What should I look for in a winter coat?

I know this should be such a simple thing but there are so many options out there so I thought I'd call on all you winter coat expert mommies ( ) for some suggestions on what to avoid and what to look for when purchasing the "perfect" winter coat. We live in NY so it can get pretty darn cold. TIA

 

I just got Sky one with a hood and fleece lining. I'm still searching for one for Riley with basically the same thing.

 

Last year I went to the consignment store and bought the only two they had that were more or less the right size. One was a wool duffel coat with toggle buttons, and the other was a boy's ski jacket. Based on my experience with those two things, I'd say what's important is:

- Zippers are better than buttons -- and regular buttons are better than toggle buttons (they never stayed closed)
- Sleeves should be the right length -- my girls have very short arms, and rolling up the sleeves on a winter coat is pretty hard
- Hoods are fine (if your kids will wear them), but they should be close-fitting, otherwise they fall right down
- A long coat that covers the butt is only useful if your kids spend a lot of time walking outside -- for carseats and strollers, it's just a pain.

So, the duffel coat was basically annoying -- but it was adorable.

For outside play in the snow or when it's really cold, a snowsuit is better than a coat (unless they have ski pants too). I only really used the coats when we were going someplace in the car.

 

zip up
have a fleece lining and a hood (that snaps at the chin so that it actually stays up!)
pockets to stick mittens or gloves in or get mitten clips that clip to the cuffs of the sleeves (target had them last year)
waterproof
WASHABLE b/c they get so gross when they rub up against the dirty car, snow, etc.

 

I would say nothing too bulky. I bought my boys Columbia's for this winter, but not the really bulky ones. I also got them matching snow pants. I know here in SD, we go out and play in the snow a lot.

 

We have two types of winter wear depending on "deep freeze" or just cold.
We have snowsuit for the deep freeze time of winter. We are upstate, and could not have done anything outside at all in January or Febuary last year without them. Or sledding.
We have zip up jackets too we got from children's place two years ago that are reversable, faux fur ine side, ski jacket on the other that they LOVE.
I would recommend looking for a two piece jacket and snow pants if you spend a lot of time outside and think the deep freeze may be a problem.
But the number one thing over all would be definately washable.

 

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i WAS LOKKING FOR COATS FOR MY GIRLS AND JC PENNEY HAS SOME FOR 29.95 REGUALR 80.00 IN THEIR CLEARNACE SECTION ONLINE. THEY CAME WITH SNOW PANTS. ITS A GOOD DEAL



quote name='Emerald' date='Sep 24 2007, 06:16 PM' post='421714']
We have two types of winter wear depending on "deep freeze" or just cold.
We have snowsuit for the deep freeze time of winter. We are upstate, and could not have done anything outside at all in January or Febuary last year without them. Or sledding.
We have zip up jackets too we got from children's place two years ago that are reversable, faux fur ine side, ski jacket on the other that they LOVE.
I would recommend looking for a two piece jacket and snow pants if you spend a lot of time outside and think the deep freeze may be a problem.
But the number one thing over all would be definately washable.
[/quote]