Looking for Answers about Kids?

I would be inclined to go for the 18 months. Just because there is a big weight difference between the 18 and th 24 months. Basically if you go by the chart, the 18 will probably fit for the next 6 months, after that it will be too small, but then winter will be pretty much over. Also, these suits are built to allow for a bit of layering, so the 18 should work out fine.

Hope this helps!

Excellent question.

I would focus on covering their extremities (face, head, hands and feet).
I'd recommend the MEC Roaster Hat and Mitts, and Toaster Booties. They're probably too small to fit the MEC Kids Balaclava but you might be able to modify it to keep some of their skin from being exposed.

The MEC Bambini leggings and wrap are great warm fleece layers that aren't too bulky and won't restrict circulation.

And finally, i'd sit them in a sleeping bag. A synthetic bag will stay warm even if it gets a little damp from snow, down will lose it's warmth if it is wet at all, and it's much cheaper to modify a synthetic bag if you need to - see the MEC KRIB sleeping bag.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that insect repellents which contain DEET not be applied to infants under two months old. They also state the following: "Insect repellents containing DEET with a concentration of 10% appear to be as safe as products with a concentration of 30% when used according to the directions on the product labels."

Because there isn't any specific information that studies the connection between age and skin absorption in regards to DEET, common sense must be used when applying insect repellent to children over two months of age. For children, the wisest choice would be to choose repellent that offers the lowest amount of active concentration that will work for the amount of outdoor time.

Because a baby's skin permeability appears to become similar to an adult's by the second month of life, once an infant is older than two months, the amount of repellent absorbed into the skin should not differ significantly. There are other points to remember, however.

* Many people mistakenly believe that repellents must be applied as frequently as sunscreen. However, active ingredients like DEET are not water-soluble, and repeated applications could actually increase the toxic effects of the repellent. With this in mind, do not use insect repellent/sunscreen combination products.
* To lessen the amounts of repellent used on your child, dress him or her in long-sleeved shirts and long pants. There is no need to apply repellent under clothing.
* Pay careful attention when applying repellent to your child. Do not put the product on his hands or near his eyes or mouth.
* When applying insect repellent, do so away from enclosed areas.
* Avoid spraying insect repellent on cuts and abrasions.
* Be sure and wash your child's skin once you come back inside.
* If you do take an infant outside, use mosquito netting over the infant carrier or playpen. Make sure the netting is securely fastened, however, to avoid risk of suffocation.
* Pay attention to areas in your yard that might harbor mosquitoes, such as old tires, buckets, children's splash pools, etc. Empty these containers frequently.
* When you are outside, burn citronella candles and torches to ward off insects.
* At various times of the year, particularly in the summer, mosquitoes tend to swarm. This often occurs right at sundown in certain areas of the country. Head back inside with your children during this time.

Unfortunately, we do not carry products of the Chariot brand at this time.

The key differences between the 2 infant's buntings suits are:

1. The amount of insulation.
The MEC Toaster Suit contains 240g of Hyperloft synthetic insulation, whereas the Patagonia suit contains 100g of Thermogreen synthetic insulation.

2. The zip design
The MEC Toaster suit has 2 diagonal zippers for easy diaper changing and toilet breaks, the Patagonia Puffball has 1. Also, the Puffball seems to have a slightly higher cut in the neckline.

3. The reversible fabric
The Patagonia Puffball suit is reversible, the Toaster is not.

Both products receive fantastic reviews and I am confident the MEC Toaster suit would offer fantastic insulation for your infant. The synthetic insulation is not as 'puffy' in appearance as a down garment, but it offers warmth and loft even when wet and is much more durable, so we believe it's the best choice for little ones to play in cold, snowy conditions.

The Newt suit and fleece bunting suit might be OK in the fall and spring, but in the winter you should stick with something like our Toaster suit. It will have better insulation and as a one-piece suit, it will prevent the heat-robbing gaps that would exist between the Newt and bunting suits.

Yes, there is a snack tray (product number 5021800). It is a special order item available through the MEC Service Centre.

No, we do not sell a mountaineering-specific ski for kids that age. You should be able to get the same function out of any kids ski that fits, it shouldn't have to be mountaineering-specific.

If you would like some more information or recommendations on how to get your kids set up, you can always give us a call at 1-800-663-2667.

According to the chart, your kid would fit a 3 y.o.

The next bag up from the Kids Dome Daypack is the MEC Teeny Genie Daypack which would be best for grade school children (age 6-10).

It is 25L, so if it is too large for your child who is in kindergarten, an alternative is the Deuter Junior Daypack which is 18L and would be ideal for a child age 5-8.

I wouldn't recommend the Pika Plus as a schoolbag for children.