Snowsuits or Snowpants

I would check with the teacher and ask her. He will get the "hang" of the suit if you give him time and the teacher should be patient with him. I'm from the Rochester area, not Cooperstown, but we get some nasty spots in our winters, too, and we end up with the snowpants. Our snowsuits (or maybe what you mean by pants?) are just the bottoms with the bib top and straps over the shoulders. If that is what you mean, I love those here in the winter--they cover the gap between the shirt and pants under the winter coat, which is great for active kids outside. He will figure them out, even if you leave the buckles on and let him pull the straps over his shoulders. If the boots have fleece lining and are somewhat water-resistant, they should be fine. I usually end up with one pair of boots for my kids in the winter here and double up the socks if needed. I need to invest in winter boots for myself but usually just double up my socks and let my toes freeze in my sneakers. One of these years... I also only use the snowsuit for outdoor play--if they are just going to the car and back I just put them in their coats.

Welcome to NY!!! =)

We buy my kids the overall type snowboarding pants.

They work well.

With my 3 we use adjustable overall style snow pants with snow boots & a winter coat..This isn't how we go on a day on the town or school only for sledding & playing in the snow..I shovel teh side walk so for the school kids can have access to the bus stop other than that he isn't walking thought ths snow at school either it has already been cleared.No I wouldn't send my child to school in full fledged winter attire the winter clothes snow boots winter coat hat & gloves will be fine

Snow boots should be water resistant as opposed to just warm. I am sure the teacher will appreciate the pants over the bibs. Can you leave the bibs latched and have him climb into them while they are latched?

The trick with on & off bibs when they have to do them themselves is to never undo the clips. Leave them longish so that they just stick their arms through and pull their arms out.

For snowpants we either use miniboden snowpants (they're insulated) over athletic type pants ... or burton http://www.burton.com/boys-snowboard-pants/boys-pants,def... over any kind of pants

I would go with a parka and snow pants. A snowsuit is really meant for a child whose parent is going to dress them, and often teachers don't have time to dress the kids - I know at the school where I work, the kindergarteners are expected to be able to put on and take off anything they bring/wear to school. Good luck

My kids loved their snowsuits for a long time it was easier to put on then pants then a coat. Boots need to be water resitant as to snow gloves/mittens and yes teachers and other children often help each other pull zippers and get hats on. Have a good winter!
J. O