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10 best puddle suits and waterproofs for kids
Finding the perfect puddle suit or waterproof for your child can be a gamechanger for the great outdoors. Here’s our pick of the best.
By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated May 10, 2023
Rain is a fact of life in the UK, but with the right outerwear, a few grey clouds won't stop you from getting out and about.
A puddle suit means no more wet bottoms on the swings, and not having to sprint towards your child like Mo Farah every time you hear them shout delightedly, “Muddy puddles!” And, frankly, you can’t put a price on that.
There are lots of different styles of puddle suit available - from lightweight to fleece-lined, separates to jumpsuits, and items suitable for everyone from tiny toddlers up to hulking 12-year-olds. We’ve rounded up the best products in each category to save you the legwork.
Here are the best kids' puddle suits to buy this year
Mumsnet HQ's best buys at a glance
1. Best overall puddle suit: Mountain Warehouse Puddle Kids Waterproof Rain Suit
Price: £20 | Buy now from Amazon
"I got one from Mountain Warehouse. It’s got so much use! Get it too big as you can just roll up the arms and legs. My nearly three-year-old has had his for two years. I put it on him for times like going to the park and playing in the garden in the rain" - recommended by Mumsnet user, MsChatterbox
The Mountain Warehouse Puddle Kids Rain Suit is designed with toddlers and preschoolers in mind. Its diagonal zip opens right down to the foot, making it easy to get on even a wriggly baby or toddler.
Once on, kids will be super snug and dry inside. The suit has taped seams, elasticated cuffs and a hood to keep the rain out and a chin guard for added comfort. The breathable fabric stops them getting too sweaty inside and reflective piping makes them that bit easier to keep an eye on in the dark.
This puddle suit isn’t thick so is suitable for warmer days and rolls up easily to go in a bag or under the buggy, ready for whenever you need it.
Need to know
- Sizes: 6 to 12 months up to 3 to 4 years (not all available on Amazon)
- Colours: Three
- Material: 100% polyester
- Waterproof index: Not stated
- Machine-washable
2. Best budget puddle suit: Regatta Charco All-in-One Suit
Price: £15 | Buy now from Amazon
"My son uses his quite regularly. I always get the Regatta puddle suit on Amazon and it’s always on offer. It’s really good" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, queenofmycastlex
Kids will love this all-in-one suit that doubles as an animal costume. Choose from nine different animals, including a fox, a monkey and a crocodile. The hood is a great size and comes out over the face so kids won’t get raindrops splashing in their eyes. And the zip goes all the way down the leg to make getting it on and off a cinch.
The puddle suit is made from Isolite fabric, which is breathable (so no sweaty bodies post-puddle jumping) and it’s finished with a durable water-repellent coating. Sealed seams and breeze-blocking cuffs ensure not a drop of water gets in, and there's a reflective trim for gloomy days.
It’s worth knowing that this suit isn’t lined so it won’t keep them warm – you might want to size up to leave room for a few warm layers underneath in colder weather. However, this does give this puddle suit flexibility, as it can be used on rainy days all year round, without fear of overheating.
Need to know
- Sizes: 6 to 12 months up to 5 to 6 years
- Colours: 9 animal designs
- Materials: 100% polyamide; polyester mesh lining in hood
- Waterproof index: Not stated
3. Best puddle suit separates: LZH Hooded Raincoat and Waterproof Trousers Suit
Price: £26 | Buy now from Amazon
This bright set comes in five attractive designs, with something to appeal to fans of space, dragons and dinosaurs. We like the fact that the trousers are separate to make loo trips less of a faff, but also, if the sun comes out and your child is suddenly feeling hot, they can shed the jacket and just keep the trousers on for puddle jumping.
Breathability is not a problem, however, with a fabric that's designed to let air circulate without letting water in. The material is really soft too, unlike so many waterproofs that have that slight ‘crunchy’ feel to them.
The cuffs on both coat and trousers are elasticated to stop rain getting in and the coat has a long zip that will keep them snug around the neck. We also like the generously sized pockets – just the right size for all those essential pebbles they’ll want to take home.
Need to know
- Sizes: 9 to 12 month up to 5 to 6 years
- Colours: Five
- Material: Cotton, polyester and nylon mix
- Waterproof index: 10,000mm
4. Best insulated puddle suit: Trespass Kids Waterproof Drop Drop Outdoor Rainsuit
Price: £20 | Buy now from Amazon
"The Trespass one had good mileage. Lots of dog-walking in it" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Cantchooseaname
If you’re looking for something with a bit of added ‘cosy factor,’ this puddle suit by outdoor experts Trespass is a good buy.
The exterior is made using Trespass’s special Tres-Tex fabric and the inside has a cold heat fleece padding, which keeps the body at just the right temperature. It allows excess heat to be absorbed into the padding, but keeps enough warmth locked in.
The suit has elasticated cuffs and ankles to stop water seeping in as well as taped seams, and is designed to be windproof as well as waterproof so is ideal for blustery beach days. The elasticated sides and fleece lining make it super comfy, and reflective piping helps to keep kids more visible in the dark.
We like the fact that it zips all the way down to the foot too, which makes getting them in and out of it much easier.
Need to know
- Sizes: 18 to 24 months up to 7 to 8 years
- Colours: 7
- 100% polyamide; 100% polyester; polyurethane coating
- Waterproof index: 2,000mm
5. Best waterproof dungarees: Dry Kids Waterproof Dungarees
Price: £20 | Buy now from Amazon
If you want waterproofs that will be wearable in spring weather, dungarees are a good way to go. This pair from Dry Kids are fleece-lined for extra warmth, but are also available unlined if you prefer. They can be paired with a matching rain jacket or worn alone.
The adjustable shoulder straps mean you get slightly more wear out of these dungarees than from an all-in-one puddle suit as they can be tightened to start with and then let out as your child grows.
The dungarees are made with a heat-sealed polyurethane coating to keep any hint of damp out and have stirrups at the ankles to prevent the trousers sliding up the leg in wellies. The reflective stripes on the legs give children some visibility on winter afternoons.
What we like best about these dungarees though is the wide age range available (right up to 12 years) and the fact that they’re really roomy inside, so children can wear as many layers as they need underneath them.
Need to know
- Sizes: 2 years to 11 to 12 years
- Colours: 2
- Materials: 100% polyester; polyurethane coating
- Waterproof index: 3,000mm
6. Best all-in-one puddle suit: Hippychick Waterproof All-in-One
Price: £28 | Buy now from Amazon
"Hippychick do really good quality puddle suits for a reasonable price. I've just bought one for my son" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, UthredofBebbanburg
A puddle suit that will stand up to all weathers is the Hippychick All-in-One. This version is really lightweight, but it’s available to buy with a warm lining too. The suit is breathable to stop kids from getting sweaty as they run round, and is made from a ‘peach skin’ waterproof fabric that doesn’t rustle as they run.
It’s windproof as well as waterproof, which makes a big difference to how long they can stay out comfortably on a blustery day, and there’s plenty of room in the arms and legs so you can layer your child up for the weather.
The best thing about this suit, however, is its flexibility. There are Velcro tabs on the ankles, waist, wrists and hood to ensure a perfect fit even as they grow. This is particularly useful on the hood as it means you don’t have it dipping over their eyes. We love the big pockets too.
Need to know
- Sizes: 12 to 18 months up to 6 to 7 years
- Colours: 5
- Materials: Polyester; polyurethane coating
- Waterproof index: 5,000mm
- Machine-washable, but wipes down easily too
7. Best durable puddle suit: Helly Hansen K Bergen PU Playsuit
Price: £80 | Buy now from Helly Hansen
Pricey but made with some really impressive engineering, this all-in-one suit is waterproof, windproof, breathable and comfy. The quick-dry lining stops children feeling sticky inside and adds a bit of luxury comfort and the elastic cuffs and leg openings make it easy to slip on and off.
If you’ve seen lightweight rain suits ripped to shreds previously, you’ll be pleased to hear this one is pretty much bomb-proof. It’s definitely not cheap, but it has some great design features including a detachable hood and reflective panels. The zip is reinforced with a storm flap for particularly wet days.
Need to know
- Sizes: 1 to 9 years
- Colours: 1 (pink only)
- Materials: HELLY TECH® performance fabric
- Waterproof index: Not stated
- Quick-dry lining
8. Best waterproof puddle suit: Polarn O Pyret Waterproof Shell Fleece Lined Kids Overall
Price: £100 | Buy now from Polarn O. Pyret
"The Polarn O Pyret is great and truly waterproof" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, BuggedByJake
As robust as it is very jolly indeed, this pink rain suit is about as waterproof as they come. It has fully taped welded seams and the polyester fabric is waterproof to 12,000mm (we’re unsure exactly how that works too, but it’s more waterproof than most, we can tell you that). Reviews suggest this is fairly roomy, which is a good thing as it gives it longevity and also means there’s plenty of room for layers underneath. It’s also very easy to adjust with an elasticated waist, wrists and ankles as well as a detachable hood with elasticated sides. Reinforced knees make it incredibly robust. This is a puddle suit you’ll be able to hand down again and again before passing on.
Need to know
- Sizes: 12 to 18 months up to 5 to 6 years
- Colours: 1
- Materials: 100% polyester; recycled polyester lining
- Waterproof index: 10,000mm
- Machine-washable (do not tumble dry)
9. Best lightweight puddle suit: JoJo Maman Bébé Woodland Pack Away All-in-One
Price: £35 | Buy now from JoJo Maman Bebe
"I really rate the JoJo Maman Bébé gear. It's expensive, but it wears and washes really well, is lovely and warm and gets a good resell price after use" - recommended by Mumsnet user, QuicheConverter
Perfect for travelling, or just slinging under the buggy, this all-in-one puddle suit packs away into a neat integral bag so it hardly takes up any space at all.
Despite its small size when folded, it’s not short on useful features, with fully taped seams, elasticated wrists and ankles to keep the wet out, removable stirrups to prevent the legs riding up, reflective piping for safety and mitten clips.
The fabric is lightweight and windproof as well as waterproof, and is made from recyclable material. All in all, very practical indeed – and we loved the gorgeous pattern too.
Need to know
- Sizes: 12 to 18 months up to 2 to 3 years
- Colour: 1
- Materials: 100% recycled polyester
- Waterproof index: Not stated
10. Best waterproof trousers: Muddy Puddles Kids Waterproof Trousers
Price: £30 | Buy now from Muddy Puddles
"Not cheap, but we find the Muddy Puddles waterproofs really good – and they last ages if you follow their sizing guidelines. My child’s first Muddy Puddles waterproofs lasted from age two to 4.5, the second from 4.5 to 7.5 and we've just started on the third" - recommended by Mumsnet user, tomkitten
Muddy Puddles waterproofs are a Mumsnet must-have for toddlers, but one of the best things about these waterproof trousers is that they go right up to 12 years.
It’s quite hard to find decent waterproofs for big kids, but that doesn’t mean they stop needing them, and if your big kids wants to get close up to some pond action or paddle in a river (or just cycle to school without soaking their uniform), a pair of waterproof trousers like these are just the job.
Elasticated cuffs and foot stirrups keep the trousers in place when taking wellies on and off, and the legs have fully taped seams to keep rain out. They’re unlined, which means they easily fit over any outfits, and made of breathable fabric so they don’t get unpleasant and sticky to wear.
Need to know
- Sizes: 18 months up to 12 years
- Colours: 1
- Materials: 100% Oxford nylon
- Waterproof index: 5,000mm
- Machine-washable (no fabric softener)
- Can be teamed with the Classic Originals Waterproof Jacket
Does my child need a puddle suit?
You don't necessarily need one, but a puddle suit opens up outdoor play for kids, especially preschoolers, allowing them to run and splash in puddles as deep as they like, sit on swings without getting a wet bottom, and generally make the most of the great outdoors.
You may find your child’s nursery or playgroup assumes they will have one to take part in outdoor activities and, even as they get older, they’re useful for outdoor after-school clubs, forest school and more. They’re also great if you’re a family that goes camping, meaning you don’t need to be put off by a showery weather forecast, or limit your adventures to the height of summer.
How do I choose the best puddle suit?
Here are a few things to think about to help you narrow down your choices and make sure you pick the perfect puddle suit for your child, enabling them to enjoy the outdoors whatever the weather.
- Consider the age of your child: While all-in-ones are really snug and keep any hint of damp out, if your child is at the age where they’re potty training, or perhaps going to the loo independently but having difficulty with zips and buttons, a two-piece puddle suit might be a better choice.
- Think about just how waterproof you need it to be: Taped seams and some of the fancier fabrics and designs from Scandi companies are great if you want your child to be able to wade into streams and get really soaked. But if you just want something waterproof for the park or playground, you won’t need a heavy-duty option.
- Ask yourself how warm your child is in it: If you live in the Scottish Highlands or on the coast, and will be out in very blustery weather regularly, a fleece-lined version that works as a snowsuit is a good plan. But bear in mind that, in warmer climes, puddle suits can get pretty sweaty. Opt for a suit that’s just going to keep the rain out and add warmth with fleece layers as and when needed.
What should I look for in a puddle suit?
You really do get what you pay for with waterproofs, and it’s worth looking out for some of these extra features. You might not want all of them but consider which ones would make a real difference to you.
- Taped or bonded seams
- A good waterproof rating: 5,000mm is rainproof, whereas 10,000 to 15,000 is properly waterproof
- Elastic around the hood and cuffs to keep them in place
- Peaked hood to let the rain run off
- Detachable hood
- Elastic stirrups at the feet to stop trousers riding up
- Zips that go all the way down the suit for ease of taking on and off (or separates), and fastenings that are easy for children to do themselves
- Fleece lining for cold weather
- Soft insides so that the suit is more comfy to wear
- Breathable materials
- Ease of cleaning
- Fabric that will dry out easily
- Reinforced knees
- Reflective areas on exterior for visibility in winter
- Pockets
What's the best puddle suit for kids?
For its overall practicality and the fact that it has a large range of sizes, we think the Regatta Charco All-in-One Suit is the best puddle suit on the market right now.
How we chose our recommendations
We drew up a longlist of recommendations from the Mumsnet forums, alongside a list of the puddle suits that had won awards and had lots of excellent reviews.
From there, we cross-referenced to see which featured the most frequently to draw up a shortlist of 20 puddle suits. We then whittled these down to a top 10 – a selection that offers something for every child and budget.
Why you should trust us
Here at Mumsnet, we know a thing or two about standing around in playgrounds in the rain (and about soggy socks rolled down into wellies) so we’re ideally placed to choose the best wet weather gear.
More importantly, we have a raft of experts at our fingertips in our Mumsnet users, who are always happy to point other parents in the direction of great products, as well as warn them off products that aren’t quite so impressive.
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.
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