Winter is officially here! When winter approaches, many of us have a list of to-do’s to prep for the chilly season ahead. From putting snow tires on our vehicles and winterizing our lawns to revisiting our favorite slow-cooker recipes, there are lots of little things we need to do to get ready for cooler weather. In many cases, that includes shopping for winter clothing.
It’s essential to ensure you and your family are well-equipped with cold-weather clothing during the colder months of the year. Spending time out in the elements without the right clothes can be miserable, and not only that, it can get you sick. While there are plenty of items, you’ll likely add to your winter clothing shopping list, like sweaters, gloves, hats, and boots, no single piece of winter clothes is as important as your winter coat. The final layer of protection between you and the cold, wind, and snow, can have a significant impact on your personal warmth and, ultimately, your ability to enjoy the season.
While shopping for a coat for yourself isn’t necessarily the most straightforward task in the world, finding one for your kids can be a little more challenging. Fortunately, I’m here to help! If you’re gearing up to go shopping for cold-weather gear, here are a few things you’ll want to consider to help you choose the right winter coats for your kids:
What Weather Conditions are Most Common in Your Area?
Winter coats are made to suit different conditions. Before you invest, it’s smart to think about what winter weather looks like where you live and choose a jacket that’ll keep your kid comfortable most, if not all, days. If you live in a place where temperatures regularly dip below freezing – or worse, fall into the negatives – you’ll want to look for a coat able to withstand those conditions. Colder conditions will call for a coat with a higher fill weight if you opt for down filling, or a substantial synthetic filling if you go that route.
You’ll also need to consider water and wind. If you live in an area that receives a decent amount of rain or snow during the winter months, you’ll want to make sure you choose a coat for your kid that’s waterproof or water-resistant. And the same goes for wind – if you live in a place prone to windy conditions, make sure your little one’s winter coat is wind-resistant, too.
What Will Your Child be Doing Outside?
You’ll want to keep mobility in mind as you choose a coat for your kid. If your child only plans to wear their winter coat when walking to and from the bus stop, you can invest in something heavier or more structured. But if you expect them to spend hours running and playing outside in their winter coat, you’ll likely want to look for something a little more lightweight and easy to maneuver around in. You may even want to consider a coat with layers that can be added or removed, depending on the condition, so your little ones can peel off their outer shell when they break a sweat!
How Long Will Your Child be Able to Wear the Coat in Question?
If your little one is at a point where they likely won’t grow much in the coming year, it might make sense to splurge and invest in a more expensive piece they can wear a few years in a row. On the other hand, if your child is in the middle of a growth spurt, you may want to drop your budget a little bit, given that you’ll likely be on the market for another coat when next winter rolls around.
One great feature you can look for in a coat when shopping for a growing kid is extendable sleeves. You won’t find these on every winter coat, but some come equipped with the ability to extend the cuff on the sleeves to buy you a little more time before you need to buy another coat for your child.
This winter, after doing some research, I decided to pick up one of these Canada Goose jackets for Madison. It may be a little pricey, but it’s definitely worth the investment – it’s comfortable, stylish, and most importantly, it’s warm. Whether we’re hanging out at home in Colorado or facing sub-zero temperatures in Canada on vacation, I know this coat will keep her snug and protect her from whatever harsh weather we encounter.
Wherever you and your family find yourselves this winter, equip yourself and your little ones with the winter coats and other gear you’ll need to keep you warm and having fun outdoors.
