Recommend your umbrella. I just had my second one turn inside out on me this week. I'm tired of POS umbrellas and want something sturdy but compact that will cover me and the kids on days like today. DD and I literally got soaked going in and out of daycare, the doctor, the grocery store to get her prescription, and it did not put me in a good mood.
i second a rain coat - look at MEC or Columbia. i managed to find a great umbrella company here that does repairs for free (less rust damage), but it's a local company so that doesn't help you much. before that, i just stocked up on cheap (<$10) ones cause i was going through them constantly. if it's windy, they all bust.
Rain gear. I have a Columbia rain jacket and pants plus boots for myself (and it's awesome, I really stay dry). The kids currently have rain overalls. They are great, breathable, they stay dry and it just goes over their clothes. With rain boots, we are good to go.
And for quick in and outs, I vote oversized jacket too. Or a poncho.
Hmmm, I think raincoat might need to be a Mother's Day request. ;-) We all actually have rainboots, but I never got coats for the kids either bc I figured they weren't playing in the rain. Thanks for the idea, ladies!
I definitely also suggest a rain jacket. I have a columbia one that I like and I stay nice and dry. I also have a rain cover for the stroller that works really well.
Re: Because it's never going to stop raining...
I have a Columbia rain jacket and pants plus boots for myself (and it's awesome, I really stay dry). The kids currently have rain overalls. They are great, breathable, they stay dry and it just goes over their clothes. With rain boots, we are good to go.
And for quick in and outs, I vote oversized jacket too. Or a poncho.
It's perfect for yucky days