Q for those with all-weather toddlers

[LaTristesse]

I have a 2 year old and a baby and am looking to get us all outdoors more this year whatever the weather. So what do I need to kit them out in in terms of clothing / footwear / other gear? Not too concerned about the baby at this stage as she'll just hang out in the sling, but when she starts walking i'll need to get her kitted out too.
And if you have any top tips for all-weather outdoor fun for littlies i'll happily receive those! Thank you

[FryingNemo]

These!

[FryingNemo]

Not sure what you call them in English but we call them matschhosen and they are brilliant. Get some decent wellies with a good grip and a lightweight rain proof coat and you're set!

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Spotty Otter do really really good outdoor clothing for wee ones. It's pricey but its made of exactly the same stuff as adult outdoor clothing so is super warm/waterproof etc.

You probably want fleece jacket, wellies, waterproof dungies and a waterproof jacket. You can get all in ones but proper waterproof material isn't that nice around the face and is a bit restrictive. Dungies are great if its not lashing down, or if the ground is wet and muddy.

[MousyMouse]

you need raingear (didriksons is a good brand) wellies and layers. fleece, raincoat.
have fun!

[LaTristesse]

Looking good, thanks!

Idiot question on the waterproof trousers - do they go inside your wellies or over the top of them?

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Inside if's not that wet/raining - stops them getting utterly manky, and helps stop wellies falling off (quite often they won't physically fit inside)

Outside if its raining, other water runs off trouser legs into inside of welly...

[lynniep]

any scandinavian www.nordickids.co.uk/outerwear-c21/rainwear-c37 wet weather gear is fab (usually called rain suits) ! I always use dungarees for my 2 year old and a rain jacket (with elasticated cuffs) over the top. We were sent kozi kids stuff for DS1 three years ago (by a freebie site) and I use them for my DS2 now (www.blueforboys.co.uk/kozikidz-classic-rainsuit.html - bit like these)
If its cold he can wear a fleece top under the dungarees. and wellies - preferably with elasticated tops
I really dont like all-in-ones. I find them too restricting.

[lynniep]

www.waterproofworld.co.uk/index.htm

[FryingNemo]

I second the fleece jackets and also loose legging type things to go under rain proof dungarees.

[SeaShellsUnderCanvas]

I second any Scandinavian waterproof stuff- waterproof dungarees, lightweight waterproof coat, Welles, thermals if cold, and get the, running

www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/pp+summer-jackets-and+rainwear

We are lucky to get them cheap in Scandinavia :) but well worth lookin for here. The best are not cagole flimsy material or fleece lined (too hot in the "summer" ) but the thicker fabric like macintoshes iykwim?

[FryingNemo]

Oh yes, AVOID the kagool type material - it is rubbish and hateful.

No exaggeration.

[Beechie]

I have bought all my Kozikidz stuff via Blue For Boys (see lynniep above) and their service is great. I think that their winter stuff is now on sale too. Bonus!

[MerryMarigold]

My top tip. Kit kids out in clothes from dirty clothes basket. Put on wellies and go jumping in puddles. Come home and strip off on the doorstep. Throw all clothes in machine. Tip all water out of wellies and dry with scrunched newspaper inside.

[chixinthestix]

We could never afford posh stuff and still don't, just take a change of clothes if its likely to be really wet. When they were v small we got all in one suits and DH gaffertaped thier wellies to the bottom so they were totally water proof. Worked a treat for long enough to see them through toddlerhood.

[MerryMarigold]

Ooh, love the idea of gaffer tape!

Just saw some wellies called 'Splats', which look really great, but they are 38quid a pop. Maybe for older kids who don't grow out of shoes quickly, or if you find you are wearing wellies everyday, they look better than wellies, just rather pricey.

[MegBusset]

Mine just wear wellies, waterproof coat and otherwise normal clothes. They don't seem bothered by wet and muddy trousers and we just change when we get home!

[topbannana]

DS had dungaree and jacket sets from Aldi or Lidl, I forget which. They were in a hideous selection of colours with reflective bits that DS absolutely loved and also ensured he was never kidnapped by passing marauders. They never leaked, happily clattered round the washing machine on numerous occasions, were relatively cheap and were still in excellent condition when he grew out of them (in fact I still see one of them tottering round the forest occasionally on a friends son!)

As for wellies, I would recommend biting the bullet (especially with 2 DC's) and going for Hunters. Not cheap but very comfy and can be worn all day which is not the case with cheaper wellies. Will do for both DC's and can then be flogged on e-Bay for a surprising amount when finished with

[surroundedbyblondes]

Polarn och Pyret clothes cost s bit but will last more than one child easily.

I suggest (like others) fleece, leggings, rainproof dungarees and jacket, hat, gloves (try also waterproof gloves) 'false polo neck' instead of scarf, wellies. Not all necessary at all times, but good to have in stock. Wellies under trousers which are best when they have an elastic 'stirrup' underneath to keep them in place. Thick socks good to have also.

Oh, and think about getting stuff for yourself also. Good quality stuff so that you're happy to be out in the rain as well.

[bacon]

I love muddy puddles for strength and price I have lots of different suits, some all in ones and other trouser & brace. Great to wash after wash, sadly not doing the camo stuff anymore which I loved. You can pick these up on e-bay at a reasonable price.

Dunlop wellies or better if you can afford dont ever bother with those fancy pretty ones, they are uncomfortable and come apart. Dunlop have good grips.

Layers are a def.

[Beechie]

www.BlueForBoys.co.uk ahve just put all their Kozikidz stuff on sale and on eBay - great bargains!

[cairnterrier]

jojomamanbebe also do really good outdoor gear. We've got a coat that's just about to be used for the 4th time for a toddler. There are often special offers and at the v minimum, 10% off if you go to them via mumsnet.