A great way to help keep kids warm in the winter is a puffy jacket, filled with either a down or synthetic insulation, these jackets often give a very “puffy” appearance, hence the name. Puffy or puffer jackets come in all styles, shapes, and budgets.
If you want to skip the info on insulation, click here to jump down to our top picks!
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Down vs. Synthetic Insulation
Down insulation and synthetic insulation both have lots of great properties. However, the type of insulation you choose will affect the price, warmth, weight of jacket, water resistance level, care level, and compressibility.
Down Insulation
Down is what is underneath the outer feathers on a bird and is made up of lightweight, soft, wispy filaments. Down is not feathers (although sometimes down and feathers are used together). The down insulates by trapping air which gives the bird its very own mid-layer. Down insulation typically comes from geese or ducks.
Down is very lightweight, easy to compress, and long lasting. When you care for it properly, down gear will last you many, many years. Down is best used in cold, dry conditions.
In recent years, there has ben some developments with making down a little more water repellant. Some companies have started to treat down with a hydrophobic (water hating) chemical to make it absorb less water and maintain loft. Now, the treatment doesn’t make it water proof, but will buy you some time in wet conditions.
Fill Power
When you are looking for a down jacket, you will also see a “Fill Power” number by it. Fill power is the down’s ability loft. Higher fill power means the down lofts more (taking up more space and trapping more air). One ounce of 600 fill power of down takes up less space than one ounce of 900 fill power of down. Goose down can reach a higher fill power than duck down, duck down will max out around 750.
Higher fill power doesn’t always mean warmer or better performing. Make sure to check out the construction of the baffles in the jacket, weight of the jacket, and other features that will affect overall performance.
Responsible Down
When looking at down products, you should also check to make sure that your down was responsibly sourced. For more information check out the Responsible Down Standard.
The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) aims to ensure that down and feathers come from animals that have not been subjected to any unnecessary harm. It is our hope that the standard can be used to reward and influence the down and feather industry to incentivize practices that respect the humane treatment of ducks and geese. We believe that education – through the RDS – is a meaningful way to drive demand for strong animal welfare practices. The standard also provides companies and consumers with a tool to know what is in their products, and to make accurate claims.
https://textileexchange.org/standards/responsible-down/
Synthetic Insulation
Synthetic insulation is a very popular choice. It can be very budget friendly, it still insulates when wet, is quick to dry, and is durable. There are many brands of synthetic insulation, but you should pay attention to the insulation type, whether it is a short-staple or continuous filament insulation.
Short-staple insulation has short strands of filaments that are densely packed to minimize heat loss(kind of like down). The fills are soft, flexible, and more compressible, but typically are not as long-lasting as other synthetics.
Continuous filament jackets have a thicker continuous filament that is lofty, strong and durable. It is also less likely to have the insulation shift around, but continuous filament doesn’t compress well and can feel stiffer than short staple.
Recommendations for Puffy Jackets for Kids
We’ve gathered some of our favorite jackets to share with you. To help you make an informed decision, we have listed the sizes available, the type of insulation, child car seat compatibility, and MSRP for each of the jackets available.
We have included if we believe the jacket would be able to work in a child car seat since that is a common question. We cannot guarantee that every jacket will fit well and it’s important that you do your own test with the jacket before driving off! It is also important to remember how many layers are under the jacket too. Here is a very quick and simple test using chalk from The Car Seat Lady.
We have also listed the MSRP for each of the jackets as a reference point, but don’t let sticker shock steer you away. Many of the jackets were found for well under the MSRP price when composing this article.
Best Puffy Jackets for Kids
These jackets are some of our teams favorite puffy jackets for their kids and we are sure they will keep your kids warm too! (jackets are listed alphabetically)
Akova (Shred Dog) Element Kids Insulator Jacket
Finally, a jacket that actually grows with your kid (and can get smaller again for the next). Filled with 3M™ Thinsulate™ insulation and coated with a DWR, this jacket is meant to be zipped into the Elevated Hardshell but works great on its own too. A friendly price point and bright colors make this a favorite.
Valid for any order at full price (not including Outlet and Renewed items that are already heavily discounted).
- Sizes: Kids 4-16
- Insulation: Synthetic
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: $74
Our kids wear their Shred Dog Insulator on a daily basis for school and skiing. They like how it is light and warm. It also zips into the Elevated Shell for a full system. Highly recommended!
TMM Founder Amelia
Akova Elevated Kids Insulator Jacket
Zipping in to the Elevated Hardshell or as a stand alone jacket, your kids will stay warm. Four way stretch and breathability make this a good choice for active kids.
Valid for any order at full price (not including Outlet and Renewed items that are already heavily discounted).
- Sizes: Kids 4-16
- Insulation: Synthetic
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: $115
Big Agnes Kids Ice House Jacket
Another favorite of TMM Founder Amelia, this one ranks on the high end of durability for her. If your kids will be sledding down hills “penguin-style” like Amelia’s kids, this is the one you want!
- Sizes: Kids XXS-L
- Insulation: 650 FP Downtek PFC-free™
- Child Car Seat Friendly: No, a little too puffy.
- MSRP Pricing: $170
Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Down Hooded Jacket
Lightweight down jacket that offers good warmth and compressibility. These can often be found at a decent price too! I have bought a couple of these for $25 or $30 on clearance.
- Sizes: S (7/8) to XL (16), Toddler 2T-4T
- Insulation: 650 fill power RDS Down with StormRepel® DWR treatment
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: $99
ColorKids Quilted Packable Jackets – Budget Pick
Quilted Packable Jackets from ColorKids Denmark, lightweight and affordable- perfect for layering without weighing down, okay in most car seats (always test), perfect for adding a little warmth to any outfit. These are simple and effective, no bells and whistles needed.
Some kids may find the smaller zippers difficult, but the trade off is they help keep the jackets more water/wind resistant and lightweight, with no big zipper pressing into you when layered tightly.
- Sizes: Kids 3Y – 8Y
- Insulation: Synthetic
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: $58
L.L. Bean Kids Ultralight 650 Down Jacket
Warm and light is what we love about the L.L. Bean Ultralight Down Jacket. Wind and water-resistant with recycled ripstop nylon shell. It even stuffs down small into a stowaway pocket when you need to drop a layer.
Looking for a tiny version? Check out the L.L.Bean Infant and Toddler Ultralight 650 Down Jacket.
- Sizes: Infant 6-12M to Big Kid XL/18
- Insulation: 650 fill power DownTek PFC-Free water-resistant down
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: Infants and Toddlers – $109 Kids – $149
Marmot Kids’ Polar Down Jacket
From school to the ski slopes, this puffy jacket will keep your kids warm and dry all winter long. This one has a few more features than others including a powder skirt and ski pass pocket.
- Sizes: Kids XXS to XL
- Insulation: 700 fill power down with down defender
- Child Car Seat Friendly: No, a little too puffy.
- MSRP Pricing: $185
Namuk Glow Reversible PrimaLoft Jacket
The reversible PrimaLoft jacket can withstand years of use. Great for layering under a shell or using it on its own!
- Sizes: 12-24M through 11-13 years
- Insulation: PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation BIO (100% Polyester PCR)
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: $109
This Namuk jacket is rather expensive, but so warm and can handle a lot. We’ve had two different sizes up to now and used them a lot for everything. Not one hole or anything!
TMM Team Member Chloë
Patagonia Down Sweater
This is by far the most recommended from our team and many others out there. The Down Sweater comes in a variety of sizes, so everyone in your family can sport one! It has a super durable recycled polyester shell that has been treated with a DWR (durable water repellant) finish.
Easy to layer and both windproof and water repellant, this jacket will keep you kids toasty all winter long. It works great under a snow shell or on its own on dry days. Also thin enough and compressible enough to work with child car seats.
- Sizes: Baby and Toddler 6M-5T, Kids XS-XXL, Men’s and Women’s too.
- Insulation: Baby and Toddler has 700 fill power recycled down. Boys and Girls have 600 fill power recycled down.
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: Baby and Toddler- $109 Boys and Girls- $139
- Also available directly from Patagonia.com
Primary Lightweight Puffer Jacket – Budget Pick
Made with recycled materials, this jacket is perfect for those cool weather days, or layering under a shell. Also comes in 14 different solid colors, a color for everyone!
- Sizes: Kids 2-12
- Insulation: Synthetic
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: $58
Reima Fossila Light Down Jacket
This jacket works great for chilly days or pair it with a shell for colder, wet days. A detachable hood and water repellent material makes this a versatile jacket.
- Sizes: Kids 4T to 14Y
- Insulation: 650 fill power RDS Down
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: $99
Snozu Hooded Puffer Jacket– BUDGET PICK!
Warm, lightweight and budget friendly, Snozu jackets are here for the win! The best prices were typically at Costco, but these are a seasonal item and you can only find them in the fall and early winter. You can also find a limited selection on Walmart.com. They typically run about $20 at Costco (but we haven’t seem them this season), but we have seen them priced as low as $12 as the season moves on.
- Sizes: Toddler 12M-5T and Kids 6-12
- Insulation: Synthetic
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Depends on style available, mostly not.
- MSRP Pricing: $30-$50
I think the Snozu Jacket is an awesome coat for the price. I normally buy name brand or well recommended stuff with gear—this was an exception. My husband bought them and the one is still in great condition 4 years later. I would highly recommend for anyone wanting a good, warm jacket at a great price point.
TMM Team Member Stephanie
Stio Kids’ Hometown Down Hooded Jacket
This insulated jacket is filled with a 650-fill, water repellent HyperDry™ down and updated in 2020 to a 100% Recycled HTD™ nylon outer for abrasion and weather resistance.
- Sizes: Kids 4-14
- Insulation: Allied Feather™ HyperDRY™ Water Repellent Down, 650 Fill
- Child Car Seat Friendly: No, a little too puffy.
- MSRP Pricing: $185
Town Hall Down Town Puffy
Town Hall is the new kid in town and we LOVE this brand and, particularly, this jacket. It is made from 100% recycled down so is warm despite being thin and light. We also love the PFC-free DWR finish which keeps the elements out and makes it a great choice for layering AND on its own.
- Sizes: Kids XS-XL
- Insulation: 100% Allied RENU certified recycled 650 fill power down
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: $160
Best Puffy Jackets for Toddlers and Babies
Not much is cuter than watching a toddler bop around in a tiny little puffy jacket. Having a puffy jacket that can compress safely in a car seat is even better! Keep reading for some of our top toddler picks to keep your little adventurer going.
Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Toddler Down Hooded Jacket
Lightweight down jacket that offers good warmth and compressibility. These can often be found at a decent price too! I have bought a couple of these for $25 or $30.
- Sizes: Toddler 2T-4T
- Insulation: 650 fill power RDS Down with StormRepel® DWR treatment
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: $79
L.L. Bean Baby and Toddler Ultralight 650 Down Jacket
Rocking the same quality of the big-kid version, this one is sized for the littles. An added hood and bigger baffles help retain warmth. Lightweight but warm!
- Sizes: Baby 6-12M through Toddler 4T
- Insulation: 650 fill power DownTek PFC-Free water-repellent down
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: $109
Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Sweater Hoodie
A bit warmer than the regular down sweater, this 700 fill power puffer will keep your little toasty warm. Both compressible and warm with a quilt-through construction to help keep down in place. The recycled polyester shell is lightweight, windproof with a high tear-strength and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish.
- Sizes: Baby 3-6M through Toddler 5T
- Insulation: 700 fill power 100% Recycled Down
- Child Car Seat Friendly: No, a little too puffy.
- MSRP Pricing: $149
Patagonia Down Sweater
One of the top recommended by TMM and readers! It has a super durable recycled polyester shell that has been treated with a DWR (durable water repellant) finish and is windproof. It works great under a snow shell or on its own on dry days. Also thin enough and compresses enough to work with child car seats.
- Sizes: Baby 3-6M through Toddler 5T
- Insulation: Baby and Toddler has 700 fill power recycled down.
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: $109
TMM Team Member Ginny
I put River in (a Patagonia Down Sweater) all winter long. Surprisingly durable for down and well-made, because Patagonia. Very warm and can layer it under a shell or even under a ski jacket if it’s below zero.
Polarn O. Pyret Lightweight Eco Puffer Jacket
Lightweight synthetic puffer with windproof and water-resistant material. A lightweight jacket on its own, but works great under a shell.
- Sizes: Toddler/Kids 2-3yr to 5-6yr
- Insulation: Synthetic
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: $79
We really like this one. The price is good especially because 20% off is frequent enough. It did snag though but maybe most do. However, it is on the lightweight side of puffy jackets.
TMM Team Member Jess R.
Primary Lightweight Puffer Jacket – Budget Pick
Made with recycled materials, this jacket is perfect for those cool weather days, or layering under a shell.
- Sizes: Baby 0-6M to 18-24M and Toddler/Kids 2-12
- Insulation: Synthetic
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: Baby $48 and Toddler/Kids $58
The North Face Baby Reversible Perrito Jacket
Warm and stylish, this reversible jacket looks good on all the babies and the flippable cuffs help keep their hands warm.
- Sizes: Baby 0-3M to 18-24M
- Insulation: Synthetic-recycled polyester
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Yes, when sized appropriately.
- MSRP Pricing: $90
Baby Buntings and One Piece Puffers
Fluff Down Snowsuit
Fluff Down Kids wear from Poland. Real, high quality anti-allergenic and ethically sourced down. While these jackets are powerhouses at layering, they really shine when worn as the only outer layer. They are thick and have a substantial weight while still not being heavy due to the down. The hood surrounds the face and provides a good amount of warmth.
- Sizes: Baby 6M through Toddler 6T
- Insulation: 750 cuin, 90% natural goose down
- Child Car Seat Friendly: No, probably too bulky and warm
- MSRP Pricing: $223
L.L. Bean Infants’ Ultralight 650 Down Bunting
Super warm and lightweight. Your little one won’t feel like Ralphie from “A Christmas Story” when they are exploring the snow. There are fold over feet and hands and it has an insulated hood.
- Sizes: 0-3M to 12-18M
- Insulation: 650 fill power DownTek PFC-Free water-repellent down
- Child Car Seat Friendly: Possibly, when sized appropriately- watch for overheating in the car.
- MSRP Pricing: $109
Eddie Bauer Infant Down Snowsuit
Very warm with a cozy lining and DWR finish. There are fold-over hands and feet and a hood. These run a little big, so don’t size up too much. Layer under a rain suit for a toasty, waterproof winter setup. This snowsuit was a steal when I found it for $25 and it lasted us two winters!
- Sizes: 0-3M to 12-18M
- Insulation: 650 fill Responsible Down Standard (RDS) down
- Child Car Seat Friendly: No, too puffy and warm.
- MSRP Pricing: $89
Taking Care of Your Puffer Jacket
Keep the puffy jacket ready for the next person. With proper care you can get many years of use out of your puffy jacket with these simple tips!
DON’T PLUCK!
With down, its important to try and keep all the down and feathers INSIDE the jacket. Its inevitable that some will poke through over time, but resist the urge to pull them out!! Instead, go to the inside of the jacket and pinch where the stray feather is and try to pull it back in. This will make sure the hole it already poked doesn’t get any bigger and cause more down loss.
Keep it Clean
Gear performs best when it is clean. This is especially true with down. If the down is getting dirty, it will not perform as well. Wash and dry your jackets according to the label. For down, you will need to tumble dry with clean tennis balls (or the like) to help restore loft.
We love using Nikwax wash-in products for all our gear. For down, use their Down Wash. You can even add some water repellency to your down with Down Proof. For synthetic fabrics, use their Tech Wash.
Fix That Hole or Tear
As soon as you notice something, get it fixed. We love using Gear Aid Tenacoiuos Tape or patches for all of our gear.
For a more fun way to patch up your gear, check out Noso Patches (available at REI)!
Quick Buying Tips
Puffy jackets, especially down, can be pricey. Here are a few quick tips to get the best bang for your buck!
- Watch for sales! Past season colors will typically be cheaper.
- Check out Patagonia’s used gear program Worn Wear or join a Patagonia BST group.
- Buy at the end of the “season”.
- Check your local Facebook Marketplace or online garage sales or Poshmmark.
Related Articles:
- Best Winter Gear for Kids
- Surviving (and Thriving) Below Zero with Kids
- How to Keep Kids Warm All Winter
- Finding Affordable Outdoor Gear for the Family
Best Puffy Jackets for Kids
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