The Best Toddler Gloves and Mittens, According to Parents
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—think a good-quality winter coat, boots and a snowsuit—you’ll need to complete the picture 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 their pint-size paws—and you won’t be happy when those mittens fall off for the umteenth time.
All toddler gloves and mittens are definitely not created equal. Don’t worry though: we’ve got you (and your child’s hands) covered. Whether you’re hunting for cute toddler mittens or a durable pair of gloves, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite options for every outdoor need.
Toddler gloves and mittens come in dozens of different designs and many different materials. How to pick the best ones? Our goal is to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to slog through hundreds of retailers and reviews. Here are the steps we took to create this article:
-
We consulted expert sources such as The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for tips on how to keep your little one safe and warm during spells of cold weather.
-
We asked members of The Bump community to tell us about the toddler gloves and mittens they’ve used.
-
Based on extensive research and our first-hand experience as parents, we chose gloves that are warm, weather-resistant and easy to put on and take off.
-
Finally, because no two children are the same, we scoured forums and message boards and read user reviews to see how these toddler mittens performed for a variety of families.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Best snow mittens for toddlers
- Long cuffs keep the cold out
- Palm grips
- Not machine washable
Need a durable pair of toddler mittens for winter sports and snow days? “The SnowStopper mittens were perfect for my toddler on snowy Vermont days and afternoons on the ski slopes,” says Ashlee Neuman, mom of two and content director for The Bump. The mittens are fully waterproof and boast a thin layer of insulation to keep little digits toasty, without adding extra-bulk. And the palms have grips that help little kids hold onto slippery ski-gear or a freshly-rolled snowball. But Neuman’s two favorite features “were the extended cuff, which meant the snow stayed out and the mittens actually stayed on, and the Velcro strap, so you can get a custom fit.” Her top tip is to put the mittens on first, then their jacket—to minimize gaps where moisture may creep in.
Material: Nylon/acrylic/polyester/olefin | Size range: S (1-3 years) to XL (7-12 years)
They're super-warm, fairly waterproof and easy to get little thumbs into the finger holes. The quality is top-notch, so we not only got multiple seasons of them, but then passed them on to another family member! - Ashlee N., mom of two
Best waterproof toddler mittens
- Wide cuffs
- Soft fleece lining
- Adjustable wrist straps
- No palm grips
- Can't go in the washing machine
Next up is a parent-approved pair of mittens from cold-weather clothing specialists L.L.Bean. These durable mittens have a waterproof membrane and heat-trapping Thinsulate insulation to keep hands toasty. Mom of one, Maggie confirms that “they are waterproof and fuzzy which makes it comfortable for playing in the snow!” Plus, an extra-wide opening and adjustable Velcro wrist straps make them easy to take on and off.
Material: Polyester | Size range: 12-24 months to 2-4T
We have L.L.Bean mittens and we love them! They have stretchy elastic around the wrists which makes them easy to get on and off. We also love that the mittens have a snap to connect them together when they’re not being worn. - Maggie D., mom of one
Best gloves for older toddlers
- Insulated for warmth
- Side zips for easy on and off
- Gloves allow for more dexterity than mittens
- Gloves aren’t waterproof
- Not suitable for toddlers under 3
Have a toddler who hates mittens? It’s a common problem, but finding gloves small enough to fit their tiny hands can be tricky. “Getting true fingered gloves on a toddler is ridiculously difficult,” explains Neuman. But don’t lose faith, Neuman recommends this “genius” pair by ZipGlove. “They have full-length zippers on both sides of the glove, so you and your child can actually see which finger goes in which hole,” she says. While they aren’t waterproof, Neuman says the gloves are still “super-warm,” thanks to the fleece lining and thinsulate insulation.
Material: Polyester | Size range: 3-4 years
My favorite gloves for older toddlers who want to use their fingers when playing in the cold. - Ashlee N., mom of two
Best budget-friendly toddler mittens
- Affordable
- Machine-washable
- Two-pack means you always have a backup pair
- Not waterproof
- Not good for extreme cold
It's always a good idea to have extra mittens on hand (get it?) and this two-pack from Carter's is machine-washable, so you can always have at least one pair in rotation. And at only $4 a pair you can even stock up on extras if you want! Plus, they're super sweet, with a smiley-flower or striped design to choose from.
Material: Acrylic/polyester/spandex | Size range: 2T-4T
My daughter was very fussy about keeping mittens on her hands as a child… not a great habit in the cold weather of Chicago! It always helped if she had a pretty pattern or design she wanted to wear. - Daniel C., dad of one
Best mittens for young toddlers
- Thumbless design
- Stay-together clips
- Drawstring cuffs help keep mittens on
- Expensive
Stonz is another mitten brand recommended by Neuman, and we can see why she likes them! Designed to slip on little paws easily, and keep them warm when the mercury dips as low as -20 degrees, the mitts have 3M thinsulate insulation, a fleece lining and a waterproof nylon shell. Neuman is a fan of the extra-wide openings, which “go right over jacket cuffs” as well as the drawstring toggles that offer an adjustable fit. These mittens are particularly good for young tots, as the thumbless design makes them easy to slide on or off in a jiffy.
Material: Nylon/polyester | Size range: 0-12 months and 12-24 months
These are awesome for young toddlers who don't need to use their thumbs yet. They're super easy to slip on, and thanks to the toggle drawstring they stay put. - Ashlee N., mom of two
Best fleece toddler mittens
- Affordable
- Hook-and-loop cuffs keep them in place
- Double layer for warmth
- Mittens aren’t waterproof
Need a few pairs of toddler mittens for your family’s daily commute? Neuman says N’Ice Caps are “my go-to fleece mitten for everyday wear.” Affordable yet practical, these mittens have a fluffy sherpa lining and a soft fleece exterior. The wrists are elasticated making them easy to slide on, but the hook-and-loop closure on the cuff prevents them from slipping off.
Material: Fleece | Size range: 2-3 years and 4-6 years
They're warm enough for walks to school, are easy to get on and off (and stay on, with a Velcro tab) and are super-cheap on Amazon, so it's no biggie when they inevitably lose one of the pairs. - Ashlee N., mom of two
Best insulated toddler mittens
- Perfect for extremely cold days
- Machine washable
- Expensive
Made with PrimaLoft insulation technology, these mittens will keep your little one's hands toasty warm no matter how low the mercury drops. Waterproof and weather-resistant, Velcro straps at the wrist keep them snug and secure, loops help keep them from getting lost and palm and thumb grips mean your child can play hard without slipping.
Material: Polyester | Size range: Infant (0-12 months) to Large (8-12 years)
Best stay-together toddler mittens
- Machine-washable
- Snaps keep them together so they don't get lost
- Sizing runs big
It’s a blessing when toddler winter mittens are easy to slip on—and a real pain when they all-too-easily slip off. Not only does it leave those tiny hands vulnerable to the cold, but it’s a perfect recipe for losing gloves. That won’t be a problem with this pair from 7AM Enfant. They feature elastic around the wrists for easy-on wear, a hook-and-loop wrist strap for a secure fit and side snaps to attach the mitts together when your tot’s not wearing them. The best part? A water-repellent outer shell and an insulated lining keep digits warm and dry in temps as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Material: Polyester/cotton/nylon | Size range: 6-12 months to 2-4 years
Best toddler snow gloves
- Soft "nose wipe" on back of thumb
- Palm grips
- Expensive
These toddler ski gloves are built for the slopes but excel in any snowbound scenario. Made with recycled materials, the gloves boast a moisture-resistant outer shell and PrimaLoft insulation on the inside. Plus, grippy palms, adjustable wrist straps and a zippered pocket for a heat pack make this pair perfect for mini outdoor enthusiasts.
Material: Polyester | Size range: S to XL
Best toddler foldover gloves
- Affordable
- Flexible hybrid design
- Not machine washable
- Not for super cold days
Struggling to get your squirmy kiddo’s hands into gloves is never fun, but mittens aren’t always practical (especially if your kid refuses to wear them). This knit pair is a glove-mitten hybrid, with half fingers and a foldover mitt for added flexibility indoors and outdoors.
Material: Acrylic/polyester | Size range: One size (2-5 years)
Keeping little fingers protected from the cold is key, but finding the perfect pair of toddler gloves or mittens can be tricky. To make things easier, here are some key things to look for.
- Easy to take on and off. Gloves or mittens need to be easy to get on when you’re rushing out the door, and it’s equally important that they’re easy to shuck off for snack time or bathroom breaks. Every kid is different, as well: While thumbless mitts are easy to slip on, some kids don’t like the feeling of their fingers being restricted. Whichever pair you choose, make sure they have a wide opening and a flexible fit.
- Elasticated cuffs. Searching for toddler mittens that stay on? 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.
- Warm lining. Of course, warmth is the most important factor when it comes to toddler gloves and mittens. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says mittens or gloves are essential for warding off hypothermia. Choose a pair with a soft, insulated lining made from materials like fleece or merino wool.
- Waterproof outer-shell. If your little one loves to play outside, gloves with a waterproof outer are a must-have. Waterproof gloves will keep hands warm and dry, so kids can get on with playtime.
- Clips or string to keep them together. Those 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:
Martina Garvey is an editor at The Bump, where she writes and edits e-commerce content covering pregnancy, postpartum and parenting topics. Over an eight-plus year career in educational publishing and digital media, Martina has developed a keen eye for detail and robust reporting skills. As a staff member on The Bump, she leverages an in-depth knowledge of must-have baby gear and postpartum essentials alongside a passion for the latest trends to create informative content parents can trust.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Healthy Children (AAP), Playing Outside in Winter: Tips to Keep Kids Warm & Safe, January 2023
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
