A Guide to Ensuring Your Kids' Winter Coats Are Warm Enough

Choosing a kids’ winter coat is easy when you know what to look for. There are boys’ and girls’ winter coats in a variety of styles and sizes, so you can find one that’s right for your child. They come in sizes to fit every age and body type, with features to protect against the elements. Here’s what to look for when coat shopping for your child.

Know Your Temperature Rating

When shopping for girls’ or boys’ winter coats, it’s important to know about temperature ratings, which are as follows:

The next step down when it comes to warmth is unrated coats and jackets. You’ll find fleece jackets, rain jackets, and hoodies to keep children warm without causing them to overheat on milder winter days. As with the warmer-rated coats, you can dress your child in layers to stay warm but not too hot.

Down or Synthetic Insulation?

Most winter coats for kids are insulated to provide ample warmth. There are two main types of insulation: down and synthetic. Down insulation comes in various fill powers, with 600 being one of the highest. It has a lofty look and feel, and provides plenty of warmth. There are plenty of down jackets from which to choose, including packable styles that fold up for easy portability.

If you’re looking for a boys’ or girls’ winter parka with down insulation, consider the Expedition insulated parka. It has all the features you want in a winter coat, including a waterproof shell and a lined hood with drawstring. There’s also a drawstring around the waist for a comfortable fit, and deep pockets that kids can snuggle their hands into.

If your child is sensitive to feathers, you may prefer a synthetic material such as PrimaLoft®. You’ll find this type of insulation in ThermoPlume® jackets for kids; these warm winter coats come in a variety of sizes and colors for boys and girls of all ages.

The material looks and feels like down, and it stays fluffy even when wet. One feature parents can appreciate is that you can toss your child’s ThermoPlume® jacket in the wash for easy cleaning, and there’s no need to include tennis balls for fluffing the material. It comes out perfectly fluffy and ready to wear after every laundering.

Deciding between down and synthetic insulation is a matter of preference, as both have plenty of advantages. Either way, you’ll find plenty of insulated kids coats available. Whether your child is a toddler, teen, or in-between, there’s winter outerwear to perfectly fit every height and body type.

Look for a Waterproof Exterior

Another feature you’ll definitely want in a kids’ winter coat is a waterproof exterior. Most of the winter coats for boys and girls are water-resistant to repel snow and rain. And speaking of snow, it’s a good idea to add a pair of snow pants or bibs to your child’s winter wardrobe. They can wear their snow bibs over leggings or jeans and a turtleneck for a comfortable fit and plenty of warmth. The insulated waterproof material prevents snow from melting through and getting to your child’s clothes, so they can have snow-day fun and stay warm and dry.

Other Tips for Choosing Kids’ Winter Apparel

A coat with extendable sleeves can provide longer wear as your child grows. Some of the kids’ winter coats have sleeves that extend up to 1.5 inches, so you don’t have to replace the coat if your child gets a little taller this winter. Another way to get maximum wear from a kids’ coat is to choose one with a roomy fit and drawstring waist — such as the Expedition parka.

Kids’ Winter Footwear and Accessories

You may also want to include girls’ or boys’ winter boots in your child’s wardrobe, especially if the forecast is calling for snow. Boys’ and girls’ scarves and gloves can also add extra warmth, as can a fitted beanie in a durable polyester knit fabric. Beanies come in plain styles and those adorned with pom-poms, with colors and prints to coordinate with your child’s coat.