There is nothing like a rainy day to put the dampers on your plans to get out and about with your baby. But with good quality waterproof baby clothes, such as waterproof jackets and all in one puddlesuits, there is no reason for it to ruin your plans. With the British weather being so temperamental its best to be prepared for a quick shower or an all out downpour. You can even get lightweight puddlesuits that fold into themselves and are just handy to have when you’re out an about.
Waterproof is quite a big claim to put on a clothing item, so its important to get your waterproof baby clothes from a reputable brand. After all good waterproof baby clothes are not cheap so you need to know what you are getting for your money. But what does waterproof mean, and how do you know your baby clothes are actually waterproof? There are lots of claims like waterproof, water resistant, water repellent, shower proof, and no legal definition what each one means. Each brand will have their own version of what each description means. So you should be clear on how the brand has described what their ‘waterproof’ claim actually means.
What are waterproof baby clothes
A true waterproof garment will have a fabric that is coated so water cannot penetrate it. Ideally you also want it to be breathable so your baby doesn’t get all hot and uncomfortable when they are playing. The seams that join the fabric panels should be securely stitched and taped to seal them so that water cannot penetrate the garment through the stitching holes or fabric layers and make your baby wet. Styling details contribute to making the baby clothes secure and details like elasticated cuffs, storm flaps over zips with a velcro fastening, help to ensure that water will not get through functional openings in the clothing. The clothing information should state these benefits. For example this Muddy Puddles Ecowarm puddlesuit states that it is:
- Waterproof to 10,000mm, keeping children dry and protected
- Breathable to 3,000g/m2, ideal to keep active children comfortable
- Super warm and insulated (120g/m2 at body and hood, 140g/m2 at sleeves)
- Made from recycled fabric
- Secure storm flap with velcro fastenings
- Sturdy zip for easy on and off
- Reflective print and zip pulls for better visibility
- Ultra warm
- Taped seams
- Elasticated cuffs and adjustable stirrups
- Machine washable
- Material: Outer: 100% recycled polyester. Lining: 100% recycled polar fleece. Padding: 100% recycled polyester
- BIONIC-FINISH®ECO fluoride free waterproof coating
The BIONIC-FINISH®ECO coating is free from dangerous fluorocarbons, and other hazardous chemicals including PFCs (perfluoriated compounds), formaldehyde ad paraffin.
What do the figures mean?
True waterproof baby clothes will be tested at an independent testing laboratory to makes sure the fabric and seams perform to uphold the claims made.
Waterproof to 10,000mm means that the fabric and taped seams can hold a column of water that is 10,000mm tall without water penetrating it. A column of water that is 10,000mm tall exerts more pressure than a fabric that is waterproof to 5,000mm. Therefore, the higher the figure the more water resistant a fabric is, and the more water pressure it can withstand before it leaks. Outerwear that performs to 10,000mm is suitable for all day wear in moderate to heavy rain.
Breathable to 3,000g/m2 means that 3,000g of water vapour can pass through a square metre of the fabric over a 24 hour period. This is an excellent rating for waterproof baby clothing. An adult exhales 40g/hour of water vapour when sleeping, and 90g/hour when doing housework. So you can see 3000g/m2 is a very good rating for a baby or toddler.
Our top 5 waterproof baby clothes
Ecosplash puddlesuit
This fabulous EcoSplash puddlesuit is perfect for splashing about in, whatever the weather. This all-in-one is made from recycled fabrics, so good for the planet. Not only is It flexible, breathable and waterproof, it also has a contrast fleece lining and long front zip fastening for easy access. Waterproof to 10,000mm it can withstand average to heavy rainfall. It also has a cosy polar fleece lining and 40gm insulation which makes it a lightweight, but warm baby puddlesuit. Perfect for keeping out the cold in bracing winds and the cooler autumn temperatures. We love this gorgeous teal green with a teardrop all over print, and this style also comes in a red and a blue raindrop print, green squiggle print and in a fun cosmic print. RRP £52, Monthly rental price £5.50.
Ecowarm puddlesuit
We also love the EcoWarm puddlesuit which comes in the same popular teardrop print in red and blue. This is a warmer version of the EcoSplash puddlesuit. A great move on for when the weather turns really cold. Made from recycled fabrics and designed to keep little ones warm, dry and protected when playing outdoors. It features a secure storm flap with velcro fastenings and taped seams. These suits are super waterproof up to 10,000mm. With a polar fleece lining, breathable to 3,000gm2, and with 160gm insulation, makes it ideal for keeping active little ones comfortable without overheating. It gives the ultimate warm protection, to embrace ice, snow and extreme cold! The waterproof coatings on both the EcoSplash and EcoWarm puddlesuits use Bionic Finish Eco natural, chemical free technology. The durable water repellent coating creates a honeycomb structure of micropores allowing moisture vapour through, but are too small to let water droplets in! RRP £65, Monthly rental price £7.
Puddleflex jacket
This cheerful yellow Puddleflex jacket is made from recycled PU, and waterproof up to 10,000mm. It is also windproof and a great little jacket for blustery days! Fleece lined with a detachable hood it featured in the national press as a standout piece. ‘The yellow rain jacket (RRP £50) is a stand-out piece; I’d never buy him something so expensive that’ll last only one season, but for £5.50 a month, it’s the perfect spring staple. I just wish it came in an adult size.’ Daily Mail.
Ecolight puddlesuit
Another favourite is this jersey lined Ecolight puddlesuit, in a colourful fish print. It is the perfect rain suit to keep active children dry and happy during the wet and windy weather. Easy to wear over warmer layers and also perfect on its own. It even packs away into its own pocket so super handy to have when you’re out and about. RRP £36, Monthly rental price £4.
Ecosplash raincoat
You simply can’t beat the value of this brilliant EcoSplash raincoat. Made using recycled fabric from plastic bottles, this super protective jacket is waterproof, warm, but lightweight and offers fantastic protection from downpours without overheating. The jacket is fleece-lined and gentle on delicate skin with a cosy sherpa hood. It is perfect to keep little ones warm and dry on cold, rainy days. RRP £45, Monthly rental price £5.
All these fabulous Muddy Puddles outerwear baby clothes are available to rent from Qookeee. Find out how baby clothing rental works.