In wet or even damp weather, kids need rain gear to stay dry and comfortable. Durability, comfort and ease of use are all important considerations when choosing rain gear for children.
We live in the Pacific Northwest, only about an hour from the coast and while not directly in the rainforest, not far from it. It rains here, a lot. Even on days when it doesn’t rain the ground is damp, toys are wet, and the air hangs with moisture. Without proper wet weather gear you’re likely to get wet and cold fast.
More than that, we’re a farming, fishing, clam digging kind of family. When you’re getting out close to a river or any form of water on a cool or cold day, you need the right gear.
Kids love getting wet, but not the kind that comes with the cool dampness of Autumn. The solution is simple, but every family and even each child has their own unique needs. Fortunately there are many choices out there.
Important Considerations
After a lot of research, we’ve narrowed down the available options into our top picks. But before we dive into that, let’s talk a little more about considerations we need to make and the different features available to us.
Some important things to think about when buying a rain suit include:
- How old is the child?
- Are they potty trained? How often will they need to take this on and off?
- How easy will it be for the child to get on and off?
- What setting will this be worn in, and for how long?
- What kind of clothing and shoes will be worn with the suit?
- How often will this be used?
Styles of Rain Suits
There are three primary styles of rain suits, each with their own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Jacket and Pants: Easiest on and off, less full coverage than other choices.
Jacket and Bib Overalls: More full coverage, more challenging to get on and off. Generous sizes, elastic straps and quick release buckles help keep things easy.
One Piece Rain Suit: Fullest coverage, hardest to take on and off. Some styles make creative use of zippers to make it as easy as possible. Great for little ones who are still on the ground a lot.
Rain Suit Materials
There are two primary materials used to make rain suits. These materials are Polyurethane Coated Polyester, and Polyurethane Coated Nylon. The materials are both completely waterproof, durable and easy to care for.
Polyurethane Coated Polyester: Nice and soft, even when cold. Very smooth and stays pretty clean with very little maintenance. The polyurethane is usually on the outside for a smooth exterior and softer, fabric inside.
Polyurethane Coated Nylon: With this material, the polyurethane is next to the skin with the nylon out. The result is a smooth, somewhat slippery interior. More breathable than the polyurethane coated vinyl. Has a tendency to become crunchy when cold.
Extra Features
Lining: Certain styles are lined with either cotton or fleece, for extra warmth and comfort. For our family, the lining is well worth the additional cost and really helps keep our kids warm and outside longer. On any given weekday in the fall or spring, they simply need a pair of leggings, a sweater and their lined bibs to go out on an adventure—quick and easy!
Elastic: Nearly all styles of rain suits use elastic cuffs to help prevent rain from entering from around the boot. One piece rain suits typically offer elastic cuffs around the arms as well.
Stirrups: Several styles offer stirrups to prevent pant legs from riding up. Usually these are made using buttons and button elastic, which not only allows them to be removable, and adjustable for a custom fit, but also replaceable.
Quick Release Buckles: Most bib style rain pants offer quick release buckles on the straps to help keep dressing simple.
Zippers: Mostly found on coats and one pieces, they’re pretty straightforward in function. It is worth mentioning that a few styles of one piece rain suit utilize two (non-separating) zippers, which does make dressing easier and more independent.
Top Kid’s Rain Suits
Sizes for ages 2-8. Three colors: black, orange and yellow. Elastic, stirrups, and reflective strips. Elastic straps and durable, quick release buckles. These are the children’s light duty version from a very well regarded brand that caters to fishermen in the Northern oceans. The quality is second to none. They offer other, heavier duty versions for children as well, and a full line for the grownup set too.
2. Puddle Pants and Puddle Coat from A Toy Garden
Available in Yellow, Green, Red, Navy, and Pink. European sizes 86-140. Soft lined polypropylene. Pants have removable stirrups. Reflective tape on coat and pants.
3. Helly Hansen K Bergen Pu Rainset
Available in four colors, which appear to change seasonally. European Sizes 86-134. Reflective tape on coat and pants. Another extremely high quality brand.
4. Tuffo Muddy Buddy Coveralls
Comes in sizes 12 months through 5t; in red, blue, yellow, pink and camo. The double zipper makes it so much easier to put on and take off. Reinforced knees. Elastic cuffs and around the hood help make sure water stays out.
5. Polarn O. Pyret Fleece Lined Waterproof Pants and Classic Swedish Rain Jacket
They come in sizes 6m through 8. PFC-free. Available in several colors. PO.P has tons of other outdoor gear for kids including unlined rain pants, rain mittens, rain hats, snow gear, long underwear, boots and more.
Is that it? These are the only choices?
No, not by a long shot. There are tons of choices out there. Many high quality. But, If you’re planning on having your kid(s) out playing in these garments on a regular basis, at home, at a play group or in a forest school setting and you would like to encourage independence in dressing (or at least keep it quick and simple), then I would encourage you to look into these choices.
Now, I want to hear from you.
What does wet and rainy play look like where you are? Let me know in the comments, I am always curious about others experiences!