What are the things that we need to consider in choosing clothes for young children and toddler?

Children seem to outgrow their clothes in the blink of an eye. So shopping for them can be challenging. Here are some pointers to help parents buy the right clothes for kids of all ages

Who does not like a little bit of retail therapy? When done at our own leisure, shopping can be a relaxing activity and lots of fun. But for most parents juggling a hundred things, shopping for children's clothing can be challenging and hectic. The main reason is the fact that children end up outgrowing their clothes within a few months. So, there are a number of things that need to be kept in mind.

In this article, we are going discuss what you need to take into account while buying children's clothing. It doesn't matter if it's for a baby, toddler, preschooler or even a preteen. We have got every aspect of it covered for your convenience.

What you need to ensure while buying clothing

Before classifying each based on the age group, let us focus on something important. There are certain aspects that you have to be careful about while shopping for children's wear. These include:

Material of the attire

You definitely wouldn't want your child to be uncomfortable in what she is wearing. Make sure that the fabric you choose for the little one is soft and not harsh to the touch. It should not cause irritation to the skin and should not be the kind that would shrink. You don't want the clothing to be tight just after two washes.

Size of the attire

Babies and toddlers tend to outgrow clothes in a very short time span. You wouldn't want to buy too many clothes and end up with clothes of the same size that do not fit. It is advisable to buy garments that are one size bigger than your child's regular size, so that it can be worn for a longer time the normal size so that the children can at least wear them a little bit longer. It is always best to get help from the staff at the store where you are shopping. Not every brand has the same kind of sizing charts. Check the size charts and see what suits you best.

Don't splurge

Many times, parents end up buying similar kind of clothes when they like it. It is best to avoid doing that. Children like to be introduced to something new and different in clothing, so don't let them get bored easily. Instead buy items in different styles, so that you can mix and match. Buy in small quantities and pair them innovatively.

Elastic is the best

If you have preschoolers at home, buying elastic clothing is the best. Kids this age always end up wanting to do everything on their own. It is thus best to buy clothing that they can wear on their own without any issue. Elastics are the best kind when it comes to easy wear. They can be easily worn and taken off, which is definitely what you want for your kid.

Here's what you need to know about clothing for each age group --

Baby (0-11 months)

At this age, the most important aspect to consider is the fabric. Babies have extremely delicate skin, so ensure that clothing you buy is of high quality. Soft cotton and linen are best suited at this stage. A rough fabric can end up causing irritation in the baby's skin which is not something you want. It is always best to buy in small quantities, as babies grow fast. Buy pastels and soft colours for the child. You can go quirky with different types of prints, such as toy motifs, animal and bird prints, umbrellas and so much more. .

Toddler (1-3 years)

This is a crucial stage because kids in this age are quite curious. The clothing should be something that attracts the kid's attention and something they would like. Since children at this age are more likely to drop food on clothing and generally make a mess, buy fabric that is easily washable. It should also be comfortable while playing and walking.

Pre-schooler (3-5 years)

Much like the previously mentioned points, the same goes for this age group as well. Make sure to stock up on stretchable clothing a lot. This is mainly because kids these ages always tend to dress up alone. While buttons can be a bit of a hassle, elastic pants are a lot easier to tackle.

Child (6-8 years) and Pre-teen (9-11 years)

Buying clothes for children in these age groups can be a bit of a struggle. It is best to let them accompany you to the store. Children in this age group tend to want to choose their own wardrobe. They don't want to rely on their parent's taste. It is thus best to let them tag along and let them choose. This makes your job a little easier. But be careful of picking the right size and fabric. Children in these age groups also do a lot of outdoor play, so buy appropriate active clothing.

How to keep them engaged?

While many parents wear slings to carry their babies or toddlers strapped to them, some prefer to leave them in the play area. Many shopping centres have a kid's area with trained professionals to take care of them. Carry along your child's book or favourite toy to keep her engaged, so that they do not feel bored.

Shopping for children is a tough job but nonetheless fulfilling. Have fun, while you are at it.

The author blogs about motherhood and parenting at Mommystimeline.

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