From drizzly autumn downpours to soggy April showers, the season of rain is fast approaching – and for parents, that means wellies, brollies, and waterproofs at the ready.
If you’ve got toddlers or younger kids, a puddle suit – basically an all-in-one waterproof suit – is a great option to keep them dry and snug from top-to-toe. But not all puddle suits are born equal.
Some puddle suits are showerproof and small enough to stash in the back of the buggy for a rainy autumn day. At the other end of the scale, other puddle suits are windproof and waterproof enough to withstand the coldest and wettest weather, and ideal if you’re planning a full-on winter adventure.
How we tested
Living in the UK, we had plenty of opportunities to put our puddle suits to the test in inclement weather over the course of several weeks. We tested each suit with wellies to check for soggy toes, and although our testers ranged in age from 18 months to six years, all of them shared the same penchant for puddles.
We made sure to check features like zips didn’t allow water in, that hoods actually kept the rain off, and that each puddle suit lived up to its description – whether that’s water-resistant for light showers, or fully waterproof for torrential rain.
Hippychick toddler fleece lined suit
We found this puddle suit did everything the top-range suits did, at a really competitive price, which is why it claimed the top spot. The fleece lining makes it warm and windproof for cold winter days, and it’s definitely waterproof – at 5000mm+ rated the rain wasn’t getting anywhere near our little tester inside.
The fit on this one is deliberately on the bigger side to allow for winter clothing underneath, and the side pocket soon filled with goodies scavenged on our walk. This was also one of the few puddle suits we tested that had adjustable Velcro cuffs instead of elasticated ones, and as well as giving us more options when it comes to footwear, these will also give us room to grow.
Keela puddlebug suit
This sturdy three-in-one suit protects from cold, wind and rain, which – let’s face it – you’re likely to get in the space of one walk in the UK. Sizes range from six months to five years, and we particularly liked the zip that goes all the way from the neck and right down one leg to make changing easier, which makes this a great option for babies and toddlers.
We tested the bold red option, which stands out well when you’re trying to spot your small person in a busy park, and it’s got reflective details to help your little one to be seen in the dark. What’s more, the fleece lining inside zips out completely when you only need the waterproof outer shell – or back in when you need a thermal layer – so this one works for all seasons.
Reima roiske toddler rainsuit
If you need full-on waterproofing for heavy rain, this 10,000mm-rated puddle suit is the one. It has a polyester-knit lining for warmth, although it’s plenty big enough to be worn over clothing in colder weather. This was one of the few suits with a detachable hood, which we loved.
The puddle suit is made without PVC and we liked the fact the soft, flexible material doesn’t have an audible crunch like lots of the more basic suits we tested. We also liked the classic striped design, with reflective details for safety. Sizes range from age one to six, although Reima’s sizing is based on your child’s height in centimetres so it’s worth measuring them first.
Marks and Spencer duck puddle suit
While this cute little suit isn’t going to protect your child on a rain-soaked walk in the mountains, it’s a lovely water-resistant option that will protect their clothes on a drizzly day. The fleece lining inside is quite light, so our tester happily toddled about in it all afternoon – even when the drizzle had stopped – and it dried out quickly.
We particularly liked the unisex design of this one, and the bright yellow colour. The duck face detail on the hood finishes it off nicely, and our only gripe was the size of the hood itself – which is perhaps a little small. For the price and cute factor though, this is definitely a warm-but-wet weather favourite that would also make a nice gift.
Reima reimatec marte overall
The second option from Reima to make it onto our list, the marte overall was first introduced in 2014 and has gone on to become a bestseller. Thanks to its enduring retro style it’s become a big hit with Nordic parents and looks suitably stylish on UK shores. We particularly liked the look of the yellow version – a cute cross between a classic fisherman’s mac and Walter and Jessie’s hazmat suits in Breaking Bad – but it was out of stock when we ordered.
What makes this puddle suit such a hit is the combination of a great waterproof rating – at least 8,000mm – with a surprising amount of breathability. Our tester didn’t get hot and sweaty wearing it, which was helped by the detachable hood. The fit comes up really well and the material has a dirt-repellent finish. Throw in two pockets and there’s an awful lot to like about this.
Next fleece lined puddle suit: From £22
Another top recommendation for light showers in warmer weather is this star-print suit from Next, which is also available in a red animal print. It has a light fleece lining which adds a little warmth, but you’ll need warm clothes or a fluffy onesie underneath on cold days.
Sizes range from three to six months all the way up to six to seven years, and the star design was deemed “not too babyish” by our older tester. It has taped seams and elasticated cuffs, is a great price, and the rain seemed to run off it. Undoubtedly though, the main draw is the on-trend appearance, which is what sold it to our tester.
JoJo Maman Bébé navy dinosaur pack-away waterproof all-in-one
Brand new to Jojo Maman Bébé’s collection of waterproofs, this 100 per cent recycled polyester pack away puddle suit is yet another nice option for springtime showers and autumn walks. The all-over print is also a big hit with little dinosaur lovers, and there’s a fleece-lined version if you need more in the way of warmth.
Our favourite feature of this puddle suit is the double zip, which makes it easier to get on and off younger children – especially if they’re in bulky clothes underneath. The only change we’d make to this would be to incorporate the packaway pocket into the outside of the suit, rather than the inside, as it does add a little bit of bulk around the waist.
Joules waterproof puddle suit
This is the lightest of the suits we tested – it has no lining, but it’s roomy enough to wear warm clothing underneath. We really liked the way it packs into its own pouch on the back of the puddle suit, rather than a separate pouch that we’d inevitably lose.
The suit is made from a slightly sheer waterproof fabric with a pretty horse print and pink stirrups on the ankles, and definitely scores points for appearance. Sizes range from three months to three years, and although this is designed to protect them from light showers only, it somehow withstood a very eager puddle-jumping toddler “accidentally” sitting in a puddle.
Kidly Label packaway puddle suit
Another option that packs neatly away into a pocket at the back, this puddle suit is great for warmer weather. Unlined, it’s got a good-sized hood with a peak, and a waterproofed front zip that goes part-way down one leg.
Although the cuffs are elasticated and there’s a small section of elastic at the waist, we found this suit came up on the large size and would suggest sizing down. It survived some particularly enthusiastic puddle jumping with zero complaints of leaks, and we particularly liked the choice of five block colours too.
Frugi explorer waterproof all-in-one
This super snuggly suit is great for colder days – thanks to the wadding inside it feels really snug and warm without being too bulky. Made from recycled polyester – about 35 recycled plastic bottles, to be precise – it’s got a soft fleece lining and a zip down to the waist that’s concealed by a Velcro panel and finished with poppers at the neck.
We liked the fact this puddle suit has an elasticated waist, which meant our small tester looked slightly less like a Teletubbie in this compared to puddle suits without any definition. The removable and adjustable stirrups on the feet are handy, and perfect for wearing over wellies. Sizes range from one to six years and the waterproof rating is 3,000mm, which is ideal for rainy walks in the UK.
