How to Buy a Child's Winter Coat

Winter coats come in all different shapes and sizes. Children will definitely have an opinion on what kind of winter coat they want to buy, but you need to make sure that it will keep them warm and last through the winter.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose the right length. Boys usually don't need winter coats longer than waist length, but girls should have a waist-length winter coat and at least one longer coat they can wear with dresses or skirts.

2. Decide if hoods are necessary. Younger children should have coats with hoods, preferably ones with draw strings that tie under their chins. Older children may prefer to wear hats, and therefore hoods are not necessary.

3. Pick a style that your child will still want to wear next year. A classic style or color is best. Bright pink might be okay in fifth grade, but it could be a fashion catastrophe in sixth.

4. Ensure that the coat is not too bulky. Children still need to be able to run and play outside in the wintertime. Choose a fabric that is warm but not too puffy.

5. Buy a winter coat with a little room inside. Winter clothes are bulky, so make sure your child will be comfortable wearing her coat with a sweater underneath.

6. Accessorize with mittens or gloves and hats. The best way to get your child to wear hats and gloves is to make sure they match their coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Clip gloves or mittens onto coats for young children. You may send them to school completely accessorized, but it is a different story by the time they get off the bus in the afternoon.
• Make sure your children can easily zip, button or snap their coats. Some coats are cute, but they are not practical for children to fasten by themselves.