If there’s one thing that determines our dress Xi the most, it’s the weather. The stakes are even greater when it comes to what to wear for a toddler. Is there a sun in the sky? Just put on a T-shirt and a pair of shorts. If there’s snow on the ground, a down jacket will keep them warm. But what about the dilemma between those seasons? We’re talking about rainy days, windy days, and those awkward “warm and cool” days.

To make life a little easier, we’ve put together some must-haves to help your child cope with hesitant predictions. Here you’ll find everything from waterproof cargo pants and mini rain boots to sweatshirts and vests, and most importantly, underlays. Rain or shine, these pieces are sure to make them smile. Now, where did we leave our umbrellas?

Puddle Buddies

When storm clouds gather, it’s understandable that you want to check on any plans and keep the room dry, but with a toddler, the feeling is often not mutual. For us, a downpour means soaking out of our hair, soaking out of our shoes, and having our umbrellas blown over by the wind. For the little ones, rain means playing in puddles and looking for rainbows in the sky. Even on the wettest days, the joy of seeing their little faces is enough to fill us all with a childlike heart, and you can make some very special memories of venturing outdoors in the rain. The trick is to prepare the right gear to keep you dry and protected from the elements.

If your child tends to go straight to the nearest mud puddle, we recommend wearing a full-coverage raincoat. Brands such as Hatley, Töastie, and CeLaVi are experts in all areas of outdoor care, especially when it comes to water. Their colourful design goes beyond elasticated wrists and ankles, as well as detachable leggings to keep water out. Their inner lining ensures comfort, avoids chafing, condensation, and regulates temperature. Laminated seams are also an important feature to look out for when buying a raincoat, an extra layer of protection that prevents water from seeping through the seams of the fabric. Just add a pair of toddler rain boots and you’re ready to start splashing puddles.

Beat the Weather

Now that we’ve sorted out the outer layer, it’s time to consider the following. On a fresh, sunny day, the last thing you want is your child overheating or being too cold – it’s a tricky balancing act that can be the difference between a happy child 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 is not only suitable for cold climates. Yes, it is a good conductor of heat, but its natural hygroscopic properties also allow it to quickly absorb and release water vapor, which helps regulate body temperature. This means that your child will stay well comfortable when the sun is shining and warm when behind the clouds. Whether layered over a raincoat or mixed and matched with jogging bottoms and sweatshirts, your intrepid explorer can be ready for the great outdoors.

Cotton is another contender in the best fabric category, and considering the temperature fluctuations, choosing a medium-weight fabric is a good choice for year-round wear. Like wool, cotton is a natural yarn that is both breathable and absorbent, so it’s perfect for maintaining a constant temperature. Choose wool blend cotton when the weather is cool, and pure cotton when the weather is warm. Friends of Molo and Stella McCartney Kids offer organic cotton styles that are guaranteed to be reworn from spring to winter. Take the humble sweatshirt, for example: this versatile all-rounder can be worn with shorts, jeans, skirts, jogging bottoms, and any other outfit. If the weather warms up unexpectedly, simply tie it around their waist or pack it in your bag to keep it safe until they need it again.

Jacket Club

Whether they’re hanging out in the garden, testing their newfound toddler skills in the park, a jacket will come in handy for those inevitable cold times. There’s no more versatile style than a waistcoat. This cross-seasonal piece gives their arms the freedom to reach high and low, while the fitted body helps regulate core temperature – it truly is a multitasker. Töastie’s reversible vest goes one step further: it’s filled with eco-friendly faux down with showerproof fabric on one side, soft Sherpa wool on the other, and adorned with cute ears on the hood. Your child can wear it as a mid-layer underneath a coat for added warmth, or over a t-shirt or shirt when the weather is cooler.

For the ultimate transitional piece, a lightweight quilted jacket will be the star of their all-weather wardrobe. Warmer than a denim jacket but not too bulky and heavy to feel hot, this style comes with a gentle padding that provides just the right amount of coverage to keep the weather out. Choose the premium down filling from Moncler Enfant that provides a comfortable middle ground between different temperatures. The Italian brand knows a thing or two when it comes to outdoor apparel, drawing on years of mountaineering expertise to deliver outerwear with exceptional performance. Now, their trip to the park can’t compare to climbing the peak, but they’ll feel at ease when you know your child’s outer clothing is functional, hard-wearing, and weatherproof.