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Quick Summary
The best toddler mittens pair warm, insulating liners with water-resistant exterior shells to keep out wind and snow. For everyday play and winter sports, What to Expect parents recommend shopping at Kombi, L.L. Bean and Reima.
Easily misplaced and often a headache to get on, it can be tempting to forgo toddler mittens entirely this winter — especially if you’ve already invested in a snowsuit, boots and hats. But Dr. Sarah Schulze, nurse practitioner, pediatric expert and advisor, strongly recommends getting them, especially if you live in an area that experiences frigid temperatures. “Keeping toddlers’ fingers covered during the colder months is so important because their little hands are especially vulnerable to the cold,” she explains. “Kids lose body heat faster than adults, and their fingers are one of the first places to get cold.”
As a mom of two toddlers (one of which is learning to ski), I’ve always preferred mittens over gloves. After trying both styles, I found mittens are far easier to put on wriggly kids and are less likely to fall off. Mine are even able to dress themselves now, encouraging independence. That said, finding the best toddler mittens is crucial — some just aren’t cut out for the job.
How I Chose the Best Toddler Mittens
In addition to my firsthand experience as a parent who’s experienced multiple New York winters with two tots, I also relied on expert advice and recommendations from fellow moms in the What to Expect community to put together my list of the best toddler mittens:
I spoke with Dr. Schulze, nurse practitioner and advisor of Baby Toddler Kids, about the best toddler mittens and the features parents should look for when shopping.
I scanned the What to Expect community boards to see which toddler mitten brands other parents and caregivers loved. Based on their feedback, I prioritized mittens that are insulated and easy to put on.
I compared a wide variety of popular toddler mittens based on materials used, added features and size options. I also read through hundreds of reviews to see what shoppers had to say about fit, durability and warmth.
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These L.L. Bean Cold Buster Mittens have a durable waterproof shell that makes them a brand bestseller. There’s also an adjustable velcro strap around the wrist to keep these snug and secure while your little one is playing. The inside is lined with a super soft, insulating microfleece that helps wick sweat away while keeping their hands nice and warm.
But my favorite feature? A velcro panel on the sides of the cuffs allows you to open them up to slip them over bulky coat sleeves with little resistance, and secure them shut. For kids who are constantly losing one or both mittens, these not only have clips to keep them together during storage but also a name tag inside (convenient for daycare or school). The only downside is that the sizing is limited, but L.L. Bean does offer Cold Buster Mittens in kid sizes, too if you need something bigger.
“LL Bean Toddler Cold Buster Waterproof Mittens - they have been perfect. Also, stay on really well of a Velcro strap you can tighten once the mitten is on. Highly recommend!”
These Bambi II mittens by Vermont-based brand Kombi are durable, warm and great for any kind of cold weather thanks to their smart construction. They top our list because they tickevery box you could want in a toddler mitten. Both the outer shell and insert are made with waterproof polyester to keep moisture at bay, and a grippy palm allows them to easily grab ski poles or form a snowball.
The elastic gauntlet at the wrist keeps these snug and secure, and a toggle on the side allows you to adjust the tightness as needed. I appreciate the longer cuffs, which also have elastic at the end for maximum protection. These come in a variety of cute colors and prints, and the price point isn’t bad, either.
These were also the most recommended toddler mittens in our WTE community, with parents raving they’re the easiest to get on and off, have a super warm feel and are built to last. (The brand also stands by a 5-year warranty, so you know these are less prone to wear and tear.) I do wish the sizing was clearer; although the brand offers a wide range of sizes, it’s not obvious which age XXS is good for, which means you may need to make a return to find the best fit for your child.
“We use kombi too. There are different lengths and they have zippers which is nice. They are Canadian made and are affordable to buy a few pair, especially when carters seems to have 25% off often.”
These Stonz Kids’ Snow Mitts come in at a higher price point than most other options out there, but the splurge is worth it for durable mittens that keep their hands warm in frigid temperatures. Made with a nylon and polyester shell, these are insulated, wind-resistant and waterproof, featuring a durable palm and soft and cozy fleece lining. They’re Canadian-made, so they’re built to stand up to really cold, snowy weather, and are especially great for toddlers who are into winter sports.
The added features make these stand out too. The extra-long cuff offers plenty of coverage and a wide opening to get on over bulky outerwear (no need to try to stuff these inside a sleeve), with an elastic hem for extra security. There’s an adjustable fit at the wrist, nose wipes on the fingers (runny noses are par for the course), and clips that keep them together for easy storage. Did I mention they’re also machine washable for easy cleaning?
Unsurprisingly, these were also another favorite among WTE community members. Parents suggested them for super cold weather and like the wide opening and longer cuff. The only negative is that sizing is limited — there are only two options — so if your toddler has very small hands, these may not be a good fit.
“We are in Canada so if you need warm and good for lots of snow Stonz are great and so are snow stoppers- they go all the way up the arm so snow can't go up the sleeve.”
A pair of soft and cozy fleece mittens can go far, especially for younger toddlers. These N’ice Caps Fleece Mittens are double lined, with fuzzy fleece on the outside and a super soft sherpa lining on the inside. While not waterproof, they are a little water resistant, making them good for kids who are playing outside in cold weather — just maybe not the best for playing in snow.
These also have a velcro strap at the wrist to keep them secure, with a wider opening that makes it possible for little ones to put these on themselves. A bonus is that they’re available in a wide range of colors and designs, including unicorns and footballs. They also come in a set of two for less than $15, so they’re a great deal.
Reima’s Reimtac mittens are double insulated thanks to the brand’s recycled PrimaLoft wadding and fleece liner. Parents say the brushed knit interior feels extra cozy against the skin. This, paired with a Hipora insert (a waterproof and breathable fabric) makes them water- and dirt-repellent. That said, the company notes that they are better for dry and cold climates because they’re not totally waterproof. These also have extra long cuffs and a secure elastic wrist to prevent cold air from blowing in.
These Zelda Matilda Waterproof Mittens are a bestseller on Amazon because of how toasty and dry they keep toddler hands. They have a soft, moisture-wicking fleece lining with an inner membrane that helps make them breathable as well. But that’s not all: there’s even a waterproof layer and water-resistant outer, complete with a long elastic cuff that offers an extra snug fit up their arm instead of just their wrists.
Another thing to love about these is how easy they are to adjust. The velcro strap has a hook and loop closure ensures they’re as tight as you want them. They also have a special design on the thumb that is supposed to make them easy to get on little hands and allow them to better grip, say, ski poles. That said, some reviews note that they’re hard to get on, and the elastic cuff isn’t super wide, which could make it hard to get these over outerwear. Clips on each mitten keep them together for easy storage as well.
Punchy palettes about in thisL. L. Bean set that comes with a cozy pair of mittens and matching pompom hat. The mittens feature fleece on both the outside and inside for a really soft and fuzzy feel that kids will love (so much so they won't want to peel them off). Each also comes with a clip to keep everything together when not in use (or in storage), and an elastic band at the wrist provides a secure fit. The mittens aren’t waterproof, of course, but are a great cozy underlayer when playing in the snow.
The hat is crafted from the same material, with a double lining at the ears and crown. I especially love the velcro chin strap to keep it on (even if they don’t want to wear it!).
These Columbia Chippewa II Long Mittens are my favorite as far as long cuff mittens go; the elastic cuff keeps snow and water from getting in. They were made with winter sports in mind, so they’re durable, waterproof and insulated for extra warmth. They’re also designed to go over bulkier coat sleeves. The inside is a soft, breathable, fleece-like material, and the outer shell repels water and stains for easier cleaning. They have clips to keep them together too. The only thing I would change is the sizing; they are one size fits all but that still may be a little big for younger toddlers.
“Any pair that is really long has worked for me. I put them on before I put on the coat or snowsuit and they do not fall off. My favourite is a pair of Columbia kits that go up to her elbows.”
Straps keep them on, Water repellent, Adjustable Size range: 6-12 months – 2T-4T
Why We Love It
These 7AM Enfant Benji Plush mittens have an elastic strap that wraps around their wrists to keep the mittens from getting lost. Even if the mitten ends up falling off your child’s hands, the strap should stay on. They also have side snaps to keep them together for easy storage — no need to worry about clips breaking off.
They have a water-repellent, breathable shell that makes them sufficient for playing in the snow, with an inner palm grip that can make it easier for kids to grab things. The soft plush lining is super cozy and warm — they should be able to withstand temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit! — and wrist elastics offer a snug fit. Parents do note that these run big, so keep that in mind when ordering.
What to Look for in Toddler Mittens
Based on feedback from experts and parents, you should prioritize the following when shopping for toddler mittens:
Material: “I always recommend going for something that provides both warmth and water resistance,” Dr. Schulze says. She likes wool or fleece for keeping hands warm, adding, “wool retains heat even when wet, and fleece is super soft against their skin.” But keep in mind these materials won’t hold up great against wet weather. For an outside layer, she likes nylon or polyester, as they keep moisture out. Try to find gloves that have an inner wool or fleece layer with an outer, water-resistant shell to keep hands warm and dry.
Fit: “You want them to fit snugly without being too tight,” Dr. Schulze says. “If they’re too big, cold air gets in, and if they’re too small, it’ll restrict their circulation.” Be sure to buy the right size for your child, consulting sizing charts and taking measurements if necessary. I also find it’s always helpful to read reviews to see if the fit is true to size. You may also want something adjustable, with a wrist strap, that gives them a little room to grow.
Cuffs: Pay close attention to the cuffs. Small, simple fleece or cotton mittens may have a standard-size cuff, which isn’t much at all. Some insulated, heavy-duty cuffs are larger and will easily go over the wrist, while some may even offer long cuffs that go up to nearly the elbow. The longer the cuff, the less likely they are to fall off, and the more snow and water they’ll keep out.
Adjustability: Simple, straightforward mittens are great for occasional wear or more mild weather. If you think your toddler is going to be wearing their mittens nearly every day or outside in the snow, adjustability (to tighten the fit, for instance) is key. I’ve had success with velcro and buckle straps, as well as cinch ties. Dr. Schulze also recommends looking for mittens with clips or strings that can help prevent them from getting lost.
Care: Whether your toddler is wearing their mittens at the playground or in the snow, it’s guaranteed that they’re going to get dirty and a lot faster than you think (I can personally confirm). Look for mittens that can easily be wiped clean — a nylon or polyester shell usually allows that — and options that can be thrown in the washing machine.
Toddler Mittens FAQs
What’s warmer: mittens or gloves?
Gloves and mittens are pretty similar, but in terms of warmth for toddlers, Dr. Schulze recommends mittens. “Mittens keep all their fingers together, which helps them stay warmer since the heat is shared between their fingers,” she says. She adds that gloves are better for older kids. “Toddlers don’t really need their fingers separated for fine motor skills just yet, so mittens are definitely the way to go for warmth and ease.”
How do I know which size mittens to buy for my growing toddler?
The easiest way to determine your toddler’s size is to measure their hands and then look at any measurements and size charts provided by the brand you’re interested in. However, if the brand doesn’t have that kind of info, simply order the size that corresponds to their age. It can also be helpful to read customer reviews to see if any shoppers note if they run big, small or true to size.
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