How to Choose Winter Coats for Kids

Whether snowboarding, hiking, camping or participating in another activity in cold weather, your child needs a winter coat to keep warm. The right winter coat for your child is functional and comfortable. You do not need to spend a fortune; you just need to know what to look for when shopping.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Bring your child along with you to shop for a winter coat. With your child, you'll be able to see if the coat fits and is comfortable. Allow your child to have some say in choosing the coat. A coat that is liked by your child is more likely to be worn without a fight.

Step 2

Check the fit of the coat by having your child try it on. Not only should the coat feel comfortable, it should allow for proper movement. A coat that is too small will inhibit your child's ability to move and a coat that is too large and bulky is awkward to wear.

Step 3

Buy a bright colored coat for young children, to make them easily visible when they are wearing it. This is especially useful when hiking in the mountains, where a child could get lost.

Step 4

Evaluate the craftsmanship of the coat. Kids are not the gentlest with clothing. Buttons and zippers should be attached securely so your child does not accidentally rip them off. If the buttons or zippers feel flimsy, look at another coat.

Step 5

Purchase a coat that is appropriate for the climate and conditions. A coat with a waterproof shell is good for snowboarding and other wet conditions. A coat with a hood and warm insulation is good for cold climates. If your child will be using the coat in multiple seasons, climates or for different sports, consider a versatile coat with a detachable hood and sleeves and a removable inner lining.

Step 6

Check the coat label for care instructions. Choose a coat that is machine washable and dryable and easy to care for.

Tips & Warnings

Choose a coat that has zip-up pockets for your child to carry snacks, asthma inhalers, emergency phone numbers, emergency money and other important items.

Resources

Trails.com Outdoor Gear and Equipment Store: Kids Coats and Jackets

Article Written By Rose Kivi

Rose Kivi has been a writer for more than 10 years. She has a background in the nursing field, wildlife rehabilitation and habitat conservation. Kivi has authored educational textbooks, patient health care pamphlets, animal husbandry guides, outdoor survival manuals and was a contributing writer for two books in the Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader Series.

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