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10 Toddler Winter Coats to Keep Little Ones Warm and Toasty

Keep your kiddo looking cute and feeling cozy.
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Updated October 25, 2023
toddler playing in the snow
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Your little one might not have their winter schedule booked up just yet, but one thing is for sure: Once there’s a chill in the air, they’re most definitely going to need a high-quality winter coat. Easily one of the most used pieces of clothing your toddler will rock, a good winter coat or jacket ensures that your kiddo will be warm and protected throughout the cold-weather season, whether it’s on the daily walk to preschool or while sledding and snowman building with the fam. Most importantly, a practical toddler coat or jacket will make them look forward to spending time outdoors. Ready to start shopping? We rounded up our favorite toddler winter coats that’ll keep your little guy or girl toasty (and stylish) no matter how low the temperature dips.

What to Look for in a Toddler Winter Coat

When it comes to selecting the perfect winter coat for your toddler, there are several important product considerations to keep in mind—with so many stylish options on the market today—but comfort and safety should top the list of priorities. From fit, fill (i.e. the kind of insulation and relative degree of warmth the coat boasts) and freedom of movement to reflective features, these characteristics are key checklist items to cover off on when you’re adding toddler winter coats to the cart.

  • Fit. Finding the perfect fit for your toddler’s winter coat is paramount, and it should strike the perfect balance between roominess and snugness, letting your kiddo move freely while accommodating extra layers underneath (long-sleeve shirts, thermals, sweatshirts, etc.). To that end, if you want the coat to last more than one season, consider buying a slightly larger size to allow for growth and hand-me-downs, of course. A well-fitted coat won’t just keep your toddler warm, it’ll also keep them comfortable and cozy, so they can enjoy their winter activities to the fullest without feeling restricted.
  • Insulation and warmth. A top-performing winter coat for toddlers should have a weather-resistant or waterproof outer shell that provides superior insulation and protection from the elements, depending on where you live. A coat with down (or synthetic down) fill can be great at trapping heat and keeping tinies toasty in chilly conditions. You want your winter adventurers all bundled up, but not to the point where they’re overly warm or feeling suffocated—toddlers aren’t exactly “pros” at moving around in bulky clothing (Randy in “A Christmas Story” rings a bell, right?!), so aim for a blend of warmth and mobility.
  • Safety features. A well-designed winter coat can help shield your child from wintertime elements, cold-weather ailments and frostbite—building snowmen in freezing or below temps is no joke—but if they’re not comfortable they just won’t want to wear it. We’ve been there; that’s why we like coats with features like chin guards or zipper pulls that won’t pinch or catch little fingers in zippers. And when they’re playing into the late afternoon, built-in reflective elements or coats in bright colors can keep them visible in the shorter daylight hours, and reduce risks of accidents if you’re out with them in the dark or trekking home near roadways.

Where to Buy Toddler Winter Coats

There are tons of digital destinations to shop for your toddler’s winter coat. But since toddler winter coat inventory sells out in record time—well before the first snow flurries fall—it’s a good idea to shop early in the season and check for discounts and promotions that many retailers offer on the regular. Take measurements of your child’s chest, waist and hips, too, to ensure that you buy a coat that fits them well without limiting their movement.

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Here are a few of our favorite retailers:

  • Gap. If you ever bought one of those adorable sherpa-lined bear sweaters or cardigans (yep, the ones with the novelty bear ears on the hood) when your babe was even littler than they are now, then you’re probably well aware of Gap’s prowess in the winter dressing space. They offer a range of sizes, designs and thicknesses, which makes finding the right coat for your toddler a total piece of cake. And better yet, the site frequently runs promotions so you can snag a quality coat without breaking the bank.
  • Nordstrom. Have something designer in mind for your mini snow angel? Look no further than a site renowned for offering high-quality, curated-to-perfection brands that never skimp on durability and style. Nordstrom’s user-friendly interface is teeming with intuitive filters for size, brand and style, but we also love it for the detailed customer reviews and ratings you can find at the bottom of every product page.
  • REI. Looking for a toddler winter coat that’s a bit more performance-focused than typical everyday outerwear (maybe your pint-sized sidekick’s already rocking the slopes!)? Enter: REI, a serious choice for active/outdoor-rec-loving parents. The website’s intuitive filters and sorting options simplify your searches. Detailed product descriptions, specifications and descriptive customer reviews provide valuable user insights and let you get a clearer scope of the coat’s insulation, waterproofing and durability.

Best Toddler Winter Coats to Shop

Shopping for toddler winter coats may sound easy enough, but you’ll want to factor in function and fashion. After all, what good is a stylish coat that doesn’t actually keep your kiddo warm? Don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you and rounded up some favorites that are practical and cute to boot.

Overall best toddler winter coat

L.L.Bean Infants’ and Toddlers’ Ultralight 650 Down Jacket
Image: L.L Bean
Buying Options
L.L Bean|$109.00
What We Love
  • Great option for younger and older toddlers
  • Reflective material
  • Easily goes from cold winters to mild springs
Things To Consider
  • Some parents say it rides up
  • Expensive

L.L.Bean is one of the most family-friendly brands out there, and the Ultralight 650 Down Jacket keeps your toddler cozy even in the coldest winter temperatures. And for kids who typically refuse keeping their jacket on, this one is a legit gamechanger—it’s crafted with comfort top of mind, with soft and flexible material that’s gentle against sensitive skin and lightweight construction that won’t restrict their movement or weigh them down (countless parent testimonials vouched for its success with feisty, “I don’t want my coat on” tikes). Add a delightful range of color options, vibrant hues like Cherry Tomato and Deep Sapphire and more versatile tones like Carbon Navy and Violet Chalk, and you’re left with a playful, eye-catching coat your toddler will reach for any time sledding or fort-builting are on the table.

Size range: 6-12 months to 4T | Material: Nylon | Care instructions: Machine wash

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Best toddler puffer jacket

Gap Toddler Heavyweight Puffer Jacket
Image: Gap
Buying Options
Gap|$108 .00
What We Love
  • Sustainable fill technology
  • Water-resistant outer shell and sherpa-lined hood
  • Neutral black and preppy pink colorways
Things To Consider
  • Runs slightly big, some parents say

Puffer jackets are a winter vibe to begin with, but puffer jackets on a trendsetting toddler? We can’t handle it! Whether your little one is off to daycare, preschool or simply enjoying a cold winter day, this jacket will undoubtedly turn heads and rake in the compliments. And with sizes ranging from 12 months to 5 years, you can create cohesive and adorable sibling matching moments (especially if you’ve been on the hunt for toddler girl winter coats—the just-below-the-hip length/extra coverage is on-point and effortlessly stylish).

Size range: 12-18 months to 5 years | Material: Recycled polyester | Care instructions: Machine wash

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Best toddler parka

Boden Authentic Parka
Image: Boden
What We Love
  • Adorable colorways for girls and boys
  • Concealed zipper fastening in the front
  • Fur is removable at the hood
Things To Consider
  • Might not be suitable for coldest climates
  • No size offerings for toddlers under 2

Crafted with a chicness that mirrors the latest adult fashion trends, the Authentic Parka from Boden brings style and functionality together seamlessly—for little ones as young as 2 years old. The parka is waterproof and keeps your kiddo warm and dry even (and especially) during wet snowfall or rain—something you can attribute to its environmentally-friendly water repellent coating that’s entirely free from harmful fluorocarbons and other dangerous chemicals. Your little one will be warm and cozy thanks to the faux sherpa lining and faux fur hood, and ready to strut to all of their snow-covered activities with a smile. Just remember to write your tot’s name on the Mini Boden “I Belong To” tag inside—while it’s not excessively expensive, this parka is certainly an heirloom-quality garment you won’t want to lose!

Size range: 2-3 years to 13-14 years | Material: Recycled polyester (coat, filling); 85% acrylic, 15% polyester (faux fur); 82% cotton/16% polyester/2% spandex (rib) | Care instructions: Machine washable

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Best insulated toddler winter coat

What We Love
  • Powder skirt and helmet-compatible hood for little skiers
  • Sleeve attachment for gloves
  • ID label inside
Things To Consider
  • Expensive
  • Some colorways are only available direct from North Face

Get ready for all sorts of frosty adventures in a toddler winter coat that pairs a seam-sealed, waterproof shell with robust Heatseeker Eco insulation for all-weather comfort. The coat’s synthetic insulation incorporates hollow-core fibers that bring a trifecta of warmth, high-performance and exceptional durability anywhere your toddler takes it out. So, whether they’re rolling snowballs or taking turns at an outdoor sensory session with friends, they’ll be snug, toasty and dry in one of the warmest toddler winter jackets out there. We love the abstract print iterations, but the 90s-style neon and classic black colorways are great too.

Size range: 2 to 7 | Material: Polyester | Care instructions: Machine wash

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Best lightweight toddler winter coat

Primary Kids Lightweight Puffer Jacket
Image: Primary
Buying Options
Primary|$58.00
What We Love
  • Available in 14 colors
  • Affordable
  • Not thick and bulky
Things To Consider
  • Matching accessories sold separately

In terms of practicality, this lightweight puffer jacket from Primary checks all the boxes. It's made from 100 percent recycled polyester that’s not only windproof and water-repellent, but also machine washable (for all the hot cocoa drips or warm apple spills). And even with the snug fit of its elastic hood and cuffs, the lightweight construction and silky smooth fabric ensures your little one can move freely and comfortably while still allowing for layering. Snowy explorations and cold-weather romps without stuffiness or heaviness? Sign us up! Our favorite part though? A virtual rainbow of available colorways. This one isn’t just a winter essential, it's a fashion statement that brightens up even the dreariest winter days.

Size range: 2 to 14 | Material: 100% recycled polyester | Care instructions: Machine washable

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Best toddler down coat

Reima Coffee Bean Down Jacket – Kupponen
Image: Reima
Buying Options
Reima|$119.95
What We Love
  • Four classic colorways
  • Water and dirt-repellant
  • Responsible Down Standard-certified
Things To Consider
  • Expensive
  • Runs about one size larger than US sizes

When you’re looking for a true down jacket for your toddler, there’s really no better choice than a Reima original. The brand’s popular Coffee Bean Down Jacket is expertly designed to keep your toddler warm in the coldest conditions with its high-quality down insulation. But warmth isn't the only important factor when it comes to selecting a down coat for toddlers. Breathability and waterproofness are crucial too, especially during all their exploits outside; this toddler winter coat employs advanced materials that are not only waterproof, but also highly breathable. This means that excess moisture and heat move away from the body, while your mini stays comfortable and dry from both the inside and out.

Oh, and one last thing: Reima uses recycled fibers and coffee grounds in this outerwear heavyweight to provide additional insulatory benefits. Keeping the cold at bay like no other, minimizing their environmental footprint and contributing to a better future for our planet—win-win-win!

Size range: 12-18 months to 5T | Material: N/A | Care instructions: Machine wash, dry on low

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Best hypoallergenic toddler winter coat

What We Love
  • Great range of colorways
  • Affordable
Things To Consider
  • May be more suitable for warmer climates
  • Pockets aren’t zippered

Down is unmatched when it comes to offering exceptional warmth, a lightweight feel and compressibility, but there are certainly some drawbacks, too. Some toddlers may be allergic to down feathers—that’s why synthetic options like this all-star Columbia Toddler Double Trouble Reversible Jacket exist. This toddler winter jacket features a high-quality, carefully-chosen down-alternative fill that mimics the insulating properties of down and provides comparable warmth without the use of animal products. And even better, the jacket is reversible—with a solid color on one side and a fun print on the other, you get two stylish options in one jacket, and your toddler can switch up their look depending on their mood or outfit.

Size range: 3/6 months to 4T | Material: Polyester | Care instructions: Machine wash

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Best fleece toddler winter coat

Patagonia Baby Micro D Snap-T Fleece Jacket
Image: Patagonia
What We Love
  • Spandex binding on hood and sleeve openings
  • Handwarmer pockets
  • Zipper “garage” avoids chin irritation
Things To Consider
  • Works best as a layering option

If you’re on the hunt for a best fleece-lined winter coat for your toddler, then you won’t find one better than Patagonia’s Baby Micro D Snap-T Fleece Jacket. The fleece inner lining envelops your toddler in a gentle, insulating hug, ensuring they stay warm without feeling weighed down—a balance that means everything to a toddler who is always on the move and needs to explore their winter wonderland settings with total ease. But what really sets this jacket apart is its moisture-wicking capabilities—toddlers have an endless energy supply, and this fleece jacket keeps them dry and comfortable for whatever they choose to do in the snow. Peep those mod colorways, too, if you have a little fashionista on your hands. These chic neutrals allow for easy mix-and-matching with your toddler's wardrobe, be it punchy or minimalist on the daily.

Size range: 3-6 months to 5T | Material: 100% recycled polyester | Care instructions: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low

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Best cute toddler winter coat

MORI Recycled Waterproof Padded 3-in-1 Coat
Image: MORI
Buying Options
MORI|$99.50
What We Love
  • Waterproof and windproof
  • Reflective cloud on sleeve
  • Elasticated hem keeps the heat in
Things To Consider
  • Only two colorways

When a brand nails it in the baby mitten category, you can probably wager that they’ll deliver on other adorable winter accessories, too. Case in point: MORI’s Recycled Waterproof Padded 3-in-1 Coat. At the heart of its charm is the cozy fleece lining that wraps your cuddly cub up in a snug embrace. The fleece lining not only offers insulation, but also a soft, gentle touch against your child's delicate skin. The versatile 3-in-1 design, with a removable hood and sleeves, makes it adaptable to fickle weather—on chilly mornings, keep the coverage in place to create a protective cocoon, and as the day warms up, simply remove the hood and sleeves to convert it into a lighter jacket (or gilet, if you’re feeling fancy!). It's a clever and practical solution that both accommodates unpredictable winter weather and provides flexibility to suit your child's needs/preferences. And frankly, we’re absolutely smitten with the novelty ears on the hood.

Size range: 6-9 months to 4-5 years | Material: Nylon (shell); polyester (faux fur) | Care instructions: N/A

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Best budget-friendly toddler winter coat

The Children’s Place Toddler Boys Puffer Jacket
Image: The Children's Place
What We Love
  • Synthetic fill
  • Affordable
Things To Consider
  • Best suited for everyday use

And to close out our list, an impressive toddler winter coat that won’t put too much strain on your wallet (after all, the holidays are right around the corner—yikes!). The Children’s Place always understands the need for budget-friendly options that are as durable as they are well-made, so, of course, the brand delivers—yet again—with this puffer jacket. Priced under $25, the jacket offers exceptional value for money without compromising on quality. It packs a ton of warmth and insulation in a body made of 100 percent polyester pongee, a lining made of 100 percent taffeta, a fill composed of 100 percent recycled polyester and a water-resistant coating. The all-over quilting not only adds a stylistic touch, it also helps distribute insulation evenly to ensure maximum warmth, while the full-zip closure with an easy-pull tab, zipper guard and chin guard make easy, hassle-free and light dressing work for both toddlers and their time-crunched parents. (And don’t worry, there’s a girls’ version too!)

Size range: 12-18 months to 5T | Material: Polyester | Care instructions: N/A

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How We Chose the Best Toddler Winter Coats

With winter on the horizon, shopping for the perfect winter coat for your toddler can be stressful and overwhelming. Layer that with the fact that little ones grow fast, they need to stay warm and cozy, but have sensitive and delicate skin that needs to be catered to and the options that check the boxes for practicality, fashion-forwardness and safety, altogether, are few and far between.

Our goal is to do the bulk of the research, so you don’t have to spend hours searching online. We do this by considering a list of criteria such as sizing, material, ease to put on and take off, level of insulation and, of course, style. We also read user reviews, thoroughly analyzed each comfy and climate-matching coat to find out how they worked for real-life snow bunnies and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.

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