Tiny mittens are adorable, aren’t they? But finding ones that fit properly and actually stay on can be a frustrating task. Isn’t it funny how something so challenging to put on—hello there, little thumb that never goes in the right place!—somehow falls off in two minutes? We all want our toddlers to get plenty of fresh air, but that’s not going to happen unless they’re sporting a pair of warm, waterproof mittens that can stand up to a kid actually playing in the cold, wet snow. You don’t need to consider duct-taping mittens on anymore. These are our picks for the best winter mittens for toddlers.
1. N’Ice Caps Kids Easy-On Wrap Waterproof Thinsulate Warm Winter Snow Mitten
We love wrap-style mittens like N’Ice Caps Kids Easy-On’s, which have a fold-over flap: Undo it and the mitten opens wide so your toddler’s hand will slip in with no whining (well, one can hope). Fasten the hook and loop closure for a snug and secure fit. These super affordable toddler mittens come in close to three dozen colors and patterns and are perfect for your child’s first active winter outside. Insulated with 3M Thinsulate and featuring a grippy palm, the mittens are waterproof and warm, with a 2.5-inch knitted cuff you can tuck underneath your kid’s jacket sleeve to prevent snow from getting in.
2. Slivery Toddler Gloves
The fleece-lined mittens have a foldable cuff that can be flipped up or rolled down and fastened in place with the adjustable wrist buckle. The outer fabric is waterproof and the soft inner will stay comfortable even after hours of sledding and snow angels. Available in 32 colors and patterns and in sizes 6 months to 6T.
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3. MCTi Kids Mittens
Lined with lightweight, cozy faux shearling fleece lining, MCTi’s Kid Mittens come in black, pink, blue, or grey and feature a waterproof nylon outer shell and a long cuff with a hanging string you can loop through your child’s coat sleeves to be sure they never get lost. Reinforced, non-slip palm and finger grips make these perfect for building a snowman or sledding on the coldest days. With a reflective tape trim that makes the gloves visible on foggy or snowy days, these mittens are durable enough for any outdoor activity. The elastic wrist and buckle ensures the mittens stay on tightly. Bonus: There’s a three-year warranty against rips.
4. KANCOOL Waterproof Baby & Toddler Mitten
Available in 17 bright and engaging patterns for children in sizes 6 months to 6T kids, the KANCOOL Waterproof Baby & Toddler Mitten are a fun and functional addition to any snow day. The gloves are made from waterproof acrylic fabric and fully lined with a soft, warm fleece to keep little fingers warm and dry. An elastic wrist and velcro strap keep them firmly on your child’s hands and, best of all, they hook together when not in use so your never scrambling last minute looking for the second glove.
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5. Unigear Kids Ski Mittens Waterproof Winter Snow Thinsulate Mittens with String for Boys and Girls
Available in blue, black and pink, Unigear’s Kids Ski Mittens feature 150g of Thinsulate insulation for total warmth even in the wettest environments. Long cuffs with elastic closures keep snow out, even after hours making snow angels. These mittens offer triple waterproof protection with a durable nylon outer fabric, a TPU coating and membrane inserts that suck out moisture. A sanity-saving, easy-access side zipper makes these mittens a cinch to put on, and you can adjust the Velcro closure so they stay on until you take them off. A sturdy leather fabric that covers palms and fingers allows your child to grip that carrot for the snowman’s nose with ease, and a hanging string with clips ensures you make through at least one winter without losing them.
6. Stonz Mittz Baby Mittens
For a snug, waterproof option, pick up a pair of Stonz Mittz Baby Mittens, which feature a wide over-the-arm opening that cinches easily, plus no thumb holes, so your child can easily slip their hands in. Designed in Canada with frosty childhood winters in mind, this brand offers thick insulation that’s warm but not bulky, and the breathable, wind-resistant lining helps little hands stay warm all day. Two adjustable toggles give your child a custom fit, and these are so durable you may even be able to pass them down to a younger kid next season.
7. SnowStoppers Kids Waterproof Nylon Mitten
The SnowStoppers Kids Waterproof Nylon Mitten are perfect if you’re planning on some serious snow day adventures. They have an outer shell made from 100% nylon, with Thinsulate Insulation and a waterproof Drypel Lining. The extended cuff keeps the gloves firmly in place through a variety of winter activities. Available for ages 1-year through 12-years old in eleven bold color choices.
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8. Gordini Easy On Mitts for Children/Toddlers
With its wide, zippered opening, you can get your kid ready to go outside in a flash when putting on Gordini’s Easy-On Mitts for Children and Toddlers. A dry-max waterproof insert and elasticized gauntlet make this a smart choice for toddlers who love to throw snowballs and go tobogganing. The long cuff goes halfway up the arm, so there’s no way any snow is getting in, and Velcro keeps the mittens from sliding off. The long zipper allows older toddlers to put them on and take them off themselves. Some parents say these run a little big, so size down if you want an extra-snug fit.
9. Livingston Kids’ Thinsulate Insulated Waterproof Snow Ski Mittens
Available in six bright colors for kids aged two and up, Livingston’s Kids Insulated Waterproof Mittens are lightweight, breathable and super warm. The protective exterior, plus long inner cuffs, prevent snow and water from seeping into the mittens, and reinforced palm and thumb areas offer a secure grip. Adjustable wrist straps keep the mitts from tumbling off whether your little one is skating, tubing or sledding, and the Thinsulate lining will let them enjoy the snow for hours at a time.
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10. SimpliKids Children’s Snow Sports Thinsulate Insulation Waterproof Winter Mittens
Active families need the right winter gear, period. SimpliKids Children’s Snow Sports Mittens provide warm and waterproof protection for cold days on the slopes or on the toboggan runs. Oversized and easy-to-adjust wrist straps help keep mittens snug, and they’re so affordable you can let your child pick out more than one from the available 13 colors. A soft lining, plus lightweight insulation, offer toasty warmth that’s not bulky, and high quality means you may even get more than one season’s worth of wear.
Montreal-based Wendy Helfenbaum is a journalist, content strategist and TV producer who writes for dozens of digital and print magazines, as well as many brands. Wendy loves cruising, adventure travel and venturing off the beaten path with her husband and teenage son, and she can pack a carry-on bag like nobody’s business. Follow her @WendyHelfenbaum.
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