The Best Toddler Gloves and Mittens, According to Parents

In a nutshell:
Based on firsthand experience and feedback from The Bump community, we chose the SnowStoppers Kids Waterproof Stay On Winter Nylon Mitten as the overall best toddler mittens due to their extended cuffs, Velcro straps for secure, customizable fits and grippy palms. We also chose the ZipGlove Tie-Dye Colette Glove as the overall best toddler gloves; they stood out because of their incredibly helpful side-zip closure that makes it easy for parents to get them on and off.

Winter is on its way and the temperature is rapidly dropping; time to update your kid’s cold-weather wardrobe! Once you’ve invested in the basics—like a good-quality winter coat, boots and a snowsuit—you’ll want to complete their gear with some toasty toddler gloves or mittens. And while it may be tempting to snap up the first cute pair you come across, don’t forget to think about performance. Your little one won’t be happy when ice and snow soak through to their hands—and you won’t be happy when those mittens fall off (or are taken off) for the umpteenth time. Whether you’re searching for durable gloves that can be worn all day during cold weather activities, a set of mittens for your daily walk or a set that’s ideal for younger toddlers, here you’ll find a perfect pair.

How We Chose the Best Toddler Gloves and Mittens

To help you pick out the best toddler winter gloves, we conducted exhaustive market research and asked parents from our community for their recommendations. This way, you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers and forums. To create this article:

• We checked what was being said about toddler gloves and mittens in The Bump community forums to learn what parents liked (and disliked) about certain brands and styles.
• We also asked members of The Bump editorial team to tell us about their firsthand experiences with toddler gloves and share their recommendations.
• We consulted expert sources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for guidance on how to ensure little ones are safe and warm in cold weather.
• To understand how these mittens and gloves for toddlers have worked for families nationwide, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews.
• We looked at the most popular toddler gloves and mittens on the market and considered several factors—like size range, material, insulation level care instructions and price point—when choosing which options to feature in our article.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.

Best Toddler Gloves and Mittens

What to Look for in Toddler Gloves and Mittens

When it comes to picking out toddler gloves, protection from the cold is key, but there’s other factors to consider. Here’s what to look out for as you browse:

• Easy-on, easy-off designs. Gloves or mittens need to be simple to get on when you’re rushing out the door, and easy to take off for snack time or bathroom breaks. Every toddler is different, too. While thumbless mitts are straightforward to slip on, these don’t suit older tots who prefer to use all of their digits when playing in the snow. Whichever pair you choose, make sure they have a wide opening and a flexible fit.
• Elasticated cuffs. To ensure the mittens and gloves stay put during playtime, opt for a pair with elasticated cuffs. This will keep them firmly in place, no matter how hard your tot tries to tug them off. Some also come with Velcro or drawstring closure so you can open wide when putting them on your kiddo, then customize the fit to their wrist size.
• Warm lining and insulation materials. Of course, warmth is the most important factor. In fact, the AAP says insulated toddler gloves and mittens are essential for warding off hypothermia. If you’re going to be outside for extended periods of time, be sure the set is insulated with a fill material like polyester, similar to what you’d find in a winter coat. 3M Thinsulate is a popular, premium-quality option that mimics natural down, providing heat retention while being breathable and lightweight. That said, if you’re just looking to keep hands warm on the walk to school, you may not need a heavy-duty, insulated set. For added comfort no matter which option you go with, choose a pair with a soft lining made from materials such as fleece or Merino wool.
• Waterproof vs. fleece outer shells. If your little one loves to play outside, gloves with a waterproof outer are a must-have. They’ll help keep hands warm and dry, so kids can roll snowballs, make snow angels and sled to their heart’s content. Waterproof gloves tend to be bulkier than softer options, so if you’re wanting toddler mittens that will keep your kiddo cozy during quick daily outings, fleece may be a better option.
• Palm grips. Likewise, if your child will mainly be using their gloves for winter activities like sledding or skiing, you’ll want a pair that has a grippy texture on the palms. This way, your toddler will be able to hold on to sled handles and ski poles after handling snow.
• Clips or string to keep them together. Tiny mittens are easy to misplace, so buy a pair that can be clipped or tied together to save yourself time searching for lost gloves—and money when you have to replace them.

About the writer:
Emma O’Regan-Reidy is a contributing writer for The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest products in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Emma has spent years researching the best baby diapering products, including diapers of course. Based on this in-depth market knowledge, she aims to write articles that balance technical information with relatable, real-life insights so parents can best understand how these diapers will work for their little ones.