You may find your child’s nursery or playgroup assumes they will have one to take part in outdoor activities and, even as they get older, they’re useful for outdoor after-school clubs, forest school and more. They’re also great if you’re a family that goes camping, meaning you don’t need to be put off by a showery weather forecast, or limit your adventures to the height of summer. How do I choose the best puddle suit?

Think about just how waterproof you need it to be: Taped seams and some of the fancier fabrics and designs from Scandi companies are great if you want your child to be able to wade into streams and get really soaked. But if you just want something waterproof for the park or playground, you won’t need a heavy-duty option. Grown-On Hood - Designed for ease and comfort, the hood provides full head coverage, ensuring your child's head stays dry while adding an extra layer of protection from the elements. You really do get what you pay for with waterproofs, and it’s worth looking out for some of these extra features. You might not want all of them but consider which ones would make a real difference to you.Let your kids’ jump for joy in muddy puddles with an all-in-one rain suit. Boys’ or girls’ waterproof rain suits are great for popping over their clothes when heading out in the rain. Our unisex rain suits are designed with Coldheat and Tres-Tex technology, meaning they are super lightweight and durable which gives your child the maximum freedom of movement allowing them to stay comfortable whatever the outdoor activity. The waterproof suits are also breathable up to 3000mvp ideal for layering with thermals. The breathability property keeps them feeling warm and cosy, without overheating. As well as being waterproof and breathable, the rain suits will cancel out the wind due to the windproof finish. With added elasticated cuffs, ankles, and waist they’ll be happy to brave the outdoors no matter what the conditions may be.

Once on, kids will be super snug and dry inside. The suit has taped seams, elasticated cuffs and a hood to keep the rain out and a chin guard for added comfort. The breathable fabric stops them getting too sweaty inside and reflective piping makes them that bit easier to keep an eye on in the dark. Elasticated Cuffs and Ankles - No need to worry about rain seeping in through gaps in their clothing. This rain suit features elasticated cuffs and ankles that create a secure and watertight seal. You don't necessarily need one, but a puddle suit opens up outdoor play for kids, especially preschoolers, allowing them to run and splash in puddles as deep as they like, sit on swings without getting a wet bottom, and generally make the most of the great outdoors. Consider the age of your child: While all-in-ones are really snug and keep any hint of damp out, if your child is at the age where they’re potty training, or perhaps going to the loo independently but having difficulty with zips and buttons, a two-piece puddle suit might be a better choice.

Toddlers are drawn to muddy puddles like a moth to a flame and even the best winter coats for children only do a good job of keeping their upper body dry and warm, but with the best toddler puddlesuits, you'll never have to worry about soggy trousers again. Ask yourself how warm your child is in it: If you live in the Scottish Highlands or on the coast, and will be out in very blustery weather regularly, a fleece-lined version that works as a snowsuit is a good plan. But bear in mind that, in warmer climes, puddle suits can get pretty sweaty. Opt for a suit that’s just going to keep the rain out and add warmth with fleece layers as and when needed. However, with a good toddler puddlesuit, you'll not have to worry about wet clothes or you child complaining about their wet clothes after the puddle splashing fun is over. Like a footless baby grow, a puddlesuit is made from waterproof material to keep your little one fully dry.

It’s windproof as well as waterproof, which makes a big difference to how long they can stay out comfortably on a blustery day, and there’s plenty of room in the arms and legs so you can layer your child up for the weather. It’s worth knowing that this suit isn’t lined so it won’t keep them warm – you might want to size up to leave room for a few warm layers underneath in colder weather. However, this does give this puddle suit flexibility, as it can be used on rainy days all year round, without fear of overheating. Need to know

7. Best durable puddle suit: Helly Hansen K Bergen PU Playsuit

When the rain is pouring, the fun doesn't need to end. The Trespass kids' Dripdrop rain suit will ensure that they don't get cold and damp when they head outside on a wet day. Super colourful and comfortable, it is super breathable and windproof, too. What we like best about these dungarees though is the wide age range available (right up to 12 years) and the fact that they’re really roomy inside, so children can wear as many layers as they need underneath them. Need to know It’s quite hard to find decent waterproofs for big kids, but that doesn’t mean they stop needing them, and if your big kids wants to get close up to some pond action or paddle in a river (or just cycle to school without soaking their uniform), a pair of waterproof trousers like these are just the job. The Trespass one had good mileage. Lots of dog-walking in it" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Cantchooseaname Padded Design - The Dripdrop rain suit offers superior protection against the elements with its padded design. Your child will stay warm and dry even in wet and chilly weather.

If you’re looking for something with a bit of added ‘cosy factor,’ this puddle suit by outdoor experts Trespass is a good buy. From there, we cross-referenced to see which featured the most frequently to draw up a shortlist of 20 puddle suits. We then whittled these down to a top 10 – a selection that offers something for every child and budget. Why you should trust us Want some wellies to protect your children's feet from the snow, mud and rain? Our kid's wellington boots are excellent for keeping their feet dry and puddle-free. Our puddle-proof and hard-wearing kids' wellies will provide for double the fun at half the fortune. A kids' puddle suit is fun and super practical for extra protection in the rain.

We like the fact that it zips all the way down to the foot too, which makes getting them in and out of it much easier. Need to know For its overall practicality and the fact that it has a large range of sizes, we think the Regatta Charco All-in-One Suit is the best puddle suit on the market right now. How we chose our recommendations