls Skyforce

Turn up the HEAT this winter with Skyforce basketball! It’s more than just a game; it’s an experience the whole family will enjoy! With tickets starting as low as $10, you can enjoy thrilling, high-level basketball and exciting entertainment at every game. Don’t miss out on the fun! 

Address: 2131 S Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Phone: (605) 332-0605

Learn More

BritZa Performing Arts Studio

Join us for a season of growth, expression, and creativity at BritZa Performing Arts Studio. Explore our new theatre and vocal classes for elementary and middle schoolers, or check out one of our dance classes for all ages!

Address: 1500 E 77th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Phone: (605) 371-8888

Learn More

Dakota Spirit

Join our Half-Season Team! Saturdays starting in January 2026. Open to K–8 boys and girls, athletes learn cheer basics, tumbling, stunts, and dance while performing in 3 fun events. Build skills, confidence, and teamwork with Dakota Spirit. Contact us at info@dakotaspirit.com or 605-373-0414 for more information.

Address: 3910 W 59th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Phone: (605) 373-0414

Learn More

Great Bear Ski Valley

Have more fun this winter and take the family skiing or snowboarding! New to the sport? We offer lessons and rental equipment. Or go tubing! Buy tickets online and save up to 25%. Warm up in the lodge featuring full concessions. Plus, we’re just minutes from downtown Sioux Falls!

Address: 5901 E Rice St, Sioux Falls, SD 57110
Phone:(605) 367-4309

Learn More

Children's Museum of South Dakota

Don’t climb the walls, climb the clouds! It may be chilly outside, but we have 40,000 square feet of cozy indoor space to play along in. From the hustle and bustle of KidStreet, to the water play in our Splash exhibit, there’s something for everyone. Even Tyrannosaurus rexes!  

Address: 521 4th St, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone:(605) 692-6700

Learn More

Skate City

Keep your kids busy and warm this winter by going skating! We have regular weekly skate sessions all year and extra sessions over the holidays. Save 20% on admission when you purchase online using code “Hood20” – Code is valid for school out days and weekends from 12-2, 2-4, and 4-6pm.

Address: 2901 W 3rd St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 332-7915

Learn More

605 Ninja

605 Ninja is a fabulous place to come and burn off some energy! We offer Ninja, Parkour, & Aerial Silk Classes. Open Gyms, Camps, Kids Night Out Events, and more!  

Address:2101 W 41st St Suite 41-Behind BEST BUY, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Phone:(605) 550-8770

Learn More

Color Me Mine

Are you looking for something fun to do? Come to the studio and get creative with us! We love to paint with all ages, and we have hundreds of items to choose from. 

Address: 3709 W 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Phone: (605) 362-6055

Learn More

EmBe

Ready for some winter fun? EmBe has you covered! Join our exciting youth camps, rent our facilities for unforgettable birthday parties, and enjoy family swim time on the weekends in our indoor heated pool downtown. For all the details, visit our website and follow us on social media! 

Address: 300 W 11th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone:(605) 336-3660

Learn More

Thunder Road

Break out of the cold and into 30,000 feet of amazing arcade & VR games, Hyper-bowling, 2-Story Laser-Tag, Mini-Bowling, 7D theater, & more! Satisfy your appetite at Rev It Up Grille for awesome eats, desserts, and adult drinks! We host awesome parties as well. Next spring, enjoy Go-Karts, Euro-Bungy, Mini-Golf, and more!  

Address:201 N Kiwanis Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 334-4181

Learn More

Sioux Falls Park and Rec

Embrace the winter fun in Sioux Falls parks and facilities! From ice skating, sledding, and Winter Wonderland to indoor classes and programs to keep you moving. Find hours, locations, and registration details in our full winter guide.

Address:231 N Dakota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 367-8222

Learn More

Siouxland Libraries

Ready to read? Start 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten for free to help your child learn essential vocabulary, pre-reading skills, and a lifelong love of books before they enter kindergarten. Reading just three picture books a day can help you reach the goal in under a year! 

Address: Varies-multiple locations
Phone: Varies-multiple locations

Learn More

Wings Gymnastics Academy

Bored? Never at Wings! Wings Gymnastics has the perfect cure for cabin fever! More than just Gymnastics, from weekly open gym hours to Nerf nights, glow parties, holiday activities, and themed day camps – there’s fun for every age. Beat winter boredom at Wings!

Address: 5825 S Bahnson Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Phone: (605) 318-5361

Learn More

The post Sioux Falls Area Winter Boredom Busters appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

As the end of winter approaches and the days start to get a little longer, you might find yourself itching to shake off the last remnants of cabin fever and embrace the arrival of spring. 

While the weather may still be unpredictable, there are plenty of indoor activities you can enjoy with your kids to make the most of this transitional time. Here are three delightful indoor activities to help you bid farewell to winter and welcome the season of spring soon! 

Springtime Crafts

Embrace the spirit of spring by getting crafty with your little ones! Set up a designated craft area with plenty of supplies like construction paper, markers, glue, scissors, and colorful pom-poms. Encourage your kids to unleash their creativity by making spring-themed crafts such as paper flowers, butterflies, ladybugs, or even a colorful springtime banner to hang up in the house. You can also incorporate recycled materials like egg cartons or toilet paper rolls to add an eco-friendly twist to your crafts. Not only is this activity a fun way to spend time together, but it also helps foster creativity and fine motor skills in your children.

Hang up and display all your springtime crafts in your home to get everyone in the family excited for Spring! 

Indoor Garden Planting Party

Just because it’s still too cold to plant outside doesn’t mean you can’t start thinking about your spring garden indoors! Set up a planting station in your home with pots, potting soil, seeds, and any other gardening supplies you may need. Let your kids get their hands dirty as they plant seeds for flowers, herbs, or vegetables. You can even get creative and make your own biodegradable seedling pots out of newspaper or cardboard tubes. As you plant, take the opportunity to teach your kids about the plant life cycle and the importance of caring for our environment. 

Buy a ready-made planting kit for easy fun! This kit comes with everything you need (including the soil) to make a personalized flower planter.

For those with older kids, you can also take this time to start your outside garden! Have your kids help you get started with some vegetables early so that you are ready with your own seedlings when it’s time to plant! 

Spring-Themed Indoor Picnic

Bring the joy of a springtime picnic indoors with a cozy indoor picnic right in your living room! Spread out a blanket on the floor and pack a basket full of your family’s favorite picnic foods like sandwiches, fruits, veggies, and snacks. Decorate the space with spring-themed decorations like paper flowers or colorful tablecloths to set the mood. You can even play some outdoor-inspired games like “I Spy” or have a scavenger hunt around the house. This indoor picnic is a wonderful way to enjoy some quality family time together while enjoying some delicious food and pretending that warmer days are just around the corner.

As winter draws to a close, these indoor activities offer a delightful way to celebrate the changing seasons and create lasting memories with your kids. So, gather your supplies, put on your creative hats, and get ready to usher in spring with these fun-filled indoor adventures!

The post 3 Indoor Activities to Enjoy with Your Kids at the End of Winter appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Sometimes, a Day Date is where it is at! Finding a babysitter to take on the bedtime routine can seem a bit more daunting than finding a babysitter to take on a fun morning of playtime. 

For kids who are used to Mom and Dad for bedtime, it can be hard to enjoy a night out knowing that your kids may be struggling at home. 

That’s why we love a good Day Date! Plus, you still get to go to bed on time- a true win-win! 

If dates out are not in the picture for you right now, aim for a date night in! We love something like this date night box. Coming up with date night ideas can be hard after a while! Have a surprise date night in your own home each week. 

The winter months in the Midwest can limit some things. But for day dates, winter can bring on a whole new level of fun! 

Make sure to check out our full online Sioux Falls Calendar! We love adding in fun date events for couples or friends. Check out our full calendar for events coming up by clicking the button below!

Our Favorite Winter Day Date’s Spots in Sioux Falls:

Outdoor Spots 

The Outdoor Campus

During the winter months, the Outdoor Campus has so much to offer! Check out their winter classes, rent snowshoes, or join in during cross-country skiing time! They even host date nights where they teach you how to cook what you can hunt. Remember, all the fun at the Outdoor Campus is free! 

Great Bear

Great Bear offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing, cross-country skinning, and even a restaurant on campus! If you are looking for an adventure date day, they have a little something for everyone. 

Ice Skating with the Sioux Falls Parks and Rec

The City of Sioux Falls maintains six outdoor ice skating rinks. This could be a perfect option if you want to learn something new! There are rentals available for those who do not own their own skates. For more about ice skating, read here! 

Food Spots

We have some incredible places to eat here in Sioux Falls! Check out some of the local spots for a long lunch out! A long meal out might be hard to do with your whole family together, but perfect for a date day. 

Some of our favorite places: Look’s Marketplace, All Day Cafe, Josiah’s Coffeehouse, M.B. Haskette Delicansent, Falls Overlook Cafe, and Bread and Circus Kitchen. 

Activities Spots

A day date is a perfect opportunity to check out something in Sioux Falls that you usually don’t get to do. Maybe your kids are too little for golfing, or they don’t enjoy art! Use your day date to take in something new. 

Spots to check out! 

The Washington Pavillion: The Visual Arts Center. Maybe you go to the science center with your family but always skip over the art side. The art collection and exhibits at the Pavilion are well worth the slow stop! Check out what is currently being shown here.

The Siouxland Museums. Check out the local history! If you like touring old homes, the Pettigrew House is perfect for you! Or check out the Old Courthouse Museum, which also boasts one of the most prominent buildings of the Sioux Falls Skyline. 

Great Shots. Enjoy a relaxing morning or afternoon of golf! Spend time in your own bay, order some food and drinks, and relax over some easy golf fun. 

Dave and Busters. Enjoy some games that you pick! If you are a couple that loves playing games, this is the perfect spot for you. 

Go Shopping

Enjoy a day out shopping without the kids! Getting in and out of the car as quickly as you want is such a thrill, haha! 

Check out the shops downtown (stop in and get some coffee to keep you warm at Joshia’s or Coffea). There are many unique and local shops downtown. There is something for everyone! 

For a full list of downtown shopping, click here! 

For the Spontaneous 

If you are a couple that loves the excitement of something new, check out these adventure scratch cards! Be surprised every date with what you will do! 

Enjoy your Day Date in Sioux Falls!

The post Winter Day Date Ideas in Sioux Falls appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

With the colder temperatures outside, come all the warmer layers for us! As parents, we want to ensure our kids are warm and comfortable while going out and about in winter. With those warmer layers, we need to keep car seat safety in mind! 

I have been stopped many times about my babies not wearing winter coats when coming out of their car seats in the winter, usually by someone much older who followed a very different protocol 50 years ago. Times have changed, and the rules around car seats have significantly changed over the years. They did what was best in their time, and we should aim to do the same! 

There are some general safety rules when it comes to car seat safety and how to keep your kids both safe and warm.

No Bulky Coats

Wearing bulky coats in a car seat is unsafe. Because of all of the padding, it’s nearly impossible to get the straps tight enough. A thin jacket is a much safer option while riding in the car. 

Heavy clothing can cause the straps to move around easily during a crash. Not only may your child not be safely held in by the straps, but a crash might also cause the chest-clip to end up on their abdomen, which can cause more severe injuries. 

Warm up the car before you drive, or have some small car blankets to buddle around them after buckling them up! 

For my babies/younger toddlers, I loved having a car seat poncho in the car! We use it like a blanket while they are in their seat. Then, when we get them out, we pull the poncho over their head to keep them warm on the walk inside. A poncho is much faster to put on than a coat! They make ponchos for older kiddos as well!

No Snow Pants

Snow Pants are another bulky item that is unsafe in a car seat! If you are going sledding next or to a park to play, it can be very tempting to get them dressed first. But safety is essential, and thick snow pants in a car seat are not going to allow you to tighten the straps like you should. 

Don’t Use Inserts (Other than one’s allowed by that specific car seat)

Car seat inserts should only be used if they come with that specific car seat! This rule applies to any inserts. Before you buy anything for your car seat, always make sure your car seat manufacturer approves it. 

No inserts that go under the baby should be used. Even if it’s sold in stores, that does not make it approved! 

For infant carriers, we recommend using a safe, breathable cover! Make sure to pick a cover that leaves your baby’s face uncovered (like this one!). 

Consider the Time

Taking the time to get your baby/toddler out of their seat, into a winter coat, and then into the building is something important to consider! Older toddlers can easily get out of their seats and into their coats independently if they want. But younger kids and babies will need help to do so! 

Often, it can take longer to get the coat on (while the winter winds are pouring into your car) and then walk in versus simply walking into the building right away! This is where having a car seat poncho, or even just a blanket the kid wraps around them, comes in handy! 

Sometimes, running inside with no coat will keep you warmer than getting into all the layers!

Always Have Winter Wear With

Midwest winters can be rough. Even though your kiddos are not wearing their winter coats in the car and may just use a blanket to run inside, still have your coats with!

Every time you drive, make sure every person in the car has a winter coat, hat, and gloves with you, even if they never wear them! I also always have a few emergency blankets in the car, just in case! 

Keep safe (and warm) out there!

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