Dexter’s nursery hold an outside session every Monday where they’ll sit around a bonfire telling stories, playing games and toasting marshmallows. Everyone I tell about this says something to the effect of “how nice”, but I’m not so keen. They’ll go out whatever the weather (rain included) and Dexter comes home stinking of black smoke, covered in mud and with a face full of snot. Apparently, they’ll be inviting parents to participate in a lesson next month but I think I might be ill that day.
We received a list of “suggested kit” before we enrolled him and bought a pair of two-piece waterproofs without too much thought. On that first Monday we quickly realised that more experienced parents had opted for all-in-one suits. So now, on Monday afternoon Dexter will literally have to strip on the doorstep outside and be carried straight to a bubble bath, whereas his pal’s ankles, tummies and heads stay mud-free and dry.
When I spotted that one of my favourite children’s companies, Hippychick have their own waterproof range, I got in touch to arrange a review.
Who are Hippychick?
Hippychick are real innovators in the children’s accessories world. They stock all the things you didn’t know you needed until you have them - genius products that make everyday activities with your child that much easier. We’ve bought numerous things from them, including their buggy lights which have proved essential given we live in a poorly lit village. I’m also eying up their dream tubes for Heidi who is soon to transition to her first ever big girl bed.
Featured: ‘Buggi’ Buggy Lights £14.99 / Hippychick Dream Tubes from £29.99 / Flipfoot Sleepsuit £15.99 / Totseat Travel Baby High Chair £24.50
So what about these waterproofs then?
Simply put, I’m massively impressed. We ordered size 3-4 years for Dexter and it’s very generous size-wise (he is on the small side, but it will easily accommodate a taller heavier 4 year old). There are Velcro adjustments at the ankle, wrists, hips and on the hood to ensure a snug fit and ensure rain stays out. It also secures snugly at the neck with a little hood to stop the tip of the zip coming in to contact with Dexter’s chin, with a fabric zip-pull so he can get dressed himself.
The pockets are another neat feature as it means we he can stash a wad of tissues in there when his nose runs. They’re also nice and deep so can take a Fruit Shoot and packet of crisps too (… or even a toy Spider-man - the two are surgically attached after-all..). These are secured with some heavy duty Velcro, so no fiddly zips should he need to access them.
The Hippychick Shell All-in-One Kids Waterproof Suit is their lighter weight suit. That’s to say it’s perfect for spring and autumn when the weather is reasonably warm yet unpredictable. In reality, this means they’re likely to get muddy quickly as grass is likely to be slick underfoot. Yet unlike other waterproofs, not only is the Hippychick wipe-clean, it can also be popped in the washing machine to cleanse away stubborn dirt.
Style-wise, I love the contrasting trims and Dexter looks really comfortable in it. We recently took him on a walk in the woods were the weather turned on us quite unexpectedly - thanks Storm Katie. Whereas I ended up with make-up all over my face and with my hair in knots, Dexter was just fine. Made from Teflon coated nylon and designed to be completely windproof and breathable, he was unfazed by the cooler temperature and harsh winds, and he wasn’t sweaty under his suit either.
This suit weighs in at £28.50 which is incredibly reasonable given the quality (having quickly polled other mums on the nursery run, they paid between £20-£35 for Regatta suits on Amazon). I also see this lasting well beyond the age on the label owing to all minor Velcro adjustments. Better still, Dexter doesn’t moan about getting into it as it plays to his love of dressing up. Overall, I’m chuffed to bits with it and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
