Outdoors
Obviously you want to encourage parents to send their children with appropriate clothing for the time of year, but it's also useful to have a stand-by supply of splash suits and wet weather gear so that everyone gets the chance to play outside.
The Togz Waterproof All-in-One is new to Urchin and comes in either navy and pink or navy and royal blue. Made from polyurethane-coated, Teflon-proofed nylon, this suit has taped seams, a zip guard and a built-in peaked hood to keep rain off the face. Available in several sizes, the toddler versions of the suit have leg stirrups and the older sizes have adjustable taped leg cuffs. All sizes have Velcro wrist adjustments to allow bulky layers to be accommodated. The suit is machine washable and comes in sizes to fit 12 to 18 months (83cm), 18 to 24 months (90cm), two years (97cm), three years (104cm), four years (110cm) and five years (120cm). Priced 27.95.
Telephone 0870 112 6006
www.urchin.co.uk
Bushbaby's Splash Suit is made from 100 per cent waterproof nylon with a hydrophilic coating that has reflective piping back and front, plus a peaked hood with a 'volume adjuster' to keep out water and cold. This suit also boasts two full-length diagonal front zips which, the maker claims, are unique to Bushbaby and designed to make it as quick as possible to put on and take off without the need to remove boots first. An anti-slip wear patch on the seat and attachment points for mittens and feet are also included and the suit is machine washable. Available in red or periwinkle blue, in sizes to fit six to 12 months, one year and two years, priced 25 from Cheeky Rascals.
Telephone 0870 873 2600
www.cheekyrascals.co.uk
The Walking, Running & Splashing range from Mindstretchers includes several items to stop children becoming wet and miserable when you take them outside. Dungarees in bright red or navy blue have Velcro tabs and elasticated straps to be extra hard wearing and long lasting. They are also designed with wide legs to make them easy and quick to put on and take off, and with extra room in the seat area to make them comfortable to kneel or sit down in. Priced 20. A jacket in this range is made from the same fabric, comes in red or navy and has fleece on the edge of the hood to help keep the face warm and Reflexite on the cuffs to aid visibility on gloomy days. Priced 28.
The Discovery waistcoat (above) comes in bright orange with lots of different coloured pockets for storing equipment and toys. The waistcoat is waterproof and windproof and is priced 18. A safety vest in luminous yellow with Reflexite strips on the front and back is also available, priced 8. All these items come in 100, 110 and 120cm sizes.
Telephone 01764 664409
www.mindstretchers.co.uk
From the Great Little Trading Company, the Waterproof All-in-One (left) is made from windproof, waterproof microfibre that, the company stresses, is also 'breathable'. The suit has a full-length zip, adjustable hood and peak and Velcro fastening on the sleeve cuffs and ankle with an elastic stirrup strap. The suit is also Teflon coated and has taped seams to keep water out. Available in red, pink or blue and in sizes to fit nine to 18 months, 18 to 30 months and three to four years. Priced 29.99.
Telephone 0870 850 6000
www.gltc.co.uk
Some children loathe being helped into and out of weatherproof suits and it's with this in mind that Wesco has produced its Outdoor Poncho. The Poncho is is made from a soft, lightweight waterproof fabric that can be washed at low temperature. The batwing armholes leave plenty of room for clothing underneath and make it easy for children to learn to slip the garment on and off themselves. Available in bright orange with a contrasting bias binding edging and Velcro fastening hood, the poncho comes in three sizes to fit 18 months to three years; four to six years and seven to ten years, priced from Pounds 9.30.
Telephone 0115 986 2126
www.wesco-group.com
Indoors
It's especially important at this time of year to ensure that children are properly covered up when they are playing with water or other messy activities inside because it is more difficult to get their clothes dry and keep them comfortable. Doodle
World stocks a good selection of cover-up tabards, bibs and aprons that are machine washable and splash proof. The tabard (above right) comes in a pack of ten to fit chest 86cm, length 50cm, priced 12 per pack. The long sleeved apron which fits chest 80cm, length 57cm, also comes as a pack of ten, priced 15, larger sizes to fit five- to six-year-olds are also available. Both cover-ups have back Velcro fastening, front pockets with a flower design, and are available in green, blue, orange or red. A new range of completely waterproof aprons and tabards is priced from 26.95.
Telephone 0191 5100188
www.doodle-world.com
Wesco's Cover-all comes in bright orange with red trim, similar to its poncho, and is made from a waterproof fabric that is designed to be 'ultra-light'. The cover-all has long sleeves with semi-open armholes to make it easy to put on and there is an 'identification pocket' at the front that can hold a photo or symbol. Measurements are 54(l) x 42(w)cm with a sleeve length of 35cm. The cover-all is machine washable at low temperature and is priced Pounds 8.60.
Contacts as before
The Great Little Trading Company stocks a Personalised Art Apron (not shown). This has a large front pocket for storing a note pad that is included with the apron, and small, 'crayon-sized' compartments at the hem of the apron that come with ten crayons. The apron fastens at the back with Velcro and measures 50cm in length, priced 14.99.
Contacts as before
Babies R Us offers a selection of Coveralls, including these pictured above. The brightly-coloured coveralls come in a variety of animal designs and are made from vinyl, which can be wiped clean. They have tie-fastenings which do up at the back. Suitable from age six months, priced 2.99.
Telephone 08457 869778
www.babiesrus.co.uk
Named aprons from Letterbox (below) come in a range of fabric patterns with the child's name embroidered on the front, according to the details you send the company. Perhaps this is something you could encourage parents to contribute to. The aprons are made from machine-washable cotton and come in two sizes - 56cm and 66cm length. Available in pink spotty, blue spotty, blue check, pastel stripes, primary stripes and pink stripes, priced from 13.99.
Telephone 0870 220 0311 www.letterbox.co.uk
FOR YOU
The Storytelling Apron from Mindstretchers is designed to make it easier to work and play outside with children. The tabard has a removable front 'bib'
that can be decorated or carry reminders about what you are working on - four spare bibs supplied. The rear half of the apron is waterproof so you can sit down when it is wet. Available in green with Velcro side fastening and in one size, priced 23.50. Contacts as before
