How to wash and care for your child’s winter coat
Find out how to wash and care for your child’s winter coat to increase its longevity – and how to choose the right coat for your child.
Winter coats are a staple for many once temperatures drop and a good quality one can last years. However, knowing how to properly wash it can be a tricky task, especially children’s ones that can have complicated instructions attached.
To ensure a child’s coat can survive the playground and last throughout winter, JoJo Maman Bébé has enlisted their technical team to offer their top five care tips and explain which features to look out for when shopping for a new coat.
Five tips to help you care for your child’s winter coat
To get as much wear (and value) from your child’s winter coat, here are five care tips.
1) Pre-treat stains and air outside
Wash your child’s coat as necessary but where possible, allow to air outside to freshen up between washes. Or, many waterproof coats can simply be wiped clean between washes, to remove small marks. Always check the label of your item to make sure it’s machine washable and follow the care label guidelines.
2) Wash on a gentle cycle
When machine washing, use cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent that’s free of harsh chemicals. Using a gentle wash preserves the coat’s materials and prevents shrinkages and fading which can occur from hot water, this is especially important for waterproof coats to prevent damage to the waterproof coating.
3) Air dry where possible
Most fabrics can be air dried by laying the coat on a flat surface or by hanging it up in a well-ventilated area. Avoid placing the garment in a dryer as the high heat can cause some synthetic materials to melt or shrink.
4) Zip buttons before washing
Children’s coats typically have either buttons, velcro, or zips. When machine washing, make sure to close all fastenings and turn inside out if possible to prevent damaging other garments in the wash.
5) Carefully store over the warmer months
Over the warmer summer months, carefully store away your child’s coat in a breathable garment bag and avoid folding or compressing to prevent creases, or in the case of a puffer coat, to prevent flattening.
When to wash your child’s winter coat
The fabric of the coat will dictate how often you should wash it. For heavier coats like a puffer coat, wash as required, but always check the care label beforehand as washing instructions can differ from garment to garment.
Children’s lighter rain jackets or macs can be washed as required, or wiped clean to remove mud or dirt. However, fleeced jackets typically need washing more frequently as they can cling on to odours more than other fabrics so cleaning after every few wears would be best for these.
If a winter coat has been in storage over the warmer months, it’s best to freshen it up by either machine washing, if safe to do so, or by leaving it to air outside for a few hours.
How to choose the right winter coat for your child
Warmth and weather resistance are the most important features to look out for when choosing a new coat for your child. Puffer jackets are a great option for balancing both aspects, or look for a light waterproof jacket that can be layered over a jumper on colder days.
If you have a child that loves outdoor activities in winter, so expect their coat to get dirty easily and require frequent washing, a fleece-lined waterproof style may be a good option.
Considerate layering is the best way to ensure your child stays warm. Typically children’s coats are designed to fit layers such as a jumper or cardigan underneath, however if you want to size up to ensure extra room to grow it may last them an extra year or so.
Looking to refresh your child’s winter wardrobe? Check out JoJo Maman Bébé’s wide range of girls coats, boys coats, and baby cardigans.
