6 Best Toddler Rain Jackets, According to Parents
In a nutshell:
Based on feedback from parents and experts, we chose the Columbia Rain-Zilla II Jacket as the overall best toddler rain jacket. It offers the best balance of features parents look for in a raincoat at a midrange price point.
Rainy days may seem dreary, but in reality they can be anything but. When the weather starts to pour, it’s time to make your own sunshine. As The Bump community member KellyM says, it’s one of her family’s favorite rainy day pastimes: “For me it means rain boots and puddle jumping and a happy giggling kiddo.” But in order to play in the rain, you’ll need to make sure your tiny tot has a durable toddler raincoat that’s keeping them as dry as possible. Of course, your toddler’s raincoat needs will largely depend on where you live. “If you live in a place that doesn’t get a lot of rain and mostly the times you go out in rain it’s just between your car and a building, a water resistant jacket is going to do just fine,” says Hailey Terry, a mom and experienced outdoor adventurer. “It’s when you’re staying outside for longer times in the rain that you want waterproof material to stop the rain from wetting out or soaking through.”
To help you find the right option for your ray of sunshine, we spoke to parents in The Bump community to help us find the best options on the market.
We took the following steps to help you find the best rain gear for your little one:
- We interviewed outdoors expert and writer Hailey Terry, who’s been backpacking since she was 14 years old and hiking with her children since 2019.
- We checked what was being said about toddler raincoats in The Bump forums to learn what parents liked (and disliked) about certain brands and styles.
- We spoke to Bump staff about rain jackets they’ve used with their children. After all, we’re not just pregnancy and parenting experts—we’re parents ourselves.
- To understand how these toddler rain jackets worked for families nationwide, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring external forums and message boards and reading user reviews.
- We browsed dozens of options from leading brands and online retailers. From there we considered several factors, like sizing, material, quality and durability, value and style.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.
Overall best toddler raincoat
- Soft fleece lining for added warmth
- Adjustable hood that won’t compromise visibility
- Reflective detail for safety
- Lots of color options
- More lightweight than other fleece-lined options
- Sizing may run a bit small
- Not all colors or sizes are available at every retailer
When we spoke to parents about what they want in toddler rain jackets, a few key features came up over and over again. On top of wanting an option that's truly waterproof, we discovered that parents want a coat that keeps kids warm while staying breathable enough to allow for play, and comes in a good range of cute colors and patterns. And moreover, they want an option that's not too expensive—after all, who wants to invest in a piece of clothing your kid might outgrow within a season?
The Rain-Zilla II Jacket from Columbia, a tried-and-true outerwear brand, ticks all those boxes at once. It’s waterproof and lightweight, but fleece-lined for warmth, making it a great option for daily use—Terry tells us that fleece lining is great for parents who live in particularly rainy areas, because it's both warm and moisture-wicking. The coat also has an adjustable hood and elastic cuffs that provide added protection against whatever Mother Nature throws your way, and it comes in a variety of colors. But even better, at $50, it offers all this at a solidly midrange price for the field, almost half the cost of some of the other options on our list.
Sizing: 2T to 4T | Material: Nylon and polyester microfleece | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry low
Our community says:
Overall, I think Columbia has the best quality/style/value ratio. – JOEBunny, The Bump forum member
We wound up with a Columbia jacket and Hatley boots—both at least a size too big and gender neutral enough. They'll get a workout in Seattle. – EmmieB, The Bump forum member
Best budget-friendly toddler raincoat
- Affordable price point
- Attached roomy hood and elasticated cuffs
- Lots of sizing options
- Limited color options
For some parents, even the midrange price point of our choice overall best is just too much to justify. Not every family lives in a heavy rainfall area, and you might just want something that'll get the job done for the lowest price possible. Fortunately, this cool (and budget-friendly!) option from Cat & Jack rings in at under $30. But the low price doesn't mean it slacks off in performance—when the weather is stormy, you can count on this waterproof jacket to keep your tot dry and warm, thanks to its polyester interlock fabric, attached hood and elasticated cuffs that’ll reduce wind chill.
Sizing: 12M to 5T | Material: Recycled polyester | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry
Our community says:
We love Cat & Jack but I do usually size up. - Ashley G., mom-of-one
Best toddler raincoat for low visibility
- Reflective zipper and triangle
- Bright fabric is easier to see in low light
- Durable nylon fabric
- Inner hand-me-down label
- Hood can be too small for some
Do you live in a rural or suburban area with fewer street lights? Or are you just worried about short, new walkers going unseen in low visibility conditions? Don’t let dark, damp mornings get you (or your tot) down, head to L.L. Bean for practical wet weather gear. The Discovery Rain Jacket for toddlers comes a bright yellow color, and has a reflective zipper and triangle at the back, designed to increase visibility in low light conditions—a must for outdoorsy families. The outer is made from durable waterproof nylon with a breathable mesh lining and underarm vents for comfort—plus, the jacket has taped seams and a storm flap for added weather protection. It’s also easy to roll up and pack away inside its own pocket!
Sizing: 2T to 4T | Material: Nylon | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry
Our community says:
I like the fact that it has a bunch of reflective tags on it to make her easier to see in the dark and rain so we stay safer! – jl_nc, The Bump forum member
Best toddler raincoat for hand-me-downs
- Features a PFC-free, durable water-repellent coating
- Made from recycled materials
- Not all colors or sizes are available at every retailer
- Higher price point than other options
Some jackets cost more than others—but they can be worth the investment, particularly when they're durable enough to get passed down from one child to another. The North Face is a trusted outwear brand for adults, with a reputation for producing high quality outdoor gear that can withstand the elements for years on end. But did you know that they make toddler rain jackets too? The Kids' Antora rain jacket is made from 100 percent recycled material, with a durable water repellant finish that beads water on the surface of the fabric instead of letting it saturate the cloth, allowing for a tough, waterproof coat that's still lightweight and packs easily. Bonus: It comes in several cool colors for boys and girls. This toddler rain jacket is definitely on the pricier end, but its impeccable quality means you’ll get more mileage out of it for multiple kiddos.
Sizing: 2T to 7 years | Material: 100% recycled polyester | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry
Our community says:
This year I found a North Face jacket on sale. [It was] excellent and really high quality. We will definitely get another kid's use out of [it]. - greenmtbride, The Bump forum member
Best all-weather toddler raincoat
- Breathable, but water-resistant up to 10,000 millimeters
- Detachable hood
- Fits true-to-size with room to grow
- Expensive
There are parts of the country where people love to say, "If you don't like the weather, just wait a few minutes." If that refrain sounds familiar, you might want to check out this versatile design from Reima. The sleek style is made from breathable, waterproof fabric with a water-resistance rating up to 10,000 millimeters, and includes sealed seams, elastic cuffs and an adjustable hem, making it ideal for light drizzles and heavy downpours or wet snow alike. It also includes a detachable hood, which can easily be taken off for drier days (and put back on for down pours). Available in a wide range of sizes, these toddler rain jackets fit true-to-size with a built-in 6 centimeters for room to grow. So while they’re on the pricier end, you can count on not having to replace them yearly.
Sizing: 2T to 14 years | Material: Polyester | Care instructions: Normal machine wash at warm
Our community says:
We bought both a [Reima] snowsuit and a rain jacket for our 2-year-old son. We sized up to a 4T in both, but their products are made to be roomy and allow for growth so his typical size would have been just fine. They'll definitely fit him for another 2 years. – Alyssa V-A., mom of two
Best toddler raincoat for heavy rain conditions
- Waterproof rubberized outer shell
- Protective hood with brim shield
- Chin guard on zipper
- Built-in hanger loop
- Pricier option
- May not work for families living in drier climates
Some parents only need a lightweight coat for the occasional drizzle. Others live in areas where they need a tank of a coat to deal with constant downpours. Hatley is a brand well-known for its cute toddler raingear that parents (and kids) love. This rubberised toddler raincoat has 100% PU coating, meaning it’s extremely waterproof and built to withstand heavy rain conditions. Plus, it offers extra coverage thanks to the attached hood with brim shields and its hip-length size. If you live somewhere where it rains quite a bit, this toddler raincoat may just become your (and your kiddo’s) go-to.
Sizing: 2 to 12 years | Material: Polyester and PU coating | Care instructions: Machine wash
Our community says:
Last year I bought a Hatley jacket that I loved. – greenmtbride, The Bump forum member
I also love Hatley rain gear. – fjaril, The Bump forum member
The best toddler rain jackets aren’t just cute—they’re comfortable, functional and made to last. Here are just a few things you’ll want to consider when shopping for pint-sized rain gear:
- Waterproof vs. water-resistant. Always read the fine print to make sure a jacket is fully waterproof rather than water-resistant (nobody wants a soggy tot!). Look for features like taped seams and at the materials used for the shell, Terry notes. If you live in a colder area that gets lots of rain, you’ll want to opt for a jacket that’s lightweight and layerable, but has a fully rubberised outer shell for maximum water protection. “If you live in a place that doesn’t get a lot of rain and mostly the times you go out in rain it’s just between your car and a building, a water resistant jacket is going to do just fine,” she adds.
- Durability of materials. You’ll want to assess how much wear and tear the jacket’s materials can actually take. “When we’re out on the trails hiking, I personally love a more durable rain jacket or rain suit. My kids are always climbing on rocks and pushing through bushes, and sliding down on the rocks. So finding something that can withstand that is huge,” Terry says.
- Type of lining. Depending on how much time your family spends outdoors, it may be wise to look for a jacket that has fleece lining for warmth. “I would opt for a fleece lined suit if you love somewhere where it rains a lot and you are going out a lot in the shoulder seasons (spring/fall) and don’t want to constantly be layering up your kids,” Terry says. For warmer climates and versatile wear, look for unlined options as these will “trap some body heat,” she adds. For air flow and breathability, look for mesh linings and vents.
- Functional features. To get a good quality toddler raincoat, look for functional features like a roomy hood that will protect your child’s face, reflective patches for safety in low visibility and sizing that offers room for growth. “I also really like when the hood is adjustable so I can help them get a good fit around their head so they can see better while still having their face protected,” Terry says.
- Cute designs. Whatever style you choose, make it bright and colorful or playfully patterned for a real rainy-day pick-me-up. Add a matching umbrella and a fun pair of rain boots to create a sweet ensemble your tot will love to put on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant raincoats for toddlers?
“Waterproof is just that, water won’t seep through the jacket and get your or your clothes wet underneath. (And this also varies depending on the waterproof material used in the jacket as well as if the seams are taped or not),” Terry explains. Water-resistant, however, may soak through your clothes if you’re out in heavy rain for long enough.
When do toddlers need rain pants or a full rain suit?
Terry notes that rain paints or a full rain suit are beneficial for toddlers who want to jump in puddles and play in the rain. “It’s also great if you’re at a playground and the equipment is wet, you don’t need to worry about their pants getting wet going down the slide,” she adds.
Are cotton-lined raincoats a good option for toddlers?
While cotton is usually a great option for kids' clothes, for rain jackets Terry notes it’s best to go with an unlined or fleece-lined option. “I rarely would choose a cotton lined rain suit because if the cotton did get wet, it would just absorb the water and stay wet for a very long time, versus fleece which is moisture wicking,” she explains.
About the writer:
Nehal Aggarwal is a writer and editor based in Charleston, South Carolina (one of the rainiest cities in the United States!). She has almost a decade of experience and earned her bachelor’s degree in writing from Johns Hopkins University. Most of her experience comes from writing content around pregnancy, postpartum and parenting and in-depth knowledge of the types of pain points parents today are dealing with.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Hailey Terry is a mom and outdoor enthusiast based in Utah. She went on her first backpacking trip at 14 years old and has since developed a passion for rock climbing, camping and hiking. When she became a mom in 2019, she started to bring her kiddos on family adventures outdoors and now shares her life in the hopes of inspiring other families.
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