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5 Best Toddler Snow Gloves & Mittens for Winter

When that time of year comes around and your kids can’t wait to play in the snow, it’s important to have the best toddler snow mittens or gloves to keep them safe! I think that mittens are the most important. Playing in the snow without mittens may cause frostbite relatively quickly, especially in small children. My kids always think that I’m going overboard when I wrap them in multiple layers, but it really is important for your children’s safety.

Being a mother of 3, I’ve done my research on the best snow mittens, and I’ll share my findings below.

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Things to Keep in Mind when Buying Toddler Mittens

Now, over the years I’ve discovered that there are a few essentials mittens should have. An important question that may cross your mind is

What’s the Difference Between Mittens and Gloves?

Although it’s obvious that gloves give fingers more agility, they’re not recommended in terms of warmth. Mittens are better since your fingers have nothing separating them, they’ll keep your kids hands warmer.

Even though mittens aren’t as dexterous, they’ll be useful for some snow activities like making snowballs or even skiing. They’re not great in terms of warmth only.

Snow Gloves Vs Snow Mittens

Types of Mitten Insulation

There are 2 kinds of insulation when it comes to choosing the right mittens for your children.

Down Insulation

This is an expensive kind of insulation. Down insulation is known for how long it lasts and for its breathable material.

The downside of down insulated mittens is that they aren’t waterproof. This will cause the mittens to get ruined faster.

In order to keep them protected and lasting longer, down insulated mittens will usually have a plastic covering.

Girl playing in the snow

Synthetic Insulation

This is the most common kind of insulation used. It has great waterproof material that’s perfect for use in the snow.

Although it offers a little less warmth than down insulation, it’s the go-to choice when you have active kids like mine who want to always play and mess around in the snow!

I highly recommend getting mittens that have longer cuffs. Something that I’ve discovered was with the shorter mittens snow tends to slip right in. Thus defeating the purpose of mittens in the first place.

How Important is the Mitten Material?

There are a couple of common materials that you’ll find in the market. It’s important to pay attention to functionality rather than the look or design.

If you were to find some that serve both purposes then, great!

Knitted Wool

What’s great about this material is the design. They come in all sorts of colors and look. They keep hands warm and they’re breathable.

Something I love about them is that wool in its nature is antibacterial, so you don’t have to worry about unwanted odor left behind.

The problem with wool though is that it’s not waterproof! So although they serve the purpose of keeping hands warm, it’s not suggesting to do any winter activities with them.

Fleece

Fleece is a man-made material. Although they’re not as common to find mittens that are 100% fleece. Fleece keeps hands warm depending on the type that’s used.

So make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before buying to see what kind of temperature this type of mittens can sustain.

Leather

Leather mittens are the most common material used with both mittens and gloves. The reason is that leather doesn’t get affected by the cold weather and maintains its flexibility.

Again, keep in mind that not all leather is waterproof. Some you’d need to treat with water repellents.

The Importance of Waterproofing

Nowadays almost all of the mittens are waterproof and breathable. A great brand like Gore-Tex guarantees that no water can sneak in!

They’re known in the market for their unique material. Gore-Tex’s waterproof proof material isn’t the only quality. They also have great moisture control.

Most of the other manufacturers have created their own waterproof materials as well. You’d need to check it’s clearly written on the tag when buying.

You need to be extra careful with those mittens that say ‘water repellent’ though. That doesn’t mean they’re waterproof! Some manufacturers can be a bit tricky with their choice of words.

The Best Mittens to Buy for Your Toddler

Below you’ll find some of the best mittens that you could choose from for your toddler.

I’ll also point out one or two of my absolute favorites and why I think they’re the best, read along!

#1. Zelda Matilda Mittens

These mittens come in a wide variety of colors that will suit any child. What’s so great about them is that they’re perfect winter activities. Also, they’re absolutely good-looking!

Another thing that I loved about those mittens is the long cuffs and adjustable strap. This way you can be assured that snow won’t slip inside them.

It’s made with 80-gram Thinsulate, which is perfect for the average winter day (around 15°C).

Things I Like

  • Perfect for any winter activity
  • Waterproof
  • Breathable membrane
  • Adjustable hook
  • Long cuff

Things I Don’t Like

  • The size might be a little off, check measurements before buying

#2. N’Ice Caps Toddler Mittens

N’Ice caps are from Minnesota and they know the true meaning of coldness. That’s why they created these mittens, perfect for the hard to handle winter days.

Those mittens keep your hands warm. They’re water and snow proof, and most importantly, they’re made with 3M Thinsulate.

Those mittens have an easy to put on option, making it easy for any toddler to put on. It’s even suitable for first-time toddlers, it’s comfortable and can easily be adjusted.

Things I Like

  • Easy on
  • Elastic on wrist area for a tight grip
  • Hook and loop tight closure
  • Waterproof
  • Keeps hands warm
  • Snowproof
  • 3M Thinsulate
  • 5-inch cuff

Things I Don’t Like

  • Velcro may rip off with rough handling
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#3. Miaowoof Waterproof Mittens

Your toddler will fall in love with those mittens the minute they lay eyes on them. They have a cute design suitable for your young ones.

They’re also water and snow proof and made with high Thinsulate quality. The mittens have a 2.5 inch knitted cuff, they’ll fit tightly on your child’s wrist.

What I found great about those mittens were the grippy palm and thumb area. This way your kids won’t have a hard time gripping onto ski poles for example.

Things I Like

  • Waterproof
  • Snowproof
  • Cute design
  • Adjustable wrist strap

Things I Don’t Like

  • Strap may fall out with rough handling
  • The design may wear out if not stored properly
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#4. MCTi Waterproof Mittens

You’ve got to love the extra long cuffs on these mittens. From how long they’re it’s almost impossible for snow to sneak in.

Another great feature MCTi offers is the reflector tape. Your kids can easily play out during foggy days without the worry of being unseen.

It’s made with environmentally friendly nylon fabric. As well as PU grippers making it easy to hold onto objects.

These mittens will keep your hands safe especially that they have inner fleece.

Things I Like

  • Fleece lining
  • Durable nylon fabric
  • Environment-friendly fabric
  • Anti-lost string
  • Long cuff
  • Wrist buckle
  • Reflector tape

Things I Don’t Like

  • The size might be too big, check the measurement chart before buying
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#5. Chakka Snowblokka Snow Mittens

These mittens are made for active children who love to play in the snow for hours. It’s made with durable nylon material and a 3m Thinsulate.

You won’t have to worry about any snow going in since it has a long cuff. You’d need to make sure that your child puts on the mittens first then the coat. This way it guarantees it won’t fall off.

Things I Like

  • Extra-long cuff
  • 3m Thinsulate
  • Waterproof
  • Made with nylon material

Things I Don’t Like

  • Mittens may rip with excessive use
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The Best of the Best

You’ll find that the mittens I’ve mentioned are in the same price range. So when it comes to choosing the best one, price isn’t a factor.

In my opinion, I strongly believe that N’Ice Caps Toddler Mittens is the best choice. It’s made of great material.

Not only will it keep your toddlers’ hands warm, but it also won’t allow any water or snow to get in touch with your kid’s hands. N’Ice Caps offers a ton of sizes that are suitable for kids as little as 1-year-old up to 12 years of age. So you’ll definitely find the right size easily for your child.

Last but not least, even though the cuff isn’t as long as other mittens mentioned. You should simply put the mittens on first before the jacket. Thus, you’re ensuring that they won’t fall out.