Winter coats are an absolute necessity to keep any girl warm and safe in the coldest months. However, the perfect coat for your toddler girl should be a mix of a few very important factors such as great insulation, water resistance, or high breathability. So, to save you the trouble, we’re here to help you choose the best winter coats for toddler girls by breaking down every type of coat, important features to consider, and how to find the right fit.
Consider The Activity
When buying toddler girl coats and jackets, the length of your little girl’s winter coat will depend on the temperature outside and what activity she is preparing for. If it’s only for walking to school or strolling at the park, a long jacket or trench coat will do well to protect your daughter from the cold. These types of jackets are comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear.
On the other hand, if she’s out for a snowball fight or a more active trip, you might want to get full-on winter coats like a ski jacket that fits comfortably at the waist so that cool air doesn’t find its way in. Besides that, the sleeves should fit right around their wrist — they’ll drag and pick up snow or dirt if they’re longer than that. Also, you should look for toddler winter coats that have elastic on the wrist as well. This nifty feature is important to provide great defense against the snow and cold air.
Get Your Little Girl Involved
To keep a kid’s attention, their new winter jacket needs to have some flair. So, to make sure that your daughter will love her coat as much as you do, simply shop together. Whether you two are scrolling online or strolling at the mall, letting your little girl help you shop will make her feel like she has a sense of ownership over the coat.
Materials
Like other clothes, toddler winter coats are also made of all types of materials. Below are the best options for good winter coat materials:
- Cotton. It is a universal fabric that can hold up to the elements of winter. Also, cotton, especially organic, is perfect for kids with sensitive skin or allergies. This material is fairly durable while still being breathable and soft. However, The only drawback of cotton is that it absorbs moisture.
- Leather and Faux Leather. Leather is an impressive material that is perfect for not only the winter months but all year round. Even though you will need to maintain leather in a special way, it will last forever if you can manage it.
- Wool. Gorgeous, incredibly warm, and lightweight, a wool jacket is what you should consider when the temperature drops. Furthermore, wool is also water-resistant, so it’s a great option for snowy and rainy weather.
- Fur and Faux Fur. We have been using fur to keep warm for millennia. Both the fur and faux fur are warm and durable, making them great for cold weather. However, you need to know how to maintain wool in order to keep them looking like new for years.
- Fleece. Comfortable, relatively lightweight, and perfect to use in casual, everyday coats and jackets. Fleece is also an inexpensive fabric, so you might want to stock up a couple more for your toddler girl. Unfortunately, fleece is typically not water-resistant. So, it’s best to keep this jacket out of the rain and heavy snow.
Temperature
Besides activities, temperature also plays a big part in the decision you’ll make. If it’s freezing cold outside, turn to a waterproof parka or puffer coat for your toddler girl. In addition to being waterproof, these options usually have bungee cord-lock adjustable waists and elastic cuffs which keep the wind out. Meanwhile, go for a 3-in-1 jacket if you want something more versatile. It’s a combination of a waterproof outer shell with an insulated or fleece liner. Together, the jackets provide enough warmth for most winter conditions. And, when the weather isn’t too cold, your toddler wears it separately for the right amount of protection and warmth.
Colors
This feature will probably draw your little girl’s eye more than anything else. While some girls love bright colors like pink or white, others prefer cute patterns and prints. Therefore, it’s a great idea to keep your toddler girl’s preferences in mind and try to steer her in the direction you want by pointing out jackets you think that fit with her personal style. Just be sure that both you and your toddler girl are happy at the end of the day with what you two have chosen.
Sizes
When buying toddler clothes, it’s a good idea to get one size bigger to give your child a little extra room to grow. However, unlike with other garments, your toddler girl won’t be as warm as she should be in an oversized coat because the extra open space will end up letting the cold air go into the coat faster than the body heat can keep up. Luckily, this idea will still work if you want a jacket that can fit a few extra layers underneath. So, based on the type of winter coat you’re looking for and how many layers your daughter usually dresses to stay cozy in winter, choose the right size for your toddler girl.
Tips to Check the Jacket’s Fit
- Hug Test: Have your child zip up her coat and hug herself. She should be able to reach across and touch the opposite shoulder blades on either side. But, if your toddler girl has any difficulty completing the test, try the winter coat in the next size up.
- Stretching Arms Test: This test will determine if the sleeves are too long, too short, or just right. Zip up the coat and ask your toddler girl to reach their arms straight out. If her wrists are exposed, then the sleeves are just too short. On the other hand, if you can barely see their fingers, the sleeves are too long and may be uncomfortable.
- The Reach for the Sky: This test helps you determine if your toddler girl’s winter coat is long enough for winter. Once it is zipped, have your daughter reach overhead towards the sky. If you see her tummy, then you’ll want to take a look at a longer jacket.
