Jacket for preschool: How to choose a practical jacket for children in the Danish autumn and winter

When your child is in daycare, the jacket needs to work in real life: on the playground, on the bike or in the stroller, and during the many trips in and out. The best daycare jacket is therefore not only warm. It should also give your child freedom to move and suit the Danish autumn and winter weather.

What makes a jacket good for daycare?

Start with your child’s everyday routine rather than the calendar. A child who runs and plays outside a lot has different needs from a child who mostly sits in a stroller or waits during drop-off.

• Freedom of movement: Your child should be able to raise their arms, climb and play without the jacket feeling tight across the shoulders and back.
• Room for layers: There should be enough space for a sweater or fleece underneath without the jacket becoming oversized and bulky.
• Everyday protection: Choose a model that suits the wind, moisture and the amount of time your child actually spends outdoors.
• Easy to put on and take off: The zipper, hood and cuffs should be simple enough for a busy morning and an active day.

Transitional jacket or winter jacket?

In Denmark, the weather changes quickly. A transitional jacket is often practical on mild, windy autumn days, while a warmer winter jacket or down jacket is a better choice when the cold and chill increase. Consider the temperature, wind, rain and your child’s activity level as a whole - not just the number in the weather forecast.

If your family has both a lighter jacket and a warmer winter jacket, it becomes easier to dress your child appropriately throughout the season. It is also more flexible than using one very warm jacket from September to March.

It can be a good idea to check DMI's local weather forecast before drop-off. Wind and moisture can be just as important as the temperature.

How to choose the right size

A daycare jacket can have a little extra room for an additional layer, but it should still fit well around the shoulders and wrists. If it is too large, your child may have difficulty moving freely; if it is too small, the room for layering quickly disappears.

Try the jacket with the clothes your child will typically wear in daycare. In particular, check whether your child can reach their arms forward, squat down and fasten the zipper without help.

For younger and older children

For the youngest children, comfort, freedom of movement and easy dressing are often the most important factors. School-aged children can be more involved in choosing a model that suits their everyday life and style. Regardless of age, it is an advantage to choose a jacket your child wants to put on every day.

See our jackets for children from 9 months to 6 years or our jackets for children from 6 to 14 years.

Remember safety when your child plays

Avoid long, loose cords and drawstrings around the head and neck when children are playing. See the Danish Safety Technology Authority's advice on safe children's clothing.

Quick checklist before you choose

• Is the jacket suitable for the time your child spends outdoors at daycare?
• Is there room for a layer underneath without restricting movement?
• Can your child manage the zipper and hood as independently as possible?
• Is the model suitable for the current weather - and not just the season?
• Is your child comfortable in the jacket while playing?

Frequently asked questions

Should a child wear a winter jacket throughout the autumn?

No. It depends on the weather, wind and your child’s activity level. A lighter jacket may be enough on mild days, while a warmer model provides better comfort when the weather turns cold.

How much room should there be in a daycare jacket?

There should be room for regular everyday clothes and an extra layer, but the jacket should not be so large that it hinders your child while playing and moving.

Find more guides and advice for parents on Lilla Villa.

Find a children's jacket for everyday life: Choose the model that suits your child’s age, activity level and the weather you encounter on the way to daycare.