Spring is here which means melting snow, rain, mud, wind, and sun. To keep your kids happy outside during this wet, and often messy, time of year, we have rounded up our favorite spring gear for kids that will protect them from the ever changing elements below.
Rain Gear
Spring and rain just go together so to keep the fun going no matter the weather, waterproof rain gear is a must.
Remember, just because it is marketed as rain gear does not mean it is waterproof. Some fabrics including ‘breathable’ kinds are great for light rain or short outings, but know it will eventually saturate leaving your child with soggy clothes.
Our favorite set for the kids is Reima’s rain jacket and pants. This set is extremely lightweight which is great to prevent overheating as with other heavier duty rubber rain gear. We also love that the rain bibs include a tapered, elastic leg end to help keep water out and detachable elastic foot loops to prevent the pants from creeping up while playing.
Coveralls
Tuffo Muddy Buddy Coveralls are always in our pack when adventuring in spring. They are extremely lightweight and packable making them perfect for unexpected rain showers or when you stumble upon the perfect mud puddle to play in.
Their oversized fit makes them easy to put on over whatever your child is already wearing and the double side zippers make them a breeze to get on and off.
We don’t recommend these however for extended or very heavy water exposure as they will eventually saturate especially if your child is sitting or kneeling on a wet area.
These work best for light rain, dirt, mud, and other messy situations.
Waterproof Boots
A quality pair of waterproof boots can make all the difference in spring. Whether you’re on the trail or in the grocery store parking lot, your child is bound to encounter an irresistible pool of water to play in.
Below are few of our favorite waterproof boots which provide some warmth and stand up to the test of time vs their cheap counterparts that can leave toes chilly or leak.
- Kamik Snobuster Boots are our absolute favorite boots because they can be worn in spring, fall, and winter. The entire boot is made of rubber, making them 100% waterproof, vs most cool weather boots that are only waterproof up to the ankle. They also include a 6mm thermal liner to keep feet warm in snow or while wading into puddles and streams and a cinching top to help keep snow/water out.
- Baby Bogs are very lightweight, which our kids, especially when they were new to walking, loved. Handles on the sides make them easy for kids to pull on and some styles also include a velcro strap on the back to make getting wiggly feet in even easier.
- Xtratuff Boots are a great all-rubber option that give the classic ‘Alaska kid’ look. We love that they are extremely durable and can stand up to rough play.
Quick Dry Clothing
Even with the best rain gear, sometimes your child’s clothes still get wet. This can happen from them stepping in a puddle that’s deeper than their boot, playing in water and it running under their sleeve and down their arm, or just getting sweaty.
With this in mind, it is important to dress your child in clothes that dry quickly and keep them warm while damp. This includes items made of polyester, fleece, or wool; NEVER cotton. I like to use the same clothes they wear as base layers in winter.
You can check out my post about base layers on a budget for a list of our favorite (and inexpensive) choices.
Rain Hat
Rain hats provide better protection from the elements than the hood of most rain coats. Hats also allow more freedom of movement than hoods do which my kids love.
With lined ear flaps, a brim that holds its shape, and a more snug fit around the head, our favorite rain hat is Reina’s waterproof rain hat.
Sun Hat
Spring brings with it more and more daylight every day, which of course means protection from the sun is of utmost importance.
We love Jan and Jul’s sun hats with neck flap for a few reasons. It is easy to tighten on the top of your child’s head and comes with a breakaway chin strap to prevent the hat from blowing away. The brim holds its shape (no flopping over their eyes) and has a neck flap to protect the back of your child’s neck from sun.
Waterproof Mittens
Waterproof mittens (we use Reima’s waterproof shell mittens) are perhaps one of my favorite items for outdoor play in all seasons. Worn alone or layered over a thin mitten in cooler weather, these waterproof mittens keep little hands warm, dry, and clean.
They are perfect for playing at the beach (we all know kids will reach into the water to grab a rock even if they have regular cloth mittens on), spring breakup when the snow is wet, and playing in mud, wet sand, or any other wet or messy situation.
Sunglasses
Once daylight starts returning in the spring sunglasses are a must, especially while there is still snow on the ground. To protect little eyes from the sun’s harmful rays we love MiniShades polarized sunglasses.
Not only are these sunglasses flexible to resist breaking, they also come with a ‘hide-and-seek’ warranty which sends you a replacement pair (just pay shipping) if the sunglasses get lost or broken.
We hope this guide to spring gear for kids helps get your children dressed and outside playing no matter the weather!
Do you have any other spring gear for kids you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!
