The Best Kids’ Doctor Coat

Buying Guide

Children’s-sized doctor’s lab coats make a great base for Halloween costumes, and you can add plastic stethoscopes, masks and even scrubs to complete the look. When used with kid-sized doctor’s instruments in pretend play, children can learn about medical basics and may feel much more comfortable when they have to go to a physician’s office themselves.

Doctor’s lab coats and kits also teach them the importance of staying healthy. Also, since the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way of the world, children are much more aware of the medical industry than in the past. Anything that can make them more comfortable and educate them on their bodies is a good thing.

Pretending to be the doctor or patient can also teach children empathy towards others and pave the way for important conversations with their parents and caregivers. This kind of educational hands-on learning is also essential for cognitive development, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Besides all that, toddlers especially love playing with things that they see adults using.

When shopping for medical jackets, look for ones that are easy for little hands to put on and take off. Snap closures are usually easier than buttons; you also want it to have several pockets for their doctor’s “tools.”

The majority of these kits are made for kids ages 3 to 8, but read the product descriptions to make sure. This is important, since something with too many small parts will not be good for young toddlers. If the coat comes as a kit, see if there are any safety certifications listed. Some might also include battery-operated pieces, and may or may not include batteries.

• Kids’ doctor coats can do double duty as Halloween costumes and dress-up outfits, so look for ones that are machine washable and that they can wear over and over again.
• Name plates personalize the coats, and kids love them. If yours did not come with one, you can order one or easily make it yourself.
• Some kits include stethoscopes that make their own heartbeat sounds and blood pressure cuffs with gauges that move.
• Other kits have fun themes like pink hearts or bandages. You can also find others with veterinarian themes.
• For a great gift, buy a child’s doctor or veterinarian kit plus a stuffed animal or doll  that they can help care for.
• If your little one fears going to the doctor’s office, wearing one of these coats can really help them feel less frightened.