Ready for the rain: gear & tips for winter weather
Gear for YOU
Like putting the oxygen mask on first, make sure YOU have good rain boots, an effective rain jacket, and warm layers. I also recommend you consider rain pants.
Umbrellas are only useful if there is no wind and you have a free hand to hold it—which most of us don't with kids!
Have a stroller? Find a rain cover. Put your extra items inside a good wet bag underneath, and possibly use a small tarp or similar waterproof cover to drape over the whole operation if you are leaving it for a while.
Rain Coveralls, Jackets & Pants
For active rain and ALSO for wet, muddy times after the rain has stopped.
A rain coverall is a great way to keep babies and toddlers dry while they crawl, flop, sit in the mud, etc. For jacket & pants combos, I recommend "bib" style bottoms that come up higher and have overall straps.
Example Tuffo brand
Example Oakie brand
Example baby size pants & jacket ()
Example set of pants & jacket
Example long jacket with warm liner (damp, cold day and winter beach exploration)
Rain Boots
Basically all winter, all the time. They WILL find those puddles.
Any boot that keeps feet dry is good. Personally I like the ones with NO liner (think Crocs and similar) so when they get wet inside they can be wiped out and ready to go again. Warm socks become the liner instead, and these can be changed.
Warm Underneath
Warm clothes underneath the rain layers are crucial to keep kids comfortable for a longer time, even when the temp isn't that low. Wool is excellent at this, and my recommendation, if possible, for all layers.
base layers + sweaters
Example wool sweater baby-toddler
warm socks
warm hat and mittens
Of course they pull these off, BUT if they get chilly you can pop them back on and they will warm right up.
I have become a believer in rain hats for very rainy days, and some have warm liners, too.
If your rain jacket has pockets I don't think these are necessary.
Other Helpful Tips
A hot drink goes a long way to keep you both warm and happy. Little kids can drink herbal tea, maybe with a little honey. My family used to bring hot chocolate to pick up my daughter from rainy forest school days.
Keep a change of clothes ready with dry socks(!!), and a towel in your car or bag.
A plastic bag or a wet bag is handy to keep wet things contained on the way home.
Set up a spot in your garage (or laundry area, or front steps) where rain gear has its own drying spot. A drying rack is great if you have room, or just a reserved hanging hook . This way it doesn't track in water or mud, and will be ready for the next use.
Read the tags! Some rain/winter clothes have to be hung dry or wiped clean. Others are supposed to be dried warm to stay waterproof.
Seem Like A Lot?
Going out in the rain is definitely more work than stepping outside in the summer without a care.
However, it’s also rewarding to feel free, and not penned up inside during the rainy season. Plus, all those days where you have to get somewhere while it's raining will get a lot easier if you are accustomed to going out in it.
The earth smells beautiful in the rain, looks totally different, and new animals come out to play. The air is actually cleanest to breathe! Plus, the feeling of a warm bath and tea afterward is incredible. Here is a quick reminder of some benefits to playing in the rain.