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Buying Guides
October 24, 2022
Choosing the right coat for your little one’s adventures and outdoor play will keep them safe, warm and dry. Here’s our guide to picking a good jacket.
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that our little one’s love exploring. Adventures and new experiences are a crucial part of a child’s development and encouraging them to try new things plays an important role in nurturing their creativity and independence. From woodland walks to puddle jumping journeys, memories are made at the simplest of times and these moments should be encouraged.
Being outdoors holds so many benefits for children; it betters their physical and mental wellbeing and helps them adjust to new places. This said, the unpredictability of British weather coupled with the natural curiosity of young children can make choosing the right outfit somewhat tricky for us parents.
Of course, during the colder months there is one item of clothing that is absolutely essential to all of our winter wardrobes, a reliable jacket. Choosing a good coat for your little cub is important for many reasons; keeping them warm and safe while playing outdoors is a must.
While choosing a coat might seem like a straightforward process, there are a few things that should be taken into consideration when making the purchase.
Here at ClayBear, we’ve put together a guide to choosing the perfect jacket for your child.
Before we explore the different types of jacket available, it’s worth thinking about the specific qualities of the garment. No two children are the same and choosing the right coat has a lot to do with their personalities and the activities they enjoy. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing:
Firstly, let’s talk about the fit. How a jacket fits your little one depends on their age and the cut of the coat itself. Choosing a jacket that fits right will mean your little one is protected from the elements but still able to move freely and enjoy themselves.
Keep in mind the length of the jacket too. This will be dictated by the kind of weather it will be worn in. Long walks on colder days may call for a longer jacket, however this isn’t always a practical choice for active children. Shorter jackets that finish around the waist are a great choice for little ones playing with friends or running around a lot as it won’t restrict their lower halves.
What’s more, be sure to choose a jacket that fits snuggly at the waist but allows movement around the upper body. The length of sleeves is also important, so be sure to choose a coat that covers your little cub’s arms and wrists, but won’t get in the way of their hands.
Alongside the importance of the fit is the comfort and warmth of the coat. Finding a coat that keeps your little one warm but isn’t too tight or restrictive is key. Look for a coat that is made of high-quality materials, with a comfortable lining to ensure your little one is happy wearing it.
For the sake of versatility, choosing a jacket that can be doubled up with another layer such as a jumper or little sweatshirt is always a good idea. This means your little one can add an extra layer in winter and keep cooler in autumn or spring.
In addition to the comfort, warmth and fit of the coat, don’t forget to consider its practical use. In other words, what will your little one be doing? Make sure they can run, jump and play in it. As well as this, consider whether it will facilitate their adventurous side. Will it protect them from rain and wind?
For particularly adventurous little ones, one of our puddlesuits may be more appropriate than a coat as it offers further protection from mud and rain. Fortunately, all of our jackets and puddlesuits feature hoods to keep little heads dry.
As important as the above features are in the process of choosing the right jacket, appearance is also a deciding factor. Little cubs are energetic, creative and colourful, so their jackets need to match this. Make sure you think about the kind of things your child enjoys, such as their favourite colours or animals as this is helpful when choosing a pattern or design.
Choosing a coat that your little one loves will encourage them to wear it more, protecting their clothes from mud and rain. That means less washing for you!
Here at ClayBear, our jackets come in a variety of exciting designs that are guaranteed to catch your child’s attention. Choose from safari prints, koalas, elephants and even dinosaurs.
Finally, look for a coat that has suitable storage. Whilst pockets are usually featured on all adult outerwear, this isn’t always the case with children’s clothing. Luckily, all our jackets are designed with little hands and possessions in mind, so they can keep warm and comfy on the colder days.
Pockets are great for a number of reasons. Not only do they help keep hands warm, they are a good way to get your little cub used to carrying a few little items of their own. Why not encourage them to carry a bite size snack or some leaves collected on a walk in the woods?
Once you’ve figured out the kind of jacket that will best suit your child, it’s time to choose something they’ll love. Among our many practical and fashionable items of children’s clothing are our ClayBear soft shell jackets. These great garments are lightweight, water resistant and feature a fleece lining to keep your little one cosy on their adventures.
As mentioned earlier, choosing a jacking that is not only practical but looks great too is so important. After all, younger children are extremely visual thinkers, so colours and patterns will catch their eye the most. Choose a look that suits your little one’s personality; if they're an animal lover, our safari soft shell jacket could be the perfect choice.
Of course, we understand that being a little adventurer involves a lot of running, jumping, puddles and mess. For younger explorers, a little more coverage may be required, allowing them to play freely without Mummy or Daddy worrying about clothes getting stained or ruined.
Our full coverage puddlesuits are perfect for messy days out and adventures in the rain. Available in a range of sizes, from 9 months to 3 years, these garments are ideal for your little cub’s first few years of exploring.
Here at ClayBear, we believe your little one’s should be able to explore the world and enjoy the outdoors no matter the weather. Come rain or shine, our jackets and puddlesuits are up to the task, made of high-quality materials with warm linings and helpful hoods that boast comfort and practicality in abundance.
If you’re searching for the perfect jacket for your child, look no further than our collection. With a variety of eye-catching designs and sizes ranging from 9 months all the way up to 7 years, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
If you have any questions or queries regarding any of our products, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We understand that shopping for your little cub can be tricky and are always more than happy to help.
To reach us, send an email to help@claybearofficial.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
