What toddler coats do people like?

[CassnBeth]

I bought my daughter a lands end parka on incredible sale months ago for this winter but my daughter is running increasingly tiny and won't fit into this 18 month sized coat any time soon. Possibly even until next year. Since I can't roll up the sleeves far enough on this coat, I think we are going to need another one.

So, what coats have people used and liked? My major qualifications are that the coat be safe for wear in a car seat and be warm enough for moderate exposure (if we were planning to go sledding or to play in the snow for a long time I would expect to need more clothes) to a new england winter without needing more than a long sleeved onesie and sweater underneath. I don't want much, do I?

[Tjej]

A simple polar fleece hoodie can work well - then have a warm blanket to go on top in the car.

Tjej

[Violet2]

Originally Posted by Tjej

A simple polar fleece hoodie can work well - then have a warm blanket to go on top in the car.

Tjej

Yes, this.

However, with our DD going to preschool that likes kids to be outside as much as possible, I find I'm going to need a heavier outdoor play coat on top of a day-to-day fleece.

V

[MariesMama]

I really like Columbia jackets, I think they're Gore-tex with a thick fleece lining. Very warm and awesome for playing outside.

[confustication]

I like the coats that have a zip-out fleece inner and a weather-resistant shell. I also tend to keep them in larger jackets in winter since layering really does take up space. (My 1 yo has a 2T, my 2 yo has a 3T both COULD fit in a smaller size to start the season, but by January/February would outgrow it.)

[junipervt]

they are pricy but I like the Patagonia Puff Rider. They are the warmest but trimmest jackets I have been able to find.

[Sharlla]

Originally Posted by MariesMama

I really like Columbia jackets, I think they're Gore-tex with a thick fleece lining. Very warm and awesome for playing outside.

yes, my favorite brand
Posted via Mobile Device

[freestylemama]

This isn't a coat, but we loved the Hanna Journey's End snow suit. The one we bought (I think it was size 80) lasted our fall baby 2 winters because of the cuffs. It was a bit of a pain to get on and off so we had a Lands End coat for quick trips as well.

[Auraji]

I've been searching for coats on Ebay. I've been thinking that I'll get my 16M DD a wool pea coat and maybe one of those puffy super warm jackets. Might check the Salvation Army too. I checked at goodwill and didn't find anything I liked.

I don't like the puffy ones, but they are good for playing outside. Anyonr getting a snow suit too?

[nerdymom]

I am not sure any heavy coat is going to be safe in a car seat. Anything more than a wool peacoat or fleece that is. I would ask in the Family Safety forum. Someone there would know more that I do I'm sure.

[Latte Mama]

Originally Posted by nerdymom

I am not sure any heavy coat is going to be safe in a car seat. Anything more than a wool peacoat or fleece that is. I would ask in the Family Safety forum. Someone there would know more that I do I'm sure.

There's something called the "coat trick" that can be used with thicker coats in car seats. I think it's on you tube but it's almost like putting the coat on over the straps.

[mkksmom]

I like the 3 in 1 coats with the fleece layer and an outer layer that it can zip into as well. It's a pain, but I put the top layer over teh inner layer on our way to the car. Then I take it off once we're there and buckle her in with just the fleece. If it's really cold, I put the top layer on backwards and take the hood off so it isn't in her face.

[ASusan]

Originally Posted by Auraji

I've been searching for coats on Ebay. I've been thinking that I'll get my 16M DD a wool pea coat and maybe one of those puffy super warm jackets. Might check the Salvation Army too. I checked at goodwill and didn't find anything I liked.

I don't like the puffy ones, but they are good for playing outside. Anyonr getting a snow suit too?

DS wore a wool pea coat for 2 winters. We loved it.

[AKislandgirl]

Originally Posted by junipervt

they are pricy but I like the Patagonia Puff Rider. They are the warmest but trimmest jackets I have been able to find.

yep! We scored one as a hand me down and it really is an awesome jacket. We can easily roll the sleeves to get lots of wear out of this. (we are the 3rd family to use it!)

oops, just looked... we have the reversible puff ball. Very similar though.

[Nicole730]

We also like the 3 in 1 coats. All of ours have been from The Children's Place (at the end of the season they go down to $4.99!) Anyway, the fleece works for in the car and then you can add on the outer layer if she is going to be outside for extended periods of time.

[mama2soren]

We had a down coat from REI last year (REI brand). It was trim, warm, and the shell was made from recycled materials! We live in a cold climate, and with a light fleece underneath, it was plenty warm for even super cold days. It was $50.

No coat is safe in a car seat (unless you put it on backwards after buckling in). A thin fleece jacket can be worn under the straps, but nothing bulkier.

[nosce]

Last year, when my daughter was about 14 months and 20 lb, we bought her a Helly Hanson winter coat over the summer for about $20. It's European sizing- I think it said 80? but we just rolled the cuffs and called it good. It's still going to fit this year, washes beautifully, has a detachable hood, isn't too puffy while still being warm. I love it.

It was kind of like this?
http://shop.hellyhansen.com/US/item/...005&t_type=rvp

[PatchChild]

The three in one coats have a been a complete lifesaver for my family as well. Keep them in their fleece all the time, and just add more layers as needed. I took to keeping DS's shell in the car on the floor. Toss it on when we go outside, but then take it off as we get back in the car.

[redvlagrl]

I bought DD a used fleece jacket that is Children's Place. It is very warm. It seems to have 2 layers of fleece - a furry, muppet type one on the outside then normal stuff inside. It's really for daycare so she can mess it up etc.

She has Gap parkas for winter. I do the cheat buckle thing in the car seat.

She also has a babycape which are designed to be worn in car seats. It's really nice but would require a sweater+ underneath for real winter here in Canada