We tested the best toddler winter coats and these ones will keep your little one warm and dry

Selection of toddler winter coats

by Samantha Ball |
Updated on

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 premium toddler winter coat: Toastie Eco-reversible Puffer Coat - buy now on Natural Baby Shower
Best toddler winter coat for car journeys: The Road Coat - Buy now at Multimac
Best toddler winter coat for longevity: Extendable waterproof kids' shell jacket - Buy now at Polarn O. Pyret
Best toddler winter rain coat: Hatley Baby Stripe Lined Raincoat - Buy now at Amazon

When purchasing a toddler winter 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. Some coats also feature designs which allow the coat to grow with your child or even that are safe in car seats. It does mean there can be a lot to consider, and 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 perfect toddler winter coat 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 premium toddler winter coats

Toastie Ecoreversible puffer coat in Damask Pink and Black CherryNatural Baby Shower

The clue is in the name with this latest winter coat from Toastie - not only is it wonderfully warm and will keep your little one toasty, but it's reversible so they can have their choice of colour, depending on that day's mood! There are three different colour ways, each a beautiful jewel tone that is perfect for Autumn and Winter. Our Digital Writer, Rebecca Lancaster, says, "my daughter loves this coat - it's warm and cosy without being too hot so she's been wearing it in October while it's been slightly warmer but I can see it keeping her warm in winter too. The reversible design means she gets two coats in one - perfect for a picky kid who likes to switch up her outfits regularly!"

This coat is made using imitation down with a PFC-free water-repellent finish, and can be machine washed at 30 degrees using a non-bio detergent and tumble dried on a cool setting or line dried, which makes it convenient for busy parents. From the hood with its peak to keep the rain off, to the reflector details for extra visibility, the attention to detail is excellent. Rebecca added, "I was a bit worried that the reversible design might mean there's no label for her name but there's one in the pocket and I love that this has space for 3 names - it's such a good quality coat there's definitely the potential that it will be passed down to younger cousins eventually."

We also love the fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets have easy popper access, while the waist is cinched inside to allow for growth. However, these are pricey for a kids' winter coat, but it is an investment for younger siblings because it should last well.

Pros

  • Reversible so offers two colours in one coat
  • Eco-friendly with naturally thermo-regulating properties
  • Fleece lined pockets to keep hands warm
  • Reflector patches for greater visibility and safety

Cons

  • Has a higher price tag than some options

Best toddler winter coat for car journeys

Little girl in Multimac Road Coat
Testing the Multimac Road Coat
Laura Healy
Price: $39 (was £69)

www.multimac.com

The Road Coat by Multimac makes car journeys with your little ones really simple because they can wear this coat in the car, and still remain safely strapped in. We know that the advice is to remove winter coats because any car journeys because the bulk of a winter coat can cause a looser fit against the body with a five-point harness. However, with the Road Coat, you don't need to worry because it has dual layers. The first layer is thin and the harness can be safely secured over it, plus it features grippy dots to ensure the harness doesn't slip. The second layer is a warm, padded layer which can then be done up over the harness. It also features a split collar to accommodate the harness.

Our Commercial Content Writer, Laura Healy, says, "I tried this with my daughter and found it makes the school run so much simpler. Instead of carrying coats and then having to put them on once she is out of the car in the chilly car park, she can wear the coat in the car and hop straight out ready to go on the playground. The zips are lovely and chunky so she can actually do the up and undo them herself. Plus it is really warm, so will be really handy on those frosty mornings when the car is cold and hasn't warmed up, at least she can wear her coat, instead of shivering for the first few minutes of the journey."

It is incredibly soft and warm made with 80% down and with a temperature rating to minus 30 degrees. Laura adds, "my daughter loves how it feels, it has become her favourite coat." However, it is only available in one colour, a neutral silver grey, which we really liked but it might not be to the taste of all toddlers or school children. It does have cosy fleece lined pockets (in case your little one won't wear gloves) and to make life even easier it is machine washable.

Pros

  • Can be safely worn in the car
  • Extremely warm to minus 30 degrees
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Only one colour option available
Filling: 80% down, 20% feather filler
Temperature rating: -30 degree celsius
Size: 12 months - 8 years
Cleaning: Machine washable
  • Suitable for car seats
  • Grippy dots to prevent harness slipping
  • Made with 80% down
  • Machine washable

Best toddler winter coat for longevity

Polarn O Pyret Extendable jacketPolarn O Pyret

Winter coats are an essential item for toddlers, but they can also be expensive. That is why we love this extendable jacket, which allows you to increase the size as your child grows. Plus, it is waterproof so perfect for those rainy, or snowy, winter days. Not only does this save you money but it is also more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The jacket can be adjusted to 1.5 times its size. The size adjustments are cleverly hidden in a pocket in the arms, so the coat is comfortable and practical for little ones. Reviewers comment that it is "beautiful and well made."

With fully taped seams and reflectors your little one will have fun splashing in puddles and be both safe and dry. We also love that it has fleece around the neck to keep out any chilly breezes, and it has zipped pockets to keep all those precious treasures safe too. It is important to note that this might not be the warmest coat, because while it does fleece around the collar, it is not padded for warmth, although it does feature a recycled polyester lining.

The detachable hood is practical and it is also breathable so your little ones will remain dry without over heating when they are active and running around. In a sweet pastel purple this is a lovely coat for those gloomy, wet winter days, but it is also available in black and blue too for a more neutral choice.

Pros

  • Size can be extended 1.5 times to grow with your child
  • Waterproof with fully taped seams
  • Zipped pockets to keep little treasures dry

Cons

  • Not available with a padded lining, so not that warm
Size: 1 - 10 years
Material: 100% polyester
Cleaning: Machine washable
  • Extendable size
  • Zipped pockets
  • Fleece neckline
  • Waterproof

Best colourful toddler winter coats

Boden Kids' All-weather waterproof coatLaura Healy
Price: $75
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeVllHU0FMS19aHABdW00XFgUOVlVWAgIHWl0JVxMJc3d6eXJ1fRJ%2BdmQ6GWQjLXdweDU2REBbQlwPMVcFUFxdRBgEHwxA&x=v1&prdId=11163300158&barcode=VVcDBAsKAlIOWQQBCQY%3D

With a fun design print, the Mini Boden Kids' All-Weather waterproof coat is colourful and perfect to brighten miserable winter days. Plus it is extremely warm and durable. Our Commercial Content Writer, Laura Healy, says, "my little girl loved this coat, from the rainbow design to the fur lined hood, she doesn't complain about wearing it. It also has a fleece lining which keeps her warm and plenty of pockets to keep all the stones, leaves and sticks she likes to collect."

The hood can be popped on and off which is useful if you are wearing the coat as the weather starts to warm up, or the rain stops. One reviewer commented, "My almost 5 year old picked this one for her winter coat. It seems so warm but not restrictive. I love the colours." While another added, that it is "fun and bright print, some reflective strips, warm and waterproof with a good hood, wind skirt, and pockets. Good buy for winter." Obviously it is very bright so might not be to everyone's taste if you prefer a more neutral design.

Pros

  • Broad range of sizes
  • Fur lined hood
  • Waterproof and windproof

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 toddler winter coats for school

Polarn O. Pyret Waterproof Kids School CoatRebecca Lancaster

Designed with play in mind, this Waterproof Kids School Coat from PO.P is warm, windproof and durable. Your little one will move freely in this lightweight and breathable coat. Our Digital Writer, Rebecca Lancaster, says, "in the last few weeks we've had torrential rain almost every day and this coat has been a lifesaver for my daughter on soggy school runs. It's kept her dry in the wettest conditions and still looks good as new, despite being shoved into her locker on a daily basis."

It is important to note that it might not be the warmest coat for winter, but there are matching fleeces and puffer jackets which can be added for extra warmth, however, these must be purchased separately. It does have an adjustable hood and draw cord hem which are very useful. Rebecca adds, "the hood is great - it extends far enough out that it keeps the rain off her face really well. It's spacious enough (she is 7 and has the 7-8 year old) for a big jumper underneath if needed so it will be great for cold winter days but also warm, wet autumn and spring ones. I can see us getting a lot of use out of this raincoat though it would need a warm jumper or the matching fleece underneath for colder days."

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 toddler winter rain coats

ON SALE

Best toddler winter coats Hatley Baby Stripe Lined Raincoat, Dark YellowAmazon
Price: $50.00
Alternative retailers
Nordstrom$50.00View offer
Nordstrom$50.00View offer

We love how cosy and soft the terry lining of this jacket is, whilst also keeping them protected from the elements. One reviewer said, "the outer shell is light, and looks well waterproof 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!"

The Hatley Baby Stripe Lined Raincoat has a popper button fastening, and a warm hood too in case it starts raining which one reviewer described as being a "good length." 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, because one reviewer didn't think it was very warm and commented that the lining is like "a towel."

Pros

  • Cuffs on the sleeves can be folded over
  • Warm hood which is a good length
  • Cute contrast lining

Cons

  • Not suitable for colder weather, lining quite thin
Sizes:9 to 24 months
Material:Polyester
Closure:Poppers
  • PVC-free
  • Waterproof
  • Fully lined
  • Front snap closure
  • Inside hanging loop

Best Stormwear toddler winter coats

Kitted out with Stormwear™ technology, this Stormwear™ Padded Coat is a great school coat, in a practical colour with a hood and water repellent material. One reviewer said, it's "warm and comfy. Perfect winter jacket for school. Love the soft inside of the pockets." The pockets also have side entry and poppers to keep them dry and warm.

It is only available in black which might to be everyone's choice, but it is neutral and a great colour to adhere to any uniform restrictions if your little one is at school. Reviewers commented that they found it to be "stylish" so it will please all ages. It is also machine washable on a delicate wash and can even be tumble dried.

Pros

  • Stormwear technology
  • Large ring pull on zip to make it easy to undo
  • Ideal for school

Cons

  • Only available from 6 years
Sizes:6 to 16 years
Material:100% polyamide
Fastening:Zip
  • Machine washable
  • Can be tumble dried
  • Stormwear technology
  • Poppers on pockets

Best toddler winter duffle coats

John Lewis duffle coatJohn Lewis

With Paddington in Peru at the cinemas, can you resist dressing your little one in a cute duffle coat to get the paddington Bear vibes? This adorable duffle coat from John Lewis is ideal for winter. We love the classic design and the fleece lining that makes it super warm and snug for cold. One reviewer said, "lovely coat for my daughter who loves Paddington Bear."

While this coat is really warm and snug, it isn't waterproof so you will need a rain proof jacket as well for those wet winter days. However, it is very cute, complete with toggle closure. Plus, while it looks traditional, it is machine washable and suitable for tumble drying.

Pros

  • Traditional navy colour and design
  • Toggle closure
  • Fleece lined

Cons

  • Not waterproof
Sizes:3 months - 4 years
Material:100% polyester
Fastening:Toggle
  • Toggle fastening
  • Soft, cosy fabric
  • Traditional design

Best toddler winter coats with growing room

ON SALE

Best toddler winter coats Kid's Corrib Jacket Blue NavyCraghoppers
Price: $35 (was £70)

www.craghoppers.com

Available in three colours, the Kid's Corrib Jacket Blue Navy coat is suitable for older toddlers and children. It's AquaDry breathable construction and a snug fleece-and-taffeta lining, meaning it's ideal for cold weathers. One reviewer said, "got this coat in the sale. It's great will probably fit for 2 years, it looks good but has growing room. My son's very happy and ready for the cold weather. He's been out in the rain and performs really well."

Not only is it warm but it's also waterproof and has extendable sleeves that provide plenty of growing room. It is also incredibly durable with one reviewer commenting, "Such a brilliant coat for all weather, this is the second we’ve bought as the last one lasted 3 years and now got a bigger one!" However, it is only suitable from 3 years, so younger siblings will have to wait before it gets handed down to them. We do love though that it is made recycling plastic bottles into polyester.

Pros

  • Made from recycled plastic bottles
  • Wind resistant and water proof
  • Extendable arms

Cons

  • Not suitable for children under 3 years old
Available in sizes:3 to 14 years
Material:N/A
Washing instructions:N/A
  • Waterproof
  • Breathable
  • 4 x pockets
  • Aquadry technology

Best sustainable toddler winter coat

Baby Mori Dino recycled coatBaby Mori
Price: $64.50

babymori.com

Does your toddler love dinosaurs? If the answer is yes, they will love this Dino coat from Baby Mori. Plus we love that it is made from recycled materials so it is kind to the planet too. It features a relaxed fit for comfort so your little one won't feel restricted when they are having fun outside this winter. That said, it is wind and water proof so they will be warm and dry while playing.

It is practical too (because we know kids get mucky!) and this coat is machine washable. One mum reviewer, Emma, says, "wonderful! Love it! Warm, cozy, and washes well!” It is quite a pale colour though, and there is only the one design, which isn't great for anyone not a big fan of dinosaurs. We love it though with the cool spikes on the hood, thick padding and popper pockets. It is perfect for winter for dino loving tots!

Pros

  • Great for dinosaur fans with spikes on the hood
  • Padded for warmth
  • Made from recycled materials

Cons

  • Only available in one design
Size: 6 months - 5 years
Material: 93% recycled nylon and 7% elastane
Fastening: Zip and popper
Cleaning: Machine washable
  • Dinosaur design
  • Padded for warmth
  • Made from recycled materials
  • Machine washable

Best long toddler winter coat

Baker by Ted Baker Navy Shower Resistant Padded Belted Skirt CoatNext

This coat from Ted Baker is practical and smart, plus it is longer than other designs which will keep your little ones' legs and clothes dry and warm without the need for a full snow suit. With a skirted hem it looks really stylish and your little one will love swirling around the playground or park. It is also shower resistant so rain won't stop play while wearing this coat. It is available in two colours, navy and oyster, although the oyster is a very pale colour so perhaps not the most practical for muddy days.

We love the fur lined hood for warmth and also the belt with the lovely gold metal finish. Your little one will feel really fancy dressed up in this coat and they won't moan about being cold either. It is also available in a wide range of sizes from 12 months through to 13 years, although for babies and younger toddlers the longer length could be restrictive.

Pros

  • A wide range of sizes
  • Padded and shower resistant
  • Stylish with a belt

Cons

  • Longer length might be restrictive for younger children
Size: 12 months - 13 years
Material: 100% Polyester
Fastening: Zip
  • Longer length
  • Padded
  • Shower resistant
  • Two colours available

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. 

However, The Road Coat from Multimac has been designed so your little one can stay in their coat in the car. Kevin Macliver, the inventor of Multimac, explains, _“_bulky winter clothing can interfere with the proper fit and effectiveness of seat belts. In the event of a collision, the padded layers of a coat can compress, leaving the seat belt too loose and reducing its ability to secure the child properly. This increases the risk of injury, as the child may move more freely and be less protected by the restraint system. For optimal safety, it’s best for children to wear thinner layers or a car-specific coat to stay warm while ensuring the seat belt fits snugly and securely.” The Road Coat addresses this issue and is specially designed to feature dual layers that allow children to get in and out of the car while maintaining both warmth and safety.

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.

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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.

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