Best Down Parkas for Kids
Down parkas are one of the best outerwear options for children during the winter. With the wide range of down parkas available for children, selecting the best option for your child can seem like a daunting task. To ensure you get the best quality parka, avoid shopping exclusively by price. Down Parks are great, because providing adequate outerwear protection for your children during the cold months of the year can help prevent runny noses and run-down immune systems.
Play Time
For many adults, the winter months means more time inside to enjoy the heat. However, for children, winter is not always a time to hibernate. In fact, many children rush outside at the first opportunity to touch fresh fallen snow. Down parkas that are quilted allow the child to move around with ease while playing outside. Overstuffed coats and those without sufficient quilting are unnatural and stiff which can lead to injuries if the child loses balance. Your child’s parka should always allow him or her to see clearly from left to right without the obstacle of an overstuffed collar.
Layers
One of the simplest ways to keep your children warm during the winter is through layers. However, when sweaters and sweatshirts are a part of the child’s layers, finding a coat to fit correctly can be a challenge. The best down parka is just large enough to fit the child’s layered clothing underneath. This usually means going up one size.
Length
Down parkas come in a range of lengths and shapes. Full-length parkas are appropriate for children who live in regions with bitter, long winters. They protect children from their heads to just below the knee. When buying a full length down parka, it is important that the down is thin enough to allow your child to walk comfortably, but thick enough to prevent wind chills from entering the coat. For example, Patagonia makes a great wind-proof full-length down parka for girls.
Most parkas for children are mid-length, which means that the bottom of the coat ends at the child’s upper thighs. Mid-length parkas are appropriate for milder climates where winters are not usually harsh. Still, mid-length parkas should include extensive weatherproofing to protect the child in rain or snow. The shortest length parkas are usually vests. Down vests are usually only appropriate during the fall.
Brands
Choosing a quality brand helps you to ensure that you get the best parka for your children. Brands like Patagonia, The North Face and Columbia specialize in outerwear with special lines available for children. These brands are meticulous in the crafting of their down parkas with features such as water repellent surfaces and tear proof fabrics. A quality down parka may require a larger initial investment, but generally lasts much longer than a less quality brand.
An additional feature to look for in your child’s down parka is the lining. The lining should be soft to the touch with a 2-way zipper that is accessible from both inside and outside the coat. Overall, the manufacturer’s experience level in making weather-ready products is what makes the best down parka. Purchasing a coat simply because it is on sale or to make a fashion statement can leave your child freezing during the winter.
