Embracing the Cold Weather with Baby and Toddler Winter Coats
As the winter chill sets in, parents will be on the lookout for the best ways to keep their little ones warm and snug. When it comes to dressing our little kids for the winter, choosing the right baby and toddler winter coats is important if we’re going to maximise the time our kids can spend outside in cold, wet weather (see the section at the end for a link to my post about the importance of kids spending lots of time outdoors).
In this guide to baby and toddler winter coats, I’ll explore some great options with you when it comes to style and comfort for little kids in the colder months.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Winter Coat for Your Child:
Is it waterproof? Water-resistant or showerproof materials offer some resistance to light rain and are typically found in many coats and macs. However, for really wet weather, it is recommended to opt for fully waterproof and even windproof coats with detachable fleece layers that can protect your child from the cold. I’m writing this in the UK where we don’t get a great deal of snow, but if your child is going to be out in snowy weather in winter then they will need a fully waterproof, lined coat.
What’s the lining like? When it comes to the lining, quilted fabric, wool, or duffel coats are excellent options for staying warm and cosy, but they may not be ideal for rainy days and outdoor adventures. These types of coats are better suited for leisurely walks or days out outside of the winter months.
What’s the design/pattern? Aesthetics can be an important factor, especially when it comes to toddlers who are often reluctant to wear a coat. There are a variety of patterns and designs to choose from, ranging from dinosaur prints to faux fur trims, animal prints and bright colours.
Is it environmentally friendly? How the coat has been made and whether it has been made sustainably might be an important consideration for you. You can opt for eco-friendly options without sacrificing style and practicality. Coats made from recycled materials or natural fabrics such as breathable cotton linings are great options to consider, and you can check out the eco-credentials of most brands on their website before committing to buying anything.
Top Picks for Toddler Baby Winter All-In-Ones:
It’s often best to dress small babies and older babies who aren’t yet walking in all-in-one winter suits that go over the rest of their clothing rather than trying to get them to keep into a jacket which can be awkward for the adult and uncomfortable for the child. It’s also easier to carry babies when they’re wearing an all-in-one rather than a jacket that can easily ride up.
Personally, I wouldn’t bother investing in expensive winter suits for babies for two reasons. The first is they grow incredibly quickly so they aren’t going to get a lot of use out of them and secondly, babies don’t usually spend as much time exposed to the elements as older children do. When they are outside, they will often be carried by an adult in a sling or ride in a pushchair with a rain cover, footmuff etc. It’s therefore probably not worth spending a lot of money on a fully waterproof suit for them.
Here are some inexpensive options that will keep them warm without being so bulky that it will restrict their movement:
Next Navy Blue Quilted Fleece Lined Baby All-In-One Pramsuit (0mths-2yrs)
John Lewis Navy Blue Quilted Fleece Lined Baby All-In-One Pramsuit (0mths-2yrs)
Boots Mothercare Pink Floral Snowsuit
Note: Babies grow so fast that outdoor winter clothing for them is always being sold in abundance on second-hand websites/groups. It’s well worth joining your local buy/swap/sell groups and checking out places like Facebook Marketplace and Vinted to grab bargain winter clothing that may well be new or barely used.
Top Picks for Toddler Winter Coats:
While winter clothing for toddlers and older children can of course be picked up second-hand, parents might decide to buy new given that these children will have much more time wearing it than babies will. Parents who want their children to spend a lot of time outside during the winter months will rarely regret investing in a really good winter coat for them.
Polarn O. Pyret: Waterproof Kids’ School Coat:
Swedish brand Polarn O. Pyret has been making outdoor clothing since 1976 for all children that’s fun to wear, comfortable & stands up to play in any weather. Although it doesn’t come cheap, their clothing is superb quality. 85% of their collection is made from sustainable materials and every garment is made to last at least 3 children, if not many more so it really can be worth the investment whether you’re buying for a baby, toddler or older child. Many of their outdoor coats are completely waterproof and they also have regular sales where you can pick up a bargain.
Patagonia Baby Hi-Loft Down Sweater Hoodie:
For parents who prioritise sustainable and eco-friendly options when it comes to their kids’ clothes, Patagonia’s Baby Hi-Loft Down Sweater Hoodie is an excellent choice. Filled with 600-fill-power recycled down, this jacket offers superior warmth without the bulk. The durable water-repellent finish ensures that your toddler stays dry during winter play, and the removable hood provides flexibility in various weather conditions. The easy zip design makes dressing and undressing a breeze for busy parents. While Patagonia’s kids’ clothing is outstanding quality, it doesn’t come cheap, so keep a lookout for any sales they have on, as well as coats and jackets being sold second-hand.
Columbia Kids’ Powder Lite Puffer Jacket:
https://www.columbiasportswear.co.uk/p/powder-lite-girls-hooded-insulated-jacket-1802931.html
Columbia is a well-known brand for outdoor gear, and their Kids’ Powder Lite Puffer Jacket is a fantastic choice for toddlers braving the winter elements. The Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining retains body heat, keeping your little one warm without compromising mobility. The jacket’s lightweight design makes it easy for toddlers to move around freely, making it a favourite among parents who want a balance of comfort and functionality. The adjustable cuffs and hem ensure a snug fit, preventing cold drafts from creeping in. The jacket comes in a range of styles and colours to suit all kids. This jacket would also work well with a waterproof shell jacket over the top of it, to provide a really warm, dry solution for a child who is going to spend long periods of time outside in cold, wet weather.
Muddy Puddles EcoLight Recycled Jacket:
Another brand famous for creating quality outdoor clothing for kids is Muddy Puddles. The outer fabric of this lightweight coat is made from 100% recycled polyester and has an Eco Bionic-Finish® which is completely free from chemicals and fluorine. It can be worn over a padded jacket to provide a waterproof, warm solution for your child, and has the advantage of being able to be worn on warmer wet days outside of the winter season as well, making it an ideal all-year-round coat. My son and daughter have this coat in both patterns and they’ve been absolutely great.
Frugi Puddle Buster Coat:
https://www.welovefrugi.com/view-all-products/puddle-buster-coat?colourid=371
Frugi is another giant in the world of children’s clothing and for good reason – the quality is outstanding. Their hugely popular Puddle Buster coat is fully waterproof and comes in some amazingly cool and colourful designs. The jacket is fleece-lined so would probably be fine worn over a thick jumper, but Frugi offers a range of thicker waterproof jackets for really cold, wet weather.
Next Pink Waterproof Colourblock Jacket (9mths-7yrs):
From my experience, kids’ clothing from Next is usually great value, great quality and lasts really well. My son has just grown out of his waterproof Colourblock jacket (in different colours to this one, now unfortunately discontinued) and it has been brilliant. Fantastic value for a properly waterproof coat at £32 or under! Next also do a range of other good-value winter coats at much cheaper prices than some of the brands I’ve already mentioned in this post.
A Note on Winter Coats and Car Seats:
Not only is it uncomfortable for children to wear winter coats while they are in their car seat, it is also dangerous. While children who are strapped in with their coats still on might appear secure, their car seatbelt/harness isn’t actually tight enough to keep them safely in their seat during a sudden stop or collision. It is therefore important to always remove winter coats and other bulky clothing from your child before you strap them into their car seat. The same goes for babies wearing all-in-one winter suits. They should always be removed before putting the baby in their car seat so the straps of their harness fit closely against their body.
Conclusion:
As winter approaches, investing in the right baby and toddler winter coats is essential to ensure your little ones stay warm, dry and happy out of doors. The clothing brands I have mentioned in this post all make coats that are not only stylish but also functional, providing excellent protection against wet and cold weather. While these brands are not cheap, it is worth trying to get a hold of a well-made, quality winter coat for your toddler to ensure they are happy being outdoors for long periods of time during the winter months. You can always upsize to get a couple of winters out of a coat (this will depend on how fast your child grows of course), and you won’t always have to buy new. Excellent quality coats are always being put up for sale on second-hand marketplaces due to the nature of kids growing out of them. If you do want to buy new or don’t have time to peruse second-hand sites, keep a lookout for sales when the price of top-brand coats will be massively reduced.
Whether or not you need a fully waterproof coat will depend on how long your child is going to be outside in wet weather during the winter months. You might decide a water-resistant coat is good enough if you don’t take them out much in the rain, providing it is warm enough for those really cold days. Most schools recommend that children have a fully waterproof coat to wear in the playground during winter, but many children manage with a less waterproof one as they’re usually not outside for that long during playtime.
Personally, I would recommend opting for a fully waterproof coat for your child if you can, that is thin enough to wear over a padded jacket, or thick enough/warm enough to be worn without another jacket underneath. If your child always has a really good coat during the winter months (together with wellies/snow boots, gloves and a woolly hat), they are much more likely to be willing to spend time outside even in bad weather.
Links and Resources:
A page about winter car seat safety and how to keep kids warm in the car in winter:
A link to my post about why it’s so important to get children outside as often as possible:
https://www.enjoyeveryminute.co.uk/post/take-children-outdoors-every-day
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