When it comes to winter, ensuring that your little one is warm and cosy is very important, and even more so when you are planning to spend time outside.
Investing in a good winter coat or waterproof jacket for your baby or toddler is a must when the weather is grey, cold and wet. As parents, we also ask ourselves, what kind of winter coat is the warmest? When is the best time to shop for a winter coat? Or do we need a separate waterproof coat?
Coats are especially great for toddlers who may have outgrown all their baby and toddler snowsuits, because it will make it easier for your child to move instead of struggling in a puffy all-in-one, plus coats are a lot easier to put on as well.
Best toddler winter coats at a glance:
• Best toddler winter rain coat: Hatley Baby Stripe Lined Raincoat - Amazon, £26.58
• Best kids all weather toddler winter coat: Black 3-in-1 kids coat - Polarn O. Pyret, £110
• Best toddler winter coat suit: Peter Storm Kids Snuggle Suit - Go Outdoors, £20
When purchasing a baby coat it's important to consider the material it is made of, as well as the size and fit, to ensure your little one is comfortable, warm and can move freely. Here at Mother&Baby, we know what it takes to find the best kids' coat, so we have put together a list of the very best to help you pick the one perfect for your little one.
How we chose our toddler winter coats
At Mother&Baby we spend a lot of time researching the best products and getting parents to test for our Mother&Baby awards.
The Mother&Baby Awards parent testers are provided with some guidelines while testing, so that they take into consideration four key areas: usability, design, quality and value for money. We ask them to score each of these out of 10, as well as give their overall impression of the product.
Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.
We also use our team of writers experiences with products that they have bought and used themselves, to create our recommended buying guides.
The best winter coats for babies 2024:
Best toddler winter rain coats
We love how cosy and soft the terry lining of this jacket is, whilst also keeping them protected from the elements. The Hatley Baby Stripe Lined Raincoat has a popper button fastening, and a warm hood too in case it starts raining. The standout feature has to be the cuffable sleeves, which can be folded over to expose the gorgeous contrasting lining. If you'd prefer a thicker coat for your tot, you might prefer the Padded Kids Winter Coat.
One reviewer said: "I bought this for my soon-to-be-born baby, so no comment on the fit yet, but being Canadian and Hatley a Canadian company, I have family back home who recommended this product. The outer shell is light, and looks well water proof and the inside has a soft and comfy looking material. Hatley is known in my home country of Canada for high quality and durability, and a serious cuteness factor!"
Pros
- PVC free
- Vibrant colour
Cons
- Not suitable for colder weather
Sizes: | 9 to 24 months |
Material: | Polyester |
Closure: | Poppers |
- PVC-free
- Waterproof
- Fully lined
- Front snap closure
- Inside hanging loop
Best colourful toddler winter coats
www.johnlewis.com
With a fun design print, the Mini Boden Kid's Rainbow Weather Jersey Lined Anorak is super colourful. It has a jersey lining, making it super comfortable for little ones to wear. While we love the bold print, you might prefer a more subtle design, like the Kids Black 3 in 1 Coat.
A parent reviewer said: "A beautifully warm coat with a chunky zip that my daughter can do up independently. It's a great design as the zip doesn't get caught halfway. It's lovely and soft inside, with cuffs to keep her arms warm and poppers on the pockets so she can keep her gloves in there."
Pros
- Broad range of sizes
- Bold design
- Soft lining
Cons
- Some might prefer a more subtle coat design
Sizes: | 2 to 12 years |
Material: | Synthetic polyester |
Closure: | Zip |
- Machine washable
- Fun design
- Popper close pockets
- Padded
- Lined with jersey fabric
Best Stormwear toddler winter coats
www.marksandspencer.com
Kitted out with Stormwear™ technology, this Stormwear™ Hooded Parka Coat has a drawstring waist and faux-fur trimmed hood, as well as lined pockets. The water repellant Stormier technology protects against light showers and ribbed cuffs keep the cold out.
One reviewer, Jo, wrote: "Lovely coat for casual and school. It’s not too bulky but warm - my daughter’s still able to ride her bike/scooter comfortably with this coat whereas others can feel a bit bulky and long. The fleece lining is soft and cozy. All in all, a practical, warm, stylish jacket."
Pros
- Stormier technology
- Faux fur lined hood
Cons
- Only available from 2 years
Sizes: | 2 to 8 years |
Material: | 100% polyester |
Fastening: | Zip |
- Machine washable
- Can be tumble dried
- Fur lined hood
- Stormwear technology
- Drawstring waist
Best toddler winter duffle coats
www.welovefrugi.com
This adorable Frugi Zephyr Cord Duffle Coat is giving us Paddington Bear vibes. While this coat isn't suited to wet weather, we love the classic design and the sherpa-style fleece that makes it super warm and snug for cold weather.
A grandparent reviewer said: "My little grandson looks so good in his Frugi jacket. It is so snug and yet light enough to feel comfortable. Great for on the go, this is warm but not bulky and it squeezes into a little bag, making it easy to carry. It has great colours and it even has pockets."
Pros
- Cosy and comfortable
- Made from organic cotton
Cons
- Not waterproof
Sizes: | 1 to 5 years |
Material: | Organic cotton, recycled plastic |
Fastening: | Hidden zip, toggle fastening |
- Hidden zip
- Soft, cosy fabric
- Made from organic and recycled fabric
- Two patch pockets
Best toddler winter coats for school
www.polarnopyret.co.uk
Designed with play in mind, this Waterproof Kids School Coat is warm, windproof and durable. Your little one will move freely in this lightweight and breathable coat. It also has an adjustable hood, draw cord hem, and for added warmth you can purchase the matching fleece or puffer jacket to create a layering system.
One reviewer, Elizabeth, said: "Lovely rain jacket, which looks smart. As it's not necessarily a warm jacket useful to know to compliment it with the fleece underneath."
Pros
- Durable and hardwearing
- Lightweight
Cons
- Fleece for layering must be bought separately
Sizes: | 9 months to 12 years |
Material: | Lining- 100% Polyester Recycled<br>Outer fabric- 100% Polyamide Recycled |
Fastening: | Zip |
- Waterproof with fully taped seams
- Abrasion resistance
- BIONIC-FINISH® ECO water repellence
- Reflectors for 360-degree visibility
- Detachable hood with poppers for enhanced safety
- Striped mesh lining
- Soft micro fleece around collar
Best all weather toddler winter coats
www.polarnopyret.co.uk
Ready for any weather, this Kids Black 3 in 1 kids coat is designed for any weather. Your little one can wear either the grey puffer or black waterproof shell coat separately or zip together to make a snuggly winter coat.
One customer, Isabel, commented: "Great coat, the three in one function works really well so you have a light raincoat, a puffer jacket or a really warm winter coat. My 9yo boy is delighted with his. Really waterproof too. Expect to pass this down to his younger brother too so it’s worth the price."
Pros
- Suitable for all seasons
- Really durable
Cons
- Inner jacket doesn't popper to the outer shell
Age: | 2 to 12 years |
Material: | Lining- 100% Polyester Recycled<br>Padding- 100% Polyester Recycled<br>Outer fabric- 100% Polyester Recycled |
Washing instructions: | Machine washable at 40 degrees |
- 3-in-1 feature suitable for all weather
- Waterproof with fully taped seams
- Abrasion resistance
- BIONIC-FINISH® ECO water repellence
- Reflectors for 360-degree visibility even in dark conditions
- Detachable hood with poppers for enhanced safety
- Striped mesh lining
- Adjustable hem and sleeve cuffs
- Soft micro fleece around collar
- Two zipped front pockets
Best premium toddler winter coats
www.polarnopyret.co.uk
For ultimate warmth, this functional Padded Kids Winter Coat has added insulation. It has extremely thick padding and a dense weave to protect against wind, rain, and even snow. Even though it is cosy, it is very lightweight because it is filled with microfibre and is only available in one colour. You might prefer the Mini Boden Kids’ Rainbow Weather Jersey Lined Anorak for a more colourful choice.
One reviewer said: "My young grandson put the warmth to the test by watching a rugby match on a freezing evening and not once complaining of being cold."
Pros
- Hand warmer pockets lined with fleece
- Lightweight yet warm
Cons
- Only available in one colour
Sizes: | 2 to 10 years |
Material: | Lining- 100% Polyester Recycled<br>Padding- 100% Polyester Recycled<br>Outer fabric- 100% Polyester Recycle |
Washing instructions: | Machine washable at 40 degrees |
- Windproof material
- BIONIC-FINISH® ECO water repellence
- PRIMALOFT® insulation
- Detachable fleece lined hood
- Collar and cuffs lined with micro fleece
- Two front hand warmer pockets with micro fleece lining
- Elasticated cuffs
- Elasticated bottom hem for best fit
Best toddler winter teddy coats
direct.asda.com
The Pink Faux Fur Padded Teddy Coat is super adorable! With featured ears on the hood and a faux fur-lined trim, it’s available in a variety of different sizes too. It's a shower resistant coat too, to help keep your little one warm and dry during the winter months.
One customer wrote: "Beautiful little coat, bought for my 2 year old granddaughter. It’s got a fleecing lining to it so nice and warm, fits great and looks so cute too."
Pros
- Fleece lining
- Shower resistant
Cons
- Not available in another colour
Sizes: | Birth up to 3 years |
Material: | Polyester |
Washing instructions: | Wash at 30 |
- 3D ear detail
- Faux fur trim detail
- Padded body
- Shower resistant
Best toddler winter coat suit
www.gooutdoors.co.uk
While technically not a coat, the Peter Storm Kids' Snuggle Suit is a miniature winter onesie that will keep your tot warm and dry! It's windproof, waterproof, and come in two gorgeous colours. If you're wanting something different to a snuggle suit and prefer a coat for your tot, you might prefer the Hatley Baby Striped Lined Coat.
Pros
- Vibrant colurs
- Wind and waterproof
Cons
- It's not a coat
Available in sizes: | 6 months to 4 years |
Material: | Polyester |
Washing instructions: | N/A |
- Elastic cuffs
- Velcro stormflap
- Velcro closure
- All in one suit
Best toddler winter all weathercoats
www.boden.co.uk
With storm flap detail and a protective snowguard, the All-Weather Waterproof Jacket is ideal for all kinds of weather. It has stay snug down and is fully waterproof with taped seams. It also has a sweet faux fur trim.
One customer wrote: "Jacket looks even better in person! My granddaughter loves her new jacket!" Another said: "The colours are vibrant and it is very warm. My daughter absolutely loves it. The high quality you expect from Boden."
Pros
- Fully waterproof
- Beautiful hand me down coat
Cons
- Some mentioned the double layered sleeve felt a little snug
Available in sizes: | 2 to 14 years |
Material: | Polyester |
Washing instructions: | Yes |
- Detachable hood
- Hand me down label
- Protective snowguard
- Storm flap detail
FAQs
Which kind of winter coat is the warmest?
We know winter fabrics like merino wool and a light fleece fabric can keep our little ones warm and are ideal for dressing your baby for winter, plus these fabrics are also breathable and soft. Typically most coats on the market will keep your child warm and depending on how cold it is, a couple of layers underneath the coat should also do the trick.
In addition to a coat-jumper-vest-combo, you can also purchase a foot muff for baby and hand muffs for yourself to add to your pushchair or pram. We personally love a hand muff on our pram as they save our hands from flaking and cracking during our winter walks with our babies. Winter coats and foot muffs are also a great way to protect your child's skin in winter.
Things to think about when buying a winter coat for your baby or toddler
Waterproof - If having a waterproof coat is important to you, make sure you check the specifications to ensure it's fully waterproof and not just showerproof or water resistant, because if you find yourself caught in the rain, you'll want your tot to stay warm and dry. You may also want to buy a kids raincoat for the wetter months.
Thickness and lining - With the weather being so unpredictable, you'll want to be ready for any eventuality. For those very frosty days, you'll want to make sure you have a coat with a thick and fleeced lining. For those days when it's a bit warmer, you might want a coat that's less puffy and not as thick.
Sustainability - There are many brands which now make coats from recycled materials and sustainable fabrics, without having to compromise on style. This is a huge bonus if this is something important to you.
Design - Anyone who has tried to get a coat on a reluctant toddler will understand the importance of the design. If your little one likes the design, you have a much better chance of getting them to wear it without a fight, so try and pick a design they're going to love. If you've still got a little one, a baby-wearing coat is a nice option to go for, as you can hold them close and keep both of you snug at the same time.
Are babies allowed to wear coats in car seats?
Car seat safety is a concern for us all, and we want to make sure we're doing the right thing. When it comes to babies and toddlers wearing winter coats in the car, the general advice is to remove the coat before putting your little one in their seat.
The NHS says: "Make sure your baby is securely strapped in according to the manufacturer's instructions." A coat can be bulky and cause your little one to potentially not be secured in tightly enough, so although it's a lot of faff, take your little one's coat off before you fasten them in the car.
What's the difference between waterproof, showerproof and water resistant?
You might find that most coats are water resistant. This means that the fabric has been coated with a waterproof layer, but the seams may not protect you from any water getting in when it's particularly wet.
Waterproof coats are not only fully coated with waterproof layers, but the seams are protected and the lining is much more breathable while making sure no water is let in. Plus if you pair a fully waterproof coat with waterproof trousers for toddlers, your little one will definitely stay dry while they have fun splashing in the rain.
A showerproof coat is much less reliable when it comes to heavy rain, but it should protect you in a gentle shower as the fabric is often treated during the manufacturing process to ensure any rainwater falls off the fabric without being absorbed.
Should I size up when buying a coat for my baby or toddler?
If your tot is between sizes, then we'd recommend sizing up as you know how quickly they're going to grow. If however, the coat fits your tot perfectly, then go with their true size. Many parent reviewers found, sizing up meant that their cuffs got in the way when playing, often getting muddy and damp which isn't ideal for small and sensitive hands and skin.
As well as this, the hoods tended to be too large and oversized when sizing up, so little ones struggled to see where they were going when they had their hood up.
Winter coats should be durable so hopefully if your little one has a younger sibling they will be able to make use of it too.
Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.