Outfit Guide | Toddler Essentials for Every Forecast

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. For us, a downpour means wet hair, soggy shoes and umbrellas blown inside out. For a little one, rain means playing in puddles and searching for a rainbow in the sky. Seeing the joy on their little faces, even on the soggiest of days, is enough to bring out the child in us all, and you can make some really special memories adventuring into the outdoors in the rain. The trick is to be prepared with the right gear to keep them dry and protected from the elements.

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 when 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.

Cotton is another contender in the best-fabric category where fluctuating temperatures are concerned, and opting for a mid-weight weave is a good choice for year-round wearability. Like wool, cotton is a natural yarn that is both breathable and absorbent, so it’s great for maintaining a consistent temperature. Look for cotton blends that are woven with wool for cooler weather, and pure cotton for warmer weather. Organic cotton styles from our friends at Mini Rodini and Molo are guaranteed to be worn on repeat from spring right though to winter. Take the humble sweatshirt for example: this versatile all-rounder can be styled with shorts, jeans, skirts, joggers and, well, anything really. And if the weather takes an unexpectedly mild turn, simply tie it around their waist or bundle it into your bag for safe keeping until they need it again.

Image by Molo

Whether they’re pottering around in the garden on testing out their newfound toddling skills in the park, a 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. BOSS' reversible, gilet takes that one step further: you’ll find two hooded styles in one, featuring water-repellent fabric padded with cosy down. Your toddler can wear it as a mid layer underneath a coat for added warmth or thrown over a tee or shirt on cooler days.

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. The Italian brand is in the know when it comes to outdoor apparel, harnessing years of mountaineering expertise to deliver outerwear that performs. Now, their trip to the park isn’t quite comparable to scaling peaks, however there’s comfort in the knowledge that your toddler’s outer layer will be functional, wearable and weather-resistant.  

Image by Liewood