“Rain provides different physical challenges, including walking on slippery surfaces and jumping in and over puddles. Rain also offers a different sensory environment for kids,” explains Amanda Stovall, MD, an Illinois-based board-certified pediatrician. “Think of the lovely smell of a summer shower, how a flower pedal droops when raindrops fall on them, the sound of rain on leaves, on a tin roof, the feel of mud versus wet sand. It can help children allow them to explore and follow their imagination.” To ensure water will repel off your child’s jacket, check the material of the jacket while also considering the lining. If you live in a cold climate, you may want a thick, warm lining and a fully waterproof outer layer. And for warm weather, you may want something more breathable, which can sometimes mean it’s water resistant but not repellent. We carefully considered material, size, design, value, and ease of cleaning when reviewing products. Here are the best rain jackets for kids to wear while enjoying the great, wet outdoors. It has a zipper closure, two zip pockets to hold any necessities, and reflective detailing for gloomy, rainy days. The jacket is designed to be lightweight and safe for the washing machine. Size range: 2T–4T, XXS–XXL | Material: Polyester and nylon | Washing instructions: Machine washable | Price at time of publication: $45 Size range: 2–12 years | Material: Polyester and polyurethane | Washing instructions: Machine washable | Price at time of publication: Starting at $59 Size range: 6 months–4T | Material: Nylon | Washing instructions: Machine wash and dry Made from 100% synthetic materials and a polyester trim, it’s also easy to clean. Don’t worry about getting them extra muddy when splashing in puddles as this jacket is totally machine washable. Your kiddos will truly be amazed when they see the fun dino print change color while in the rain. Size range: 9–24 months | Material: Polyurethane | Washing instructions: Machine washable | Price at time of publication: $50 Your tot can carry extra toys in the handy front pockets, while the zipper closure makes it easy to bundle up. This lined rain jacket can be tossed in the washing machine after an especially messy puddle-jumping session. Size range: 12 months–14 years | Material: Polyester | Washing instructions: Machine washable | Price at time of publication: $28 Size range: XX-Small to X-Large | Material: Recycled polyester | Washing instructions: Zip all zippers and fasten any Velcro before machine washing on cold, and tumble dry on low | Price at time of publication: $69 Size range: 2T–8 years | Material: Cotton and polyester | Washing instructions: Machine washable | Price at time of publication: $21 Size range: 5 years–14 years | Material: Polyester and cotton | Washing instructions: Hand wash or machine washable | Price at time of publication: $60 The poncho also has a front pocket that closes via buttons and a hood to keep heads dry while splashing in the rain. Plus, the 100% polyester fabric is waterproof, and this comes in an adorable color- or pattern-matching storage bag. Size range: Small–XX-Large | Material: Polyester | Washing instructions: Wipe with cloth, let air dry | Price at time of publication: $24 Size range: 2T–13 years | Material: Nylon | Washing instructions: Machine washable | Price at time of publication: Starting at $52 Parents and caregivers will appreciate the rain suit being machine washable for easy cleaning. It also has several other convenient features, like a zipper and button closure, elastic at the ankles and wrists, Velcro closures, optional bootstraps, and reflective stripes for safe fun. Size range: 2T–10 years | Material: Polyester and polyurethane | Washing instructions: Machine washable | Price at time of publication: $64
What to Look for in Rain Jackets for Kids
Material
Rain jacket fabric can range from extra-durable rubber to lightweight polyester. Consider the climate of your area and how heavy the rainfall tends to be when deciding on the ideal raincoat material for your child. In some areas, your child may need a rain jacket suitable for both warm and cool seasons—or you may have to buy one of each. “It is important to keep warm in the rain, but not necessarily dry. Getting wet cannot make your child sick,” Dr. Stovall tells Verywell Family. “A good rain jacket can help stay warm, especially if it’s windy. After coming inside, dry off and change out of wet clothing.” Dr. Stovall also recommends parents and caregivers get in on the fun. “Playing with your child in the rain offers parents a great way to be engaged and offers one of the many gifts of parenthood–seeing the world through new eyes,” she says. “Teach them about floating and sinking with blades of grass and rocks in puddles or whatever they find.”
Lining
Rainy days are not always limited to just the colder months. If the rainy season hits your area during the warmer months, you’ll want to opt for a lightweight, unlined option. On the other hand, if you’re worried about your kiddo being chilly while they’re jumping in puddles, opt for a lined rain jacket. “Playing in the rain is great for kids because it encourages creativity, free play, and fun in nature. Keeping kids dry in the rain allows kids to stay warm and comfortable while they play outside and when they come back indoors,” says Dr. Casares. However, keep in mind there are some days you can skip playing in the rain. “As always, it’s parents’ job to make sure [kids] stay safe when playing outside–if it is storming with lightning and strong winds, it is best to be inside,” Dr. Stovall says.
Washing Instructions
Despite rain jackets being made for rainy weather, not all are safe to toss in the washing machine. It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to help preserve the life of the jacket. It’s also important to check the washing instructions of a rain jacket to ensure they fit your lifestyle. For example, busy families may prefer a machine-washable rain jacket for quicker cleanings, while other families prefer to hand wash delicate items.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism and helping others led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. When she’s not writing and researching, you’ll likely find her outdoors with her husband and their thrill-seeking toddler son. “A child cannot become sick from playing in the rain with no coat on itself, but they can get sick if they get too wet and cold for an extended period of time, which happens more easily to kids when they’re not wearing a coat,” says Dr. Casares.
