If you want your kids to enjoy outdoor playtime, it’s essential that they have a good pair of waterproof gloves or mittens on hand. Nothing is worse than little hands feeling cold and wet while playing in the snow or ice.
Mittens vs Gloves
In general, mittens are warmer than gloves. They’re easier to put on and have a smaller surface area, meaning little fingers can share heat more easily. But they don’t offer quite as much dexterity as gloves do, so it’s worth considering whether mittens are better for your kid’s needs in particular weather conditions.
Waterproof – Some gloves and mittens are made with waterproof breathable membranes that stop water from entering the shell of the glove. These are great for when the weather’s a bit rainy and you want to protect their hands from getting wet, but not too wet, so they can still feel comfortable in the gloves.
They’re also a good choice for keeping their hands warm when they’re bare-handed in the snow, or when they’re running around with a snowball or sledging.
These mittens are made from a 100% recycled polyester that’s flexible and PVC-free. The cuffs are a little tight for younger kids but they stay on well.
Fleece-lined – Fleece warmth and weather is an insulation material that adds warmth without adding bulk to your child’s hands. It’s also more breathable than other insulation materials so it can let your child’s skin breathe and help keep their hands feeling dry and warm.
Fingerless convertible mittens/gloves are an excellent option for older kids or those who don’t want to wear gloves but need the added warmth of a mitten. These 3M Thinsulate insulated glove liners have half-finger length fingers, but are able to be converted into a full-finger mitten by closing up the fleece flap over their thumbs.
They come in many different colors and designs, and they’re available in sizes for toddlers and children.
Reima Ote – These waterproof mittens from European outdoor clothing company Reima are made with comfort and safety in mind. They’re waterproof, dirt-repellent, and have a touch and close fastenings so they stay on when your little one is wearing them. They’re a good choice for a variety of activities and can be worn by little ones as young as 2 years old.
Stonz – These ski mittens for kids have a long cuff that keeps snow out of the gloves and keeps them warm. They’re completely waterproof and have a long wrist strap that keeps the mittens in place.
They’re also a lot easier to put on and take off than most other mittens. They have an adjustable toggle around the forearm and an adjustable buckle on the wrist.
These mittens come in a variety of designs, including unicorns and dragons. They’re waterproof and windproof with elasticated cuffs and textured palms for gripping.