Toddler waterproof trousers for outdoor adventures

waterproof-trousers

by Emily Gilbert |
Updated on

We all know that little ones love spending time outside, but we also know that the unpredictable British weather can make that difficult, especially if your little one loves to jump in puddles but then moans they have wet clothes. Even the best kids' winter coat is not always waterproof and so to prevent the wet weather from putting a dampener on your child having fun, even on cold winter days, a pair of toddler waterproof trousers are well worth picking up. They will ensure your tot stays warm and dry, meaning their puddle splashing can go on as long as they (or you!) like.

If you pair toddler waterproof trousers with a good kids' raincoat they will stay comfortable and dry and you can both enjoy your day out or even just your trip to the shops. Don't forget they will probably love twirling a kids' umbrella around too, which will also keep their head dry if they don't like keeping their hood up.

Toddlers are not the easiest to dress and might moan about layers, or be a little wriggly to get a puddlesuit on, but waterproof trousers will simply pull over their leggings or tights so they shouldn't cause too much fuss. Plus they can be tucked into toddler's wellies, or some have stirrups to stop them riding up, which go over the wellies.

Best toddler waterproof trousers at a glance:

Best insulated waterproof trousers: Forest Leader Insulated PU Dungarees
Best colour changing waterproof trousers: Hatley Unisex Kid's Splash Pants
Best all year round waterproof trousers: Adventure waterproof trousers
Best durable waterproof trousers: Shell Waterproof Kids Trousers

To make sure you are prepared for summer showers and winter rain, as well as paddling on days out, and even attending forest school, we have listed some great options for toddler waterproof trousers for your little one.

Best all year round waterproof trousers

Whether you are braving summer showers, or heading on a wet winter walk, your little one will have dry legs with these durable but flexible waterproof trousers. They have water repellent zips, taped seams, and a water repellent coating, as well as being windproof and breathable. Plus they have an elasticated toggle tighten waist and zipped ankles to ensure a snug fit.

Review: "My daughter has had a set of the waterproofs since she was 2. I will continue to buy them until you no longer do her size - they are AMAZING!!"

Pros

  • Reinforced knees
  • Windproof

Cons

  • Sizing is quite large

Best colourful waterproof trousers

These are perfect for both girls and boys on rainy days. They come in a lovely range of colours and feature taped seams, elastic waistband and ankle poppers. They are great to pack on wet days out to keep your little one dry and comfortable.

Review: "Love these. Brought them for my daughter's school forest days. They are thick and strong not flimsy like some makes. Really pleased with them."

Pros

  • Thick fabric
  • Bright colours

Cons

  • Some reviewers said fabric tears too easily

Best waterproof dungarees

For a little extra protection, waterproof dungarees are a great idea. This lovely pair is windproof and waterproof, with adjustable buckle and adjustable velcro fastenings. They are sized quite large so they easily go over clothing and the fabric is tough but lightweight.

Review: "My daughter loved the colour, the fit, and they were completely fit for purpose. Also because she is slim she was able to adjust the straps so they weren't too baggy, but also they were big enough to get over her clothes. Definitely I would buy these again."

Pros

  • Provides extra coverage
  • Adjustable size settings

Cons

  • Some reviewers said they are more showerproof than waterproof

Best waterproof insulated trousers

Great for playing outside during the winter, these will protect your little one on the coldest and wettest days. They are easy to put on and can even pull straight over wellies, plus they have a fleece lined upper body for warmth. If that is not enough, they have elasticated waist and ankles as well as adjustable shoulder straps and a snap closure pocket will keep your little one's precious things safe and dry too.

Commercial Content Writer at Mother & Baby, Laura Healy, said: " These are great for an active four year old attracted to mud and puddles. With these trousers it means we can go to the park, or even out in the garden on the coldest and wettest days. They truly are completely waterproof and with the fleece lining they keep my little one warm too. Unlike previous puddle suits we have had, which are difficult to put on and normally result in a tantrum, these are simple to pull over clothes and don't seem to bother her. Plus if she needs the toilet in a hurry they are just as easy to remove. The elastic waist and ankles are handy for keeping them in place and my little girl loves the pocket at the front for collecting leaves and rocks!"

Pros

  • Fleece lined for warmth
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Sizes run big

Best patterned waterproof trousers

waterproof trousers rainbow
Price: $18.99

Your little one will brighten even the darkest winter day with these fun patterned waterproof trousers. They are both waterproof and mudproof so your toddler will stay clean and dry. Plus they have elastic ankle straps to prevent their trouser legs from slipping and it keeps them securely in place over the wellies.

Review: "I bought these pants for my daughter to use as protection from the wind and cold when we ride bikes. I must say that they are very nice and doing their job. She also uses them to get around when it's a bit cold. The product arrived on time from the seller. Great value for money."

Pros

  • Elastic strap to prevent slipping
  • Great pattern

Cons

  • Hand wash only

Best all season waterproof dungarees

Your little one will love these bright waterproof dungarees just as much as we do! They have adjustable shoulder straps as well as upper body and ankle adjustment tabs. With taped seams, they protect really well in wet weather, and if your little one gets muddy they are easy to clean in the washing machine.

Review: "Bought for my son (age 2) and they are amazing! Great quality (have been through the wash several times now too) and so practical - either wear under a coat when cold, or just with t-shirt and shorts when it was raining but warm in the summer."

Pros

  • Fully lined
  • Adjustable

Cons

  • Hard plastic buckles

Best colour-changing waterproof trousers

Not only will your little one love how dry these trousers keep them, but they also change colour when wet. More practically, they have sealed seams, a functional drawcord and a front pocket with velcro closure. Wearing these your little one will be well prepared for wet weather.

Review: "Really pleased with these waterproof trousers. They are a good fit and look great. My daughter loves the fact that they change colour when she jumps into the puddles."

Pros

  • Changes colour when wet
  • Thick, durable fabric

Cons

  • A bit small in the waist compared to leg

Best durable toddler waterproof trousers

Not only will these waterproof trousers keep your little one dry but they will last too! Lightweight and breathable, they also have reinforced knees and seat making them durable in all the right places.

One reviewer, Maria, said: "Currently on our third pair of these- they are perfect for rainy days and muddy hikes but with a warm base layer they double up as ski trousers and are thin enough to be folded and put in a rucksack. They have been passed down from older to middle to younger sibling but still look brand new- definitely worth the money."

Pros

  • Reinforced knees and seat
  • Not too thick

Cons

  • Branding on braces is not very subtle

Best toddler waterproof trousers for snow

These padded waterproof trousers are perfect for snowy or wet adventures. Made from durable and breathable fabric, these trousers are nylon lined with fleece at the seat for extra protection against the cold when sitting down. Plus they have reinforced knees, seat and leg cuffs and even snow locks.

One customer, Mary, said: "Great trousers but I would recommend getting a size smaller than you think you need. They measure on the large side. I later got two sizes smaller and they are perfect. These will do in a few years."

Pros

  • Padded for extra warmth
  • Suitable for skiing

Cons

  • Run quite large

What to look for in toddler waterproof trousers

Durable water repellency coating (DWS): This means the trousers have been treated with a special coating to ensure they are waterproof rather than just showerproof. Any drops of water will run off.

Adjustability: Toddlers come in all shapes and sizes so it's helpful if their waterproof trousers can be adjusted for a better fit. This will also help them get more use out of the trousers as they grow up too.

Taped or sealed seams: You don't want any water seeping through the seams of the trousers!

Stirrups: A great addition to prevent trouser legs from riding up but if your chosen trousers have stirrups, check they go over wellies, not inside.

How to wear waterproof trousers?

You can simply pull them over your little one's clothes, which is what makes them so handy! Whether it is summer and they have bare legs or winter with thicker trousers and even thermal vestsor leggings, waterproof trousers can be worn in all seasons for trips out in the rain, jumping in puddles, paddling, or at school or nursery. Some have stirrups which you can pull over their wellies which prevent water getting in the wellies if your little one jumps in an extra large puddle.

Also, consider whether trousers or dungarees are better? Dungarees will provide more coverage and they are not as fiddly to put on as a puddlesuit, although they will require a bit more effort than trousers.

Dressing your toddler for wintercan be tricky, especially judging how many layers, but waterproof trousers are extremely useful for all kids. It doesn't matter if they are at school, or still riding around in the buggy, they will appreciate their clothes staying dry when it is wet outside, and they will especially love that wearing waterproofs means they can play with their mud kitchen or even in the park despite the rain.

A journalist since 2015, Emily Gilbertis the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for seven years. Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

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