Toddler Essentials for Every Forecast

To make life a little easier, we’ve created a round-up of the must-have pieces to kit your toddlers out for indecisive forecasts. Here you’ll find everything from waterproof overalls and mini rain boots to sweatshirts and gilets, not forgetting the all-important base layers. These pieces are guaranteed to make them smile, come rain or shine. Now, where did we leave that umbrella?

When the storm clouds are gathering, you’d be forgiven for wanting to take a rain check on any plans and stay dry indoors, but with a toddler in tow, the feeling’s often not mutual. If your toddler has a tendency to make a beeline for the closest muddy puddle, we’d recommend a full-coverage rainsuit. Brands like Hatley, Töastie and CeLaVi are experts in all things outdoorsy, especially where water is involved. Their colourful designs go above and beyond with elasticated wrists and ankles, plus removable gaiters to keep water at bay. Inside they are lined for comfort to avoid chafing, condensation build-up and to regulate temperature. Taped seams are also a great feature to look out for when shopping for rainwear; this added layer of protection prevents water from seeping through stitched seams in the fabric. Just add a pair of toddler rain boots to the mix and let the puddle splashing commence.

Image by CeLaVi

Now that we’ve got the outer layer sorted, it’s time to consider what goes underneath. The last thing you want on a fresh, sunny day is for your little one to overheat or to be too cold — it’s a tricky balancing act that can be the difference between a happy toddler and an irritable one. Danish designer Joha’s collection of Merino wool base layers is a must-have for their all-weather wardrobe. Contrary to popular belief, wool isn’t just reserved for colder climates. Yes, it’s a great conductor of heat, but its naturally hygroscopic properties also allow it to absorb and release water vapour quickly, helping to regulate body temperature. This means your toddler will stay nice and comfortable when the sun is shining and toasty warm when it goes behind a cloud. Whether layered underneath a rain suit or mixed and matched with joggers and a sweatshirt, your intrepid explorer will be ready for a day outdoors.

Image by Joha

Whether they’re pottering around in the garden on testing out their newfound toddling skills in the park, a warm jacket will come in handy for those inevitable chilly spells. And there’s no style more versatile than the gilet. This transeasonal piece leaves their arms free to reach up high and down below, whilst the close-fitting body helps to regulate core temperature — it really is a multitasker. For the ultimate transitional piece, a lightweight quilted jacket will be the hero of their all-weather wardrobe. Warmer than a denim jacket but not too bulky and thick that they’ll feel hot, this style is gently padded to offer moderate coverage against the elements. Choose a quality down filling, courtesy of Moncler Enfant, to provide a happy middle ground between temperatures.

Image by Liewood