It’s no secret that winter babies require more gear and baby clothing than their summer siblings, especially those born in northern climates, such as Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

New parents should prepare to do battle with snowdrifts, chilling wind gusts that leave faces and fingers raw, and otherwise icy and wet conditions on the way to daycare, playdates, the local library, or wherever. Stock up on some of our favorite stroller blankets, footmuffs, toddler mittens, adorable baby snowsuits, booties, and winter hats before the real storms hit.

Cold weather protection doesn’t stop at the baby phase, of course, especially for those navigating city streets outdoors. “NYC kids stay in their strollers a bit longer than suburban kids, because they have to deal with the elements a lot more,” explains Carol Adams, owner of Torly Kid, a popular kids clothing boutique in Manhattan, by email. “I know I kept my kids wrapped in their 7 A.M. Enfant footmuff and covered the stroller with a wind protector until they were almost 5!”

Read on for our top picks of baby winter clothes and gear for keeping newborns and toddlers toasty—no matter the temperature.

As the federal government shutdown stretches on, its impact is being felt by government employees and by federally run sites, parks, and museums across the country, including a few here in the NYC area. Wondering what's still open and what's been closed in New York City as a result of the government shutdown? Read on for a full list, which we'll keep up to date as shutdown news develops.

Martin Luther King, Jr., the chief spokesperson for the Civil Rights Movement, is memorialized annually on the third Monday of January. This floating holiday has evolved into more than just a day off from school. Now deemed a National Day of Service, MLK Day encourages volunteers across the country to donate their time in order to make a difference. This day reminds us of hope, compassion, and the ongoing potential for social change. Many New Jersey towns are hosting local activities, and we've put together a list that includes both celebrations and service activities.

Worried about the looming teachers' strike that may start on Thursday? Join the club. While many Los Angeles parents who send their kids to LAUSD public schools have been concerned about how to keep their kids learning and busy during the first teachers' strike in 30 years, there may be a (small) silver lining: Students will get free admission to some favorite LA museums and free Metro rides as long as the strike continues (if it happens).

The Hudson Valley's newest celebrity resident is a redheaded blogger/farm girl who's 18 inches tall. Meet Blaire Wilson, American Girl's 2019 "Girl of the Year."

Blaire, American Girl's first-ever doll set in the Hudson Valley, lives with her family on a sustainable farm and bed and breakfast in Bluefield, a fictional town set in the real Ulster County, NY. She made her debut on January 1.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a day off from school, when families can explore the life, legacy, and lessons of the iconic civil rights leader (and take a break from schedules a bit). But Monday is also a day on: when kids and adults are encouraged to help out in their communities and find ways to show kindness to others in gestures of service. Boston offers families plenty of ways to commemorate and learn more about Dr. King’s legacy throughout the holiday weekend.

NYC is constantly changing, but one neighborhood that's undergone a particularly striking transformation in the past decade is Harlem. While my family and I moved into the neighborhood when I was pregnant with my oldest (now a newly minted teenager) there are times we still feel like relative newcomers, and the drumbeat of gentrification has only gotten stronger since we arrived, bringing with it an influx of popular new restaurants, cultural institutions, and more family-friendly finds.

Though I have mixed feelings about the changing face of the neighborhood, the influx of chains, and rising rents, I am quite happy to be raising three bona fide Harlemites. From the the beautiful, old-school, tree-lined blocks to friendly neighbors who represent a rainbow of colors and cultures to acres of green space, Harlem is far removed from the madness of Midtown, yet just a short express train ride away.

Read on for the top 50 things to do in our home neighborhood, which spans 110th to 124th Streets from Manhattan to Fifth Avenues, and 125th to 160th Streets from Riverside Drive to Fifth Avenue.

Cold temperatures and snow on the ground doesn’t mean you have to spend the next few months stuck at home (and, let's face it, who would want to?). We’ve rounded up some of our favorite events and things to do with preschoolers in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this winter. From stage performances to nature programs, holiday celebrations to play places, we’ve got you covered.

Want more? For all ages, check out our mammoth list of 50 things to do this winter in Westchester, as well as our Event Calendar. Be sure to sign up for our newsletters to stay in the know!