Attention Puddleducks Monday: a mix of sun and clouds. Tuesday: rain showers. Wednesday: rain showers turning to flurries. Springtime in Vancouver means being prepared for whatever the weather throws at you. But no matter what the weather, kids make the most of it. They don’t see rain as any impediment to getting outdoors and playing. In fact the deeper and muddier the puddles, the happier they are. So kitting them out in great raingear - like ÖKO-tex certified Puddlegear - is both a necessity and an investment on the wet coast. This hardwearing raingear from Swedish company Abeko is 100% waterproof, machine washable and comfortably soft. All the pieces have reflective tape to make your kids extra visible on grey days. But what Puddlegear doesn’t have is as interesting as what it does. It’s PVC and phthalate-free. Because PVC and phthalates in clothing are no better for kids than they are in personal care or feeding products. PVC and phthalates have been popping up a lot in our articles lately because they’ve got us a bit worried. PVC, sometimes known as the “poisonous” plastic often contains lead and uses phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, to make it soft. PVC just isn’t good for us or the environment. So luckily there’s a whole range of Puddlegear - in a whole range of colour - to choose from. You can mix and match jackets and pants, pick a full set or go head to toe with a muddy buddy. And accessorize with hats and mitts that are so waterproof that you could practically wash dishes with them. You can find Puddlegear for kids from six months to nine years. Alas, safer raingear isn’t the cheapest raingear around. But since Puddlegear is built to last with strong poppers, tear-resistant fabric, and adjustable fit with the pants, if you are going to invest why not buy a size up so it lasts your tot for a few seasons? That’ll also makes it easier to layer up, which means more time spent outside puddle jumping.

review provided by
Yoyo Mama
on: Feb 25, 2009