Winter in Davis doesn't arrive with snow. It shows up as frosty mornings at school drop-off, tule fog that hangs around until lunch, and December evenings downtown that turn cold the minute the sun goes down. That makes a good coat one of the hardest-working things in a child's closet, and also one of the easiest to get wrong. Buy too snug and it's tight by February. Buy too big and the sleeves swallow their hands all winter. Here's how we help families find the right fit at the counter, along with the coats we'd reach for this season.
How to Size a Coat So It Lasts
- Try it on over their thickest sweater. A coat that fits over a T-shirt in October won't fit over a chunky knit in January.
- Do the reach-and-hug test. Have them stretch both arms straight out, then give themselves a big hug. The sleeves should still reach the wrist bone, and the back shouldn't pull tight across the shoulders.
- Leave about a thumb's width at the shoulders, not a whole hand. A little growing room is good; too much makes a coat slide off and let the cold in.
- Between sizes? Go up one, never two. A cuff rolled once looks intentional. A cuff rolled three times looks borrowed.
- Check the label against the age. Kids' sizing varies from coat to coat, so most product pages in our shop list the label size next to the age it actually fits.
Puffer, Knit or Dress Coat?
A puffer is the everyday workhorse: light, warm and easy to zip on the way out the door. A knit or chenille coat is softer and a little dressier, lovely for church, school pictures and holiday visits. A classic dress coat is the one for the Nutcracker, holiday parties and family photos. Many families end up with an everyday puffer plus one special coat, and a padded vest to fill the in-between days.
For Babies & Toddlers
- Soft Double-Breasted Chenille Coat – Chickpea ($86). A Peter Pan collar, double-breasted buttons and a warm cotton lining, in the softest cream chenille. Sizes 12–18 months through 4–5T.
- Shearling-Lined Hooded Car Coat – Grey ($49.99, regularly $54). A cozy hooded coat for babies who are carried more than they walk. Fits 3–6 months and 9–12 months.
- Pom Pom Cable Knit Hat & Mittens – Navy ($36). Ear covers, ties that keep it on, and matching mittens, ready to give in its own gift box. Also in Plum. Newborn to 12 months.
- Faux Fur Bear Sock Booties – Cream ($36). Slip-on booties with a fuzzy teddy bear face that stay on little feet in the stroller. 3 to 18 months.
For Little Kids (3 to 9)
- Rib Knit Puffer Jacket – Hazelnut ($88). A padded puffer softened with chunky rib knit at the collar and cuffs, plus an elastic inner hem that keeps out the chill. Sizes 3–4 through 8–9.
- Quilted Bomber Puffer Jacket – Dark Green ($76). Diamond quilting in a classic bomber shape, with striped rib trim and a full zip. Deep green goes with everything from jeans to cords. Sizes 3 through 8.
- Knit Coat With Faux Fur Collar – Cream ($98). Brushed knit, a plush collar and real pockets, padded for warmth. Dressy enough for the holidays, soft enough for every day. Sizes 3–4 through 8–9.
- Classic Formal Dress Coat – Navy ($149). Tailored and timeless, and beautiful over a holiday dress with tights and Mary Janes. Sizes 5–6 through 10–12.
- Clara Quilted Coat – Winter Floral ($79.99, regularly $99). Fine corduroy, a brown winter floral and lovely embroidery. Sizes 2T/3T, 6/7 and 8/9.
- Cable Knit Padded Vest – Chickpea White ($54.99, regularly $65). For mild Davis afternoons, a high-collared vest over a sweater is often all they need. Sizes 6, 7 and 8.
For Tweens & Teens
- Knit Zip Car Coat – Navy ($49.99, regularly $75). A tailored, modern shape that works over a hoodie for school or a collared shirt for dressier days. Sizes 10/12 through 16/18.
- Plush Car Coat – Black ($89.99, regularly $95). Chic, warm and grown-up, with pretty buttons. Sizes 10/12, 12/14 and 18/Adult S.
Finish the Look
- Knit Pom Pom Bonnet With Ties – Hazelnut ($14.99, regularly $29.99). A gender-neutral bonnet that pairs with any of the warm neutrals above. 3–6 months and 2–5 years.
- Knit Beanie With Bow – Grey ($14.99, regularly $29.99). A crisp white bow on soft grey knit, easy with navy, pink or cream coats. 12–24 months and 2–10 years.
- Sherpa-Lined Knit Moccasin Booties – Dark Red ($16.99, regularly $21). Warm feet for chilly mornings at home. Fits most 6 to 8 year olds.
One Important Safety Note
Puffy coats and car seats don't mix. A thick coat compresses in a crash, which can leave the harness too loose. Take the coat off before buckling in, then lay it over them backward like a blanket, arms through the sleeves. It takes ten extra seconds and gives you real peace of mind.
Try Them On With Us
Coats are one thing we always suggest trying on in person, and we'd love to help. Bring your little one (and their bulkiest sweater) to our boutique at 340 G Street in Downtown Davis, at the corner of 4th & G, and we'll check the fit together. Most of these coats have just one in each size, so earlier is better. We're open Sunday 11–4, and Monday and Wednesday through Saturday 10–5:30 (closed Tuesdays). Ordering online? Free local pickup is usually ready the same business day when you order before 2pm PT.
A warm coat also makes a thoughtful holiday gift. For more ideas, browse our Christmas Gifts collection, the full Holiday Shop and our Holiday Gift Guide 2026.
And this Saturday is Halloween! While you're downtown for the Treat Trail on October 31 (3–5pm), snap your costume photo in front of our shop and tag @bubblebellyshop on Instagram by 11:59pm PT to enter our costume contest. Two winners, one for best individual costume and one for best family or group, each win a $25 Bubble Belly gift card. Open to all; one entry per family; your profile must be public so we can see your tag.
For new arrivals and more styling ideas, follow us on Instagram at @bubblebellyshop, and on Facebook, TikTok and X at @shopbubblebelly.