The Best Toddler Rain Jackets That Are Both Stylish + Functional
Splish, splash and (most importantly!) stay dry.
Ready for some puddle jumping? Rain + kids can feel like a daunting combination, but having the right gear (like a good pair of rain boots and an appropriate jacket) can make for a fun outdoor adventure.
What to Look for in Toddler Rain Jackets
Choosing the best rain jacket for your toddler doesn’t have to be overly technical. (Puddle jumping isn’t an Olympic sport, after all.) Considering things like your little one’s favorite color or picking a raincoat for its bright, fun pattern can all factor in. But there are a few features you’ll want to think through before you start shopping to be sure you’re choosing the best toddler rain jacket for your particular needs.
Material: Your toddler’s rain jacket will be in constant contact with the elements, so the material it’s made from is pretty important. Water-resistant material will do what its name implies: resist water. But it won’t repel it completely, so factor that in depending on how often and in what type of climate your toddler plans on wearing their raincoat. Waterproof material is completely impenetrable to water. It will keep your toddler fully dry and is the best choice if your little one plans on regularly playing outside in anything from a drizzle to a full-on downpour.
Lining: Toddler rain jackets come both lined and unlined. Lined jackets have a layer of fleece or sweatshirt-like material to keep your little one extra warm, while unlined raincoats are just a shell made from either water-resistant or waterproof material. Both are fine; which one you prefer depends on your climate. If it’s chilly where you live, you’ll want to look for a waterproof version of a winter jacket. So opt for a lined toddler rain jacket for some added warmth.
Washing Instructions: Take a quick peek at the washing instructions for the jacket you’re considering before you buy. Not all toddler rain jackets are machine washable (some are hand-wash only), and many can’t be tossed in the dryer, so consider what you’re okay with—and what you’re not—before you make a purchase.
How We Chose the Best Rain Jackets for Toddlers
To choose the best toddler rain jackets we utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products. We also researched a ton of different toddler raincoats and read customer reviews.
Jen LaBracio,
Senior Gear Editor, CPST
Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor and a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). When she’s not geeking out over car seats, testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, do all things Peloton, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.
Briana Engelbrecht
Assistant Editor
Briana Engelbrecht is Babylist’s Assistant Editor, where she brings her passion for early childhood development and the perinatal period, plus experience as a mom of two to Babylist articles and guides. She’s also a certified lactation counselor. A former preschool teacher, she loves children’s picture books, cats, plants and making things.
