As winter sets in, rain becomes unavoidable — especially families with little ones who still need to get outdoors when the rain comes. Protecting your little ones from the rain seems easy enough, but a quick Google search will overload with options for raincoats for kids.
Knowing which one will protect your littles from the rain, be comfortable, and last through the season is as easy as flipping through our quick guide to buying raincoats for kids! If you’ve got a kid that’s not easy to convince that a jacket is in his best interest, we’ve got you covered.
Raincoats for kids come in many materials, with snaps, zippers, colors, and characters galore. Check out our buying guide and top recommendations below.
Buying Guide
The perfect jacket for your child may vary by location, and typical weather experienced. Here are some qualities you may want to consider when looking at raincoats for kids.
Windproof – look for a jacket made of materials that don’t allow wind to come through the coat to your body. For added warmth, you can choose a coat with multiple layers.
Ribbed Cuffs – Elastic around the wrist can allow the fabric to hug the wrist, keeping warmth in, rain out, and to prevent sleeves from drooping. Some jackets also have elastic in the sides, waist, and hood to keep the weather out and add a snug fit.
Reflective – If you and your child are out during the darkest hours of the day often, you may consider a raincoat with reflective detailing to keep your little one safe when there is low visibility.
Waterproof vs. water-resistant – Pay close attention to this small detail to ensure you get the type of jacket you’re looking for. Some coats will keep dry in light rain but not heavy rain.
Breathability – To keep your little comfortable, pay attention to the breathability of the jacket. Some jackets may be too warm for running around in mild temperatures.
Raincoat Recommendations
Below you’ll find our favorite jacket in each category, along with a couple more top contenders. For easy purchasing, additional color options and sizes follow the buy now link.
A) Ultra-Light Raincoats for Kids
Take a look at these ultralight raincoats for warmer, wet weather or for little ones who run around and get too heated in their jackets. Ultra-light raincoats are great for casual wear to keep dry when it’s not too chilly out, but can be put over warmer weather clothing for added protection.
1. Splashy Nylon Children’s Rain Jacket
ChildFun Favorite
This functional rain jacket is lightweight, made of nylon that’s been PU treated for waterproofness. The coat is flexible and light enough for kids to run around in wet weather that isn’t too cold. The jacket is thin enough to pair over other warmer gear if needed.
Pros
Cons
Elastic hood for a snug fit
Pay attention to sizing and choose a size up, as these jackets run small
This ultra-light rain jacket for kids is made of a soft polyester that’s waterproof and comfortable to wear. For wet weather with warmer temps, this casual wear jacket will keep little ones dry. The coat is easy to carry and can be folded up small to throw in your child’s book bag.
Pros
Cons
Lightweight for warmer rainy seasons
This jacket doesn’t come in sizes for older children
Fits kids two years old to 7 years old
This jacket doesn’t have any lining
Zippered enclosure with elastic hood for a snug fit
3. Carter’s Little Girl’s Favorite Rainslicker Rain
This 100 percent polyester rain jacket is lightweight and perfect for milder climates with wet weather. It comes in four designs and zips closed. The zippered enclosure and pockets have a fold-over flap to keep the rain out. Little girls will love the adventurous prints.
Pros
Cons
Zippers enclosure with a rain-protecting fold-over flap
This lightweight jacket doesn’t have any warmer lining
If your little one stays in the same size for longer than a few weeks, you may want to go for a premium raincoat that will last easily through the winter season.
1. L.L. Bean Kids Trail Model Rain Jacket
ChildFun Favorite
This color block, fleece-lined raincoat is made of a waterproof and breathable Tek 2.0 ripstop nylon outer shell with a laminate layer to maintain waterproofness. It comes in four colors, and it’s machine washable.
Pros
Cons
Multiple layers for waterproofing and warmth
Can be too warm for warmer weather rains
360-degree reflectivity for visibility
Some parents/kids don’t like the relaxed fit
Elastic hood, cuffs, and waist for a snug fit
2. The North Face Vortex Triclimate Jacket
This convertible jacket is excellent for all weather conditions; it’s made of a fleece layer, nylon, and polyester. The waterproof shell can be separated from the fleece liner or worn together. The adjustable fit hood has drawstrings, and adjustable cuffs for a snug fit.
Pros
Cons
3 in 1 jacket can be worn in multiple ways
Price is higher than most other options
Several color options, great for boys or girls
Pay attention to the sizing chart as some people have purchased the wrong size for their child when not consulting the chart
Hand pockets zip to keep warm or items safe from wet weather
This 100 percent nylon jacket can withstand temperatures from -5 to 26 degrees, for those in colder climates. The outer shell is waterproof, and the parker length covers to just below the hips. The fleece lining extends from the hood into the body for added warmth.
Pros
Cons
Adjustable hood and cuffs
More suitable for colder temperature climates
Elastic sides, additional Velcro keep water out over zippers
For families with kids that grow too quickly, or have multiple kids to buy for, check out these budget options of quality raincoats.
1. Columbia Boy’s Glennaker Rain Jacket
ChildFun Favorite
This 100% nylon jacket zips up and is machine washable. This rain jacket can withstand anything from a misty sprinkle to a mild rain shower. Although it can be warm on its own, it’s also thin enough to layer over other warmer gear.
This lightweight, waterproof jacket is made with a polyester outer shell. It’s designed with easy snaps for kids and has a full hood to keep dry. Great for chilly weather as the printed lining will keep your little one warm.
Pros
Cons
Polyester, waterproof shell keeps your child dry
No pockets
Snap enclosures easy for kids
Cuffs not ribbed
Comes in 7 color options with prints little girls will love
This unisex raincoat is excellent for passing along from sibling to sibling; it comes in 8 colors. The shell is 100 percent polyester with a 100 percent fleece lining. This coat is excellent for colder, wet weather as the fleece lining will keep your little one warm.
Pros
Cons
Detachable hood for adjustable wear
Hood is too big for some kids
Pockets with reflective detailing for added safety in dark weather conditions
Some buyers don’t like the stitched words on back and sleeves
When choosing a rain jacket for your child, there are many things to consider. You may want to consider typical weather, what the jacket is primarily for – warmth, keeping dry, blocking the wind – or just as a back-up jacket to keep in your child’s book bag.
If your child is an only child, you may not want to spend too much on a jacket that’s only worn for one season so that you may opt for one of our budget-friendly options. For families with multiple kids, you may opt for a premium raincoat that can be passed from sibling to sibling through the seasons.
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