Quick answer: For babies, toddlers and preschoolers, mittens are usually the better choice: they're warmer and easier to pull on. The Canadian Paediatric Society advises kids to "Wear mittens instead of gloves so that fingers can be bunched together for warmth." Gloves make more sense for school-age kids who can put them on alone and need grip.
Every winter, the same scene plays out at the door: one mitten on, one mitten lost, a toddler pulling their hand back into their sleeve, and a preschooler insisting on "big kid" gloves they can't get their fingers into. Choosing between mittens and gloves isn't only about style. It affects how warm small hands stay, how long your child can play outside and how many pairs go missing by February.
This guide compares mittens and gloves by age, explains what health organizations say about warmth and cold, and covers the practical side: how to keep mittens on, how to size them, how to dry them overnight and why a spare pair belongs in the daycare bag.
What this guide covers:
- Whether mittens are warmer than gloves, and when gloves make sense
- Mittens or gloves by age, from babies to school-age kids
- How to keep mittens on toddlers who pull them off
- Shell mittens vs. knit mittens, using the features brands list
- Sizing, drying and a simple routine for daycare and school
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you think your child has frostbite, or their skin stays numb, white or waxy, contact a health-care provider right away.
Are Mittens Warmer Than Gloves for Toddlers and Kids?
Yes. Canadian pediatric guidance recommends mittens for kids because fingers kept together inside one compartment stay warmer than fingers separated in a glove. The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) puts it plainly in its frostbite advice: "Mittens are better than gloves in really cold temperatures because your child can bunch their fingers together inside the mittens to help keep them warmer."
The CPS winter advice repeats the point for everyday outdoor play: children should "Wear mittens instead of gloves so that fingers can be bunched together for warmth."
Why do fingers get cold so fast?
Fingers are one of the body parts most likely to get frostbite. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explains that "Fingers, toes, ears, and noses are most likely to get frostbite," and the CPS lists "cheeks, ears, nose, fingers, and toes" as the most common places. Children are also more vulnerable to cold than adults. According to the AAP, "Because their bodies are smaller, they lose heat more quickly. Especially if they're having fun, they may be less likely to come inside when they're getting too cold."
That's the real problem with small hands: kids often don't stop playing to tell you their fingers are cold. A warmer mitten buys time, but checking in matters just as much.
Are gloves ever fine for kids?
Yes. The AAP's winter advice lists "Insulated boots, mittens or gloves, and a hat" as essentials, so gloves are a reasonable choice when they fit well and the weather isn't extreme. Gloves can make sense for:
- Older kids who can put them on alone and keep them on
- Activities that need grip, such as holding poles, a sled rope or a hockey stick
- Milder or drier days, when finger warmth is less of a concern
On really cold days, the CPS guidance favors mittens, even for kids who usually wear gloves.
What about wet hands?
Wet mittens or gloves get cold fast, whichever style your child wears. The CPS advises families to "Remove wet clothing and boots immediately after playing," and the AAP says to "Make sure children change out of any wet clothes right away." This is why the outer fabric, the cuff length and a spare dry pair matter as much as the mitten-or-glove decision.
Mittens or Gloves: Which Suits Each Age?
Choose by your child's hand skills and independence, not only by age. A child who can't yet work five fingers into five slots will end up with cold, half-on gloves. Here's a practical guide, using AAP developmental milestones as a reference point:
| Age | What their hands can do | Usual choice |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 | Can't keep mittens on or say when they're cold | Mittens attached to a snowsuit, or clip-on baby mittens |
| 1 to 2 | Uses a pincer grasp; helps a little with dressing | Mittens with a long cuff and a clip |
| 3 to 4 | Starts dressing and undressing (coat, jacket, shirt) | Easy pull-on mittens; practice at home |
| 5 and up | Dresses without help; buttons medium-size buttons | Mittens for cold days; gloves for grip and milder days |
Babies under 1
Babies need the most help staying warm. The CPS says "Babies need extra care and bundling because they cannot generate body heat or tell you if they are cold the way an older child can." The CPS frostbite guidance adds that "Babies and toddlers are more at risk of frostbite since they don't move as much and can't tell us when they are cold."
At this age, gloves aren't practical. Many parents use a snowsuit with mittens built in or attached. The Baby Original One-Piece Puffy Snowsuit in Black, for example, comes with removable fleece-lined mittens and booties, as Deux par Deux lists. Deux par Deux makes it in baby sizes up to 30m/2T. For hats and head warmth at this age, see our guide to whether a newborn needs to wear a hat.
Toddlers, 1 to 3
Toddlers are the champion mitten-removers. They're curious, they want to touch the snow and they can now pull things off. The AAP's 12-month milestones include "Uses pincer grasp," which means a toddler can grab a mitten tip and tug. Mittens with a long cuff, an elastic wrist and a clip work better than short cuffs that slide off. A long cuff works best when the snowsuit sleeve reaches the wrist too. On the Kids One Piece Play Snowsuit Sage Green And Gray, Deux par Deux lists sleeves that extend 4 cm, in sizes 2 to 14.
The Play Baby Winter Mittens Dusty Pink come in size 12/24m, which Deux par Deux lists for a child measuring 71 to 86 cm (28 to 33.75 in). The brand lists an elastic wrist, an extended cuff, a rubberized grip palm and an attachment clip for snowsuits. Older toddlers can move into kids' sizes starting at 2/3. Shopping for a gift? Our Christmas gift ideas for a 1-year-old pair clip-on mittens with a warm hat as a winter walk kit.
Preschoolers, 3 to 5
This is the age of independence. The AAP lists "Dresses and undresses self (coat, jacket, shirt)" among milestones for 3- to 4-year-olds. Preschoolers can learn to put on their own mittens, which matters at daycare, where one adult may be helping a whole group get dressed.
Pull-on mittens with one thumb and a wide opening are the easiest to master. The Play Winter Mittens Violet, for example, have a pull-on design that, according to Deux par Deux, kids can tug on by themselves, plus an elastic wrist and a long cuff that overlaps the end of the coat sleeve. Deux par Deux makes them in sizes 2/3 to 15/16.
School-age kids, 5 and up
Many kids are ready for gloves once they can dress themselves. The AAP's milestones for 4- to 5-year-olds include "Dresses and undresses without assistance" and "Unbuttons and buttons medium-size buttons." Gloves give better grip for ski poles, sled ropes and snowball building.
Notice the size ranges too: Deux par Deux starts its kids' mittens at size 2/3 but its Teknik Winter Gloves Navy Blue at size 6/7. The brand lists Cordura fingertip reinforcement, a rubberized palm, a gauntlet cuff with an elastic drawcord and a removable wrist leash. They come in sizes 6/7 to 15/16. On the coldest days, keep a pair of mittens for recess, as the CPS advice suggests.
How Do You Keep Mittens On a Toddler?
Choose mittens with a long cuff, connect them with a clip instead of a string, make sure they fit and build a routine that puts them on last and checks them often. Most "lost mitten" problems come from a short cuff, the wrong size or a gap at the wrist.
1. Pick a long cuff
A long cuff (sometimes called a gauntlet) covers the wrist and overlaps the coat sleeve, so there's no bare gap when a child reaches up. Deux par Deux lists an extended cuff on its PLAY mittens and a gauntlet cuff with a drawcord on its TEKNIK line. A cuff that goes over the sleeve also keeps snow from getting in at the wrist.
2. Decide: over or under the sleeve?
There are two ways to close the gap at the wrist:
- Over the sleeve: Put the coat on first, then pull a long-cuff mitten up over the sleeve. This works well for snow play, because snow can't get into the cuff.
- Under the sleeve: Put short-cuff mittens on first, then pull the coat sleeve down over them. If your child's base layer or sweater has thumbholes, use them: the thumbhole holds the inner sleeve in place under the mitten, so the wrist stays covered when the coat sleeve rides up.
3. Use mitten clips, not strings
Clips keep mittens attached to the coat when a toddler pulls them off. The CPS advises families to "Use a neck warmer instead of a scarf, and mitten clips instead of a string to prevent choking." Several Deux par Deux mittens include a clip: the brand lists a hook that attaches the PLAY mittens to a snowsuit and a second clip that keeps the pair together. For the neck-warmer half of that advice, see our guide to neck warmers, scarves and balaclavas for kids.
4. Use the straps
If the mittens have a wrist strap or drawcord, tighten it after the mitten is on. On the Teknik Winter Mittens Black, Deux par Deux lists a gauntlet cuff with a drawcord, an adjustable wrist strap, a removable wrist leash and a joining clip. They start at size 2/3, so preschoolers can wear the same style as older siblings.
5. Thumb first, then fingers
For toddlers, find the thumb first. Hold the mitten open, guide the thumb into the thumb pocket, then slide the fingers in. A mitten with the thumb in the wrong place gets pulled off within minutes.
6. Mittens go on last
Do hat, coat, boots and zippers first, then mittens. Once a toddler's hands are covered, they can't help with zippers or buttons, and you'll be fighting the mittens the whole time.
7. Check often
The CPS says to "Check often to see that your child is warm and dry," and adds a useful rule: "If your child's feet and hands are warm, what they are wearing is usually good." Slip a finger inside the cuff during play. If the inside is damp or the hands feel cold, it's time for a break or a dry pair.
Shell Mittens or Knit Mittens: Which Do Kids Need?
For snow play, choose mittens with a coated shell the brand describes as water-resistant or waterproof. For dry, cold days in the stroller or walking to school, knit mittens can be enough. Many families own one of each.
Shell (snow) mittens
Snow mittens have an outer fabric designed to keep snow and slush out, with an insulated or fleece lining inside. Ratings come from the brand, so read them as the brand's own claims:
- For its PLAY mittens, Deux par Deux lists a polyurethane-coated shell with a 10,000 mm waterproof rating, 5,000 g/m²/24h breathability, a fixed brushed microfiber lining and a -30°C (-22°F) cold rating. The Play Winter Mittens Dusty Pink come in every size from 2/3 to 15/16.
- For its TEKNIK mittens, the brand lists a 15,000 mm waterproof rating, 15,000 g/m²/24h breathability, Cordura reinforcement and a zippered pocket for a heat pack (not included) or venting.
Keep cold ratings in perspective. A brand rating describes the product, but health guidance sets the limits for outdoor time. The CPS suggests families "Consider keeping them indoors whenever the temperature or the wind chill is reported to be -27°C (-16°F) or lower," and to "Plan to reduce the amount of time children spend outside when the temperature falls to -15°C (5°F) or colder, with or without wind chill." For more on how ratings work, see our guide to snowsuit temperature ratings.
Knit mittens
Knit mitts are soft, easy to pull on and quick to throw in a pocket. They're a good choice for stroller rides, errands and dry days, and as a backup pair. They are not designed for packing snowballs, and Deux par Deux doesn't list its knit pairs as waterproof.
The Knit Mittens Black, for example, are listed by Deux par Deux as a ribbed knit of 45% viscose, 35% nylon and 20% polyester, with a lined interior and a ribbed cuff. They come in sizes 2/4, 5/8 and 10/14.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Shell (snow) mittens | Knit mittens |
|---|---|---|
| Snow play and slush | Designed for it (check the brand's ratings) | Get wet quickly |
| Dry, cold walks | Work well | Work well |
| Easy to pull on | Look for an elastic wrist and pull-on design | Usually easy |
| Drying | Follow the label; some allow a low tumble dry | Follow the label; some say do not tumble dry |
| Typical use | Recess, sledding, snow forts | Stroller, errands, backup pair |
How Should Kids' Mittens and Gloves Fit?
Mittens should cover the wrist, leave a little room at the fingertips and stay on without squeezing. Too big, and they slide off or let snow in. Too small, and they pinch, restrict movement and get pulled off.
How to read mitten sizes
Kids' mittens are usually sized by age ranges such as 2/3, 4/5 and 6/7. Some brands also list body measurements. Deux par Deux, for example, lists its 12/24m baby mittens for children measuring 71 to 86 cm. If your child is tall for their age or between sizes, compare their height with the brand's size guide.
Fit checklist
- Fingertips: A little room at the end, so fingers can wiggle. No more than that, or the tips fold over.
- Thumb: The thumb reaches the end of the thumb pocket without bending.
- Wrist: The cuff covers the wrist bone and overlaps the coat sleeve.
- Grip: Your child can make a fist and hold a toy or a sled rope.
- Gloves: Each finger reaches the end of its sleeve. Empty fingertips get cold and make gripping harder.
When should you size up?
Check the fit at the start of each winter and again midseason. Kids grow quickly, and last year's mittens may be fine for a dry walk but too short at the cuff for snow play. If your child is near the top of a size range, the next size up will usually last the whole season. For coats and snowsuits, see our snowsuit size guide, so the mitten cuff and coat sleeve work together.
How Do You Dry Kids' Mittens Overnight?
Turn the cuffs open, let them air dry at room temperature away from direct heat and follow the care label. Wet mittens are cold mittens the next morning, so a simple routine at the door helps.
- Empty them. Shake out snow and ice as soon as your child comes in.
- Open the cuffs. Loosen drawcords and straps so air can get inside.
- Stand them up or use a rack. Stand mittens cuff-up or hang them on a drying rack with air around them.
- Keep them away from direct heat. Deux par Deux's care notes for its PLAY and TEKNIK mittens say to "keep away from heat sources," so skip the radiator, heater or fireplace.
- Don't pull the lining out. Many snow mittens have a fixed lining; Deux par Deux lists a fixed brushed microfiber lining on its PLAY and TEKNIK styles. Pulling it out can make it hard to put back.
- Wash only as the label says. Deux par Deux lists "Machine wash cold; do not bleach; tumble dry low; no fabric softener" for its PLAY and TEKNIK mittens, but says do not tumble dry for its knit mittens.
For full care routines for outerwear, see our guide to caring for kids' snowsuits and winter jackets.
Why Pack a Spare Pair for Daycare and School?
Because one wet pair can end outdoor play. Daycare and school kids often go outside more than once a day, and mittens rarely dry completely between morning and afternoon recess. A dry spare pair means your child can keep playing, and it follows the CPS advice to remove wet clothing right after playing.
A simple daycare mitten system
- Two pairs at daycare or school: one on, one in the cubby or backpack.
- A pair at home drying: rotate every day.
- Label everything: write your child's name inside the cuff. Mittens look alike in a pile of 20.
- Pick a different color for each child: siblings at the same daycare are less likely to mix up pairs.
- Practice at home: preschoolers who can pull on their own mittens get outside faster.
- Clip them on: a clip keeps a pulled-off mitten attached to the coat, so it doesn't end up under the snow.
Browse kids' gloves and mittens for pairs in every size, and winter accessories for hats and neck warmers. For how mittens fit into the rest of a winter outfit, see our guide to layering kids' clothes for fall and winter and our tips on how to keep kids warm in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mittens or gloves warmer for toddlers?
Mittens. The Canadian Paediatric Society says mittens are better than gloves in really cold temperatures because children can bunch their fingers together inside them to stay warmer.
At what age can kids wear gloves?
There's no set age. Gloves work well once a child can put them on alone and fit each finger into place. Many kids are ready around school age. On very cold days, mittens are still the warmer choice.
How do I keep mittens on my toddler?
Choose a long cuff that overlaps the coat sleeve, tighten any wrist strap, put mittens on last and use mitten clips. Check often during play and swap in a dry pair if they get wet.
Are mitten strings a good idea?
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends mitten clips instead of a string to prevent choking. A clip attaches each mitten to the coat sleeve.
Do kids need waterproof mittens?
For snow play, choose mittens with a shell the brand rates as waterproof, and check the brand's listed rating. Knit mittens work for dry, cold days but get wet quickly in snow.
How do I dry mittens quickly?
Shake out the snow, open the cuffs and air dry at room temperature. Keep them away from radiators and heaters, and only tumble dry if the care label allows it.
How many pairs of mittens does a child need?
Most kids do well with two or three pairs: one to wear, one spare for daycare or school and one drying at home. Add a knit pair for dry days if you like.
Bottom Line
For most kids under school age, mittens win: they keep fingers warmer, they're easier to put on and they suit the way toddlers and preschoolers play. Choose a long cuff, use clips instead of strings, check the fit each winter and keep a dry spare pair ready. Gloves are a fine choice for older kids who need grip, but on the coldest days, mittens are the warmer pick.
Sources
- Canadian Paediatric Society, Caring for Kids: Frostbite (last updated February 2023)
- Canadian Paediatric Society, Caring for Kids: Winter safety: Advice for parents and kids (last updated February 2023)
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Playing Outside in Winter: Tips to Keep Kids Warm & Safe (last updated January 2026)
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Developmental Milestones: 12 Months
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Developmental Milestones: 3 to 4 Year Olds
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Developmental Milestones: 4 to 5 Year Olds
- Deux par Deux: Size Guide
