And just like that, summer is over.
The new school year has started, the nights are drawing in, and the weather is - very sadly - beginning to turn. Just as you’ll soon be dusting off your winter wardrobe, it is time to think about a coat for your little one, who may well be facing their first winter.
Coping with the British weather is all about preparation - it is only miserable being outside when you’ve got the wrong gear. So we have put together a selection of coats that should have all bases covered in terms of preparing your baby for chillier times - be it lighter coats for seasonal changes, rain proof ones for wet days and then really snug options for when winter truly sets in. And of course, some stylish options for times when being fashion forward is more important than practicalities.
This edit of our favourite outerwear are more suitable for when your little one is mobile. For smaller babies, you might wish to opt for a pram suit, which offer full coverage including over their legs but are, for that reason, a bit more restrictive for children that are on the move.
Shop the best below
Cobalt Digger Print Cosy Waterproof Jacket
This bright and bold warm coat is an excellent pick for when the winter weather really hits. Not only is it fleece-lined making it lovely and cosy, it is shower proof and comes with a nice big hood to protect your child’s head. It’s zip secured - making it easy to do up - with a velcro flap over the top to ensure there’s no leaks. And there’s lovely big pockets on the front for hiding any treasures they might find on chilly excursions.
Buy now £45.00, Jojo Maman Bebe
M&S Lightweight Printed Tiger Padded Jacket
This padded patterned jacket combines fashion and practicality - and the gorgeous, dark green tone combined with the tiger print is fairly gender neutral. Practically, it has elastic trims around the waist and the wrists, trapping in warmth, and there is an internal layer of recycled wadding to keep babies toasty. It is also water repellent and comes with a hood for showery days.
Buy now £18.00, Marks & Spencer
Mamas & Papas Pink Quilted Jacket
This is a super stylish pick from Mamas & Papas with its quilted-look exterior and fluffy borg-lined interior and collar. While it won’t keep your baby dry in a downpour, it will keep a light shower at bay. It is sold in a variety of sizes - from three months to 3 years - so a good pick if you have multiple children who want the same clothes. There is also a blue version for children who don’t like to wear pink.
Buy now £35.00, Mamas & Papas
Polarn O Pyret Waterproof Kids Rain Coat
This coat is one for rainy days as it is 100 per cent waterproof - and it has a deep hood for when the heavens open. It is made oversized, so while it isn’t particularly warm on its own, there is plenty of room for a jumper underneath. Polarn O Pyret also sells a range of entirely weatherproof rain trousers to mix and match - perfect for those who love puddle jumping. Comes in various bright and fun colours.
Buy now £35.00, Polarn O Pyret
MORI Bear Print Ribbed Reversible Coat
This is a lovely coat for the autumn or pre-winter season as it is thick enough to be cosy but not super warm. However, it is not waterproof - so it is no good for mid-winter or when the heavens open. It is reversible - with a cute bear and cub print on one side and a ribbed blue look on the other so it makes for a nice pick for the fashion-conscious parent looking for two coats for the price of one.
Buy now £44.50, MORI
Tu @ Sainsbury’s Stone Leopard Print Faux Fur Coat
Is it practical? Maybe not... but is it cool? You bet. This lovely leopard print-style coat is a winter wardrobe must have for little fashionistas. It is lovely and snuggly - so will keep your little one cosy on cold winter days. Zip fastening makes it easy to take on and off.
Buy now £15.00, Tu @ Sainsbury’s
George Navy Quilted Hooded Jacket
Somewhere between stylish and practical, this is a lovely all-round coat at a great price point. It is shower-proof and warm enough for autumn or ppring use, while its simple navy design will slot in to any young person’s wardrobe with ease.
Buy now £12.00, George at Asda
H&M Lined baseball jacket
Not the most practical choice - but your little one will be the coolest kid on the block in this classic style baseball varsity jacket. The fairly neutral tones mean it will suit both little boys and girls - and the ribbed collar, waist and hem give it a snug and warm fit.
Buy now £14.99, H&M
PATAGONIA printed shell hooded jacket
Patagonia is a brand beloved by East London trend-setters, so why not buy your baby a cult classic? This nylon shell jacket is mid-weight and showerproof. While it is available in a variety of fun patterns, this floral number is fun and eye-catching for a real stand-out look.
Buy now £65.00, Patagonia
John Lewis Navy Baby Duffle Coat
A true classic, a duffle coat will never go out of style and it is super practical to boot. This reasonably-priced option is made from sturdy cotton with a fluffy borg lining and large hood. It is fastened by traditional wood toggles. You cannot go wrong with this traditional - and adorable - outerwear essential.
Buy now £23.00, John Lewis
Polarn O. Pyret Waterproof Kids Fleece Jacket
Everyone needs a fleece in their wardrobe. This 100 per cent recycled fleece jacket from Polarn O. Pyret repels water, making it ideal for light showers. It can be worn as a standalone jacket, or attached to the inside of the brand’s Waterproof Shell Jacket as a fleece lining. Also has thumb holes to keep little hands warm.
Buy now £50.00, Polarn O. Pyret
LIEWOOD DIANA REVERSIBLE VEST
This is a great product for days when it is cold, but not too cold. Made by the chic Scandi brand Liewood, this little vest or gilet is reversible - so can either be fleece-lined or fleece-exterior facing depending on your mood (or the outside conditions). This is also great for children who don’t enjoy putting coats on - I am yet to find one that does... - as there’s not the inevitable battle with little arms in tight sleeves. Comes in a number of colours for both boys and girls.
Buy now £71.00, Liewood
