As your child starts walking and talking, they are likely to start developing strong feelings toward things they like and dislike. One area that has the potential to become a battleground is the choice of what clothes they should wear.
When they are babies, there is a lot of guidance on what you should and shouldn’t do regarding clothing. However, toddlers have their own ideas on what they should be wearing, and this can lead to mornings becoming a stressful experience. Therefore, we have put together this guide of our top tips to choose clothes for kids.
Get Your Child’s Input
Children have sensitive skin, so if they don’t like the texture of a material, they will not want to wear it. That is why it makes sense to try on clothes before making a purchase. Just because it looks comfortable doesn’t mean it will feel comfortable, so make sure to listen to their input here, as it will save time and money.
Some kids will want to wear the same clothes all the time and might not want to change their style, despite what you want them to wear. Simple modifications can allow them to continue wearing their favourite dresses or shirts.
Options
This one depends on how each child responds to the dressing ritual. Some kids may get overwhelmed by having to choose their own outfits, while others will spend forever trying to get it just right. The best thing you can do in this situation is to offer choices that help make the decision process less stressful for the child or quicker for you. Generally, limiting the number of choices speeds up the process while also giving your child a say on what they will wear.
Comfort Over Style
You may be tempted to dress your child in stylish clothes all the time, but you need to ask yourself if that the clothing you have chosen is practical. Kids love exploring, climbing, and generally getting messy, so you want to choose clothes that enable them to move freely. Fancy details—like buttons and bows—look lovely, but they can easily get lost, which will result in tears.
Pay Attention to the Weather
As we move toward winter, the temperatures will start dropping, so you will want to make sure that your child is safely wrapped up when they go out. Unfortunately, they might not be so keen on that big winter jacket you are thrusting upon them. If it isn’t freezing outside, let them go outside without it but keep it close at hand. As soon as they realize that it is too cold, they will ask for their jacket.
Layers are always a good idea during fall and winter, as they can keep your little ones dry and warm. Take out some additional items like tights or sweaters, which can be added if they get too cold. They will also have the option to take a layer off if they feel too warm.
