If we're all being truly honest with one another, the real reason we have kids is to dress them up in animal gear, am I right? Sure, there's the whole creating life, leaving a legacy, rediscovering joy and wonder, creating a family, finding a purpose outside of yourself, but, really, isn't it just so we have somebody to put bunny ears on?
Which is why winter is the perfect season – it calls for hats, coats, and hoodies, all sporting every manner of eyes and ears. So, I say, go forth and let your child bark, meow, and rawr their way through the cold. Because a puppy may be cute, but a toddler dressed up as a puppy? RIDICULOUS. Check out the slideshow for the most amazing animal outfits for babies and kiddos:
Rawr! 9 Animal Outfits for Babies and Kiddos (That Keep Them Warm!)
Bunnies by the Bay Original Cuddle Coat
Buy it: Bunnies by the Bay Original Cuddle Coat
Why It Rocks: Made from the softest faux fur imaginable, this baby coat is fully lined and takes any outfit from everyday to outright adorable. Oh, and did I mention it has a carrot attached to the pocket? Because it does .
Perfect for: Babies up to a year old, although my daughter is two and is still rockin' hers.
Ferocious Lion Coat by Little Goodall
Buy it: Ferocious Lion Coat by Little Goodall
Why It Rocks: Was that a collective gasp I just heard? Because, I agree, this coat is perfection. It somehow manages to feel impeccably tailored while also over-the-top fun. And don't even get me started on that tail...
In case your style is more Fantastic Fox or Wild Wolf , she has a veritable menagarie over in her shop.
Perfect for: Everyone. Seriously. Everyone we know should have one of these coats.
Little Bear Marshmellow Bunting
Buy it: Little Bear Marshmellow Bunting
Why It Rocks: The one thing every new mom needs is a baby bunting suit with some version of ears. (Okay, they could also probably do with a crib and maybe a stroller, but definitely a bunting.) I love this Hannah Andersson version, which looks like it will keep your little one nice and toasty, but is also a little surprising with its asymmetrical buttons and adorable stripes.
Perfect for: Any new mom.
Photo Credit: Hannah Andersson
Green Padded Vest and Pink Padded Vest
Buy it: Green Padded Vest and Pink Padded Vest
Why It Rocks: Okay, fine, I may have bought one of each of these for my kids because they were absolutely too adorable to pass up. Pairing a vest (cutest thing ever on kids) with polka dots and googly eyes? Well played, H & M, well played.
Perfect for: Kids up to 2 years old, although I find their sizing runs big so there might be hope for a little older kids too.
Photo Credit: H & M
Bunny Slipper Boots
Buy it: Bunny Slipper Boots
Why They Rock: Because your kiddo will get to walk around with a fluffy bunny on each foot. Do you need more? I didn't think so.
Perfect for: Toddlers up to preteens.
Photo Credit: H & M
Children's Dinosaur Hoodie
Buy it: Children's Dinosaur Hoodie by Swanky Panky Designs
Why It Rocks: I know dinosaurs aren't technically animals, but they're close enough, right? And while dinosaur hoodies seem to be a dime a dozen, I love this version which amps up the cool factor with striped and plaid hoodies instead of your usual plain version.
Perfect for: Up to 5T so your little ones should be pretty well covered.
Photo Credit: Amy Lee
Duck Feet Slippers
Buy it: Duck Feet Slippers by RIch Frog
Why It Rocks: I think the reason I love these slippers is because they require real commitment. They're not just a little set of dog ears or even a cute cartoon of a kitty. No, these are slippers made for a kid who is commited to being a duck. Or his parents who think they're really funny.
Perfect for: Newborns all the way through adults. I'm just sayin'.
Photo Credit: Rich Frog
Crystal Bunny Ears and Kitty Hairband
Buy it: Crystal Bunny Ears and Kitty Hairband
Why It Rocks: Not every day can be a duck slipper day; for those days I offer you the subtle, yet effective, bunny rabbit and kitty cat ears. Paired with a tutu or even a plain tee, they say, "I'm not trying too hard, but I still know how to kill it on the slide."
Perfect for: Both these versions are for 8 and up.
Photo Credit: N ordstrom and H & M
Little Fox Baby Hat by Baby Bear Hats
Buy it: L ittle Fox Baby Hat by Baby Bear Hats
Why It Rocks: I know I live in San Francisco so I can be a little hipster-ish, but I'm a teensy bit partial to the whole fox thing. Is it weird to say it seems like one of the classier animals you can wear? Yes, definitely yes, that is a weird thing to say.
Perfect for: Babies, although she does them in all sizes.
Photo Credit: Rebecca Ryan Photography