We all want our children to look cute, well put together, comfortable and fashionable. Sometimes getting all of these into one outfit can be hard, but it’s not impossible. With the right choice of materials and style, you can make your child look like it came out of a fashion magazine, while still feeling comfortable in what they wear.
Material
Kids’ skin is quite sensitive, so the first thing to think about is the fabric. The child’s skin should feel light and fluffy against it. It shouldn’t irritate or discomfort them in any way. That’s why you should choose breathable and skin-friendly materials every time. You can even experiment with the modern, chemical-free organic materials that are now available everywhere.
You can find them at a local store or even when you buy skin-friendly and breathable kids’ clothing online. Kids’ clothes ought to be trendy, vibrant, upbeat, and stylish and not dull. Despite their colourful looks, some synthetic fibres can cause discomfort and rashes. Especially the ones that are known as party clothes. They often have sequins and other embellishments that can feel uncomfortable to the skin.
The weight of the material matters as well. Heavier clothes can restrict the baby’s movement. Go for cotton as your fabric of choice. It’s good for wearing it both indoors and on the playground. It’s comfortable, lightweight and breathable so it’ll prevent over-sweating and allow airflow. Plus, it’s very affordable.
High-quality materials also increase the life of the clothes. The things that you bought for your first child can go to the next generation when they’re the same age. They won’t change their shape and texture after a few washes like synthetic ones can. By investing in good materials now, you’re saving money in the long run.
Size
Babies, toddlers and teens grow very fast. Sometimes, it’ll be hard to keep track of what size are they exactly. One day the dress fits right and next week it’s too tight or too short. Also, every time you get a chance, have your kid try on the clothes before buying them. This way you won’t waste your money and time on something they won’t be able to wear.
Wearing oversized or too-small clothes makes them look awkward, they’ll feel uncomfortable and won’t be able to move right. Any piece of clothing should be easy to put on and take off. Nothing should be too tight or hang around the child. Most online stores have sizing charts with kids’ ages and body measurements and sometimes they won’t match your child’s measurements.
All kids grow differently, and you should check the size charts before buying online. In some cases, a 9-month-old baby can wear the clothes of a 20-month-old. If you’re not sure about the size, you can always go one size up and the child can wear it in a couple of months if not now.
Safety
When you buy toys, you always check for loose parts and other choking hazards. If there are some, you don’t buy the toy. The same goes for buying clothes at the store or buying kids’ clothing online. Bows, flowers, hooks, buttons or zippers can be hazardous for kids, especially babies. They tend to fit things inside their mouths and all of these accessories fall into that category.
Drawstrings are also a danger. There are cases where children choke on them by accident while playing or simply lying down. Check the clothes and remove the drawstrings if possible.
If the clothes have some of these embellishments, they might also cause skin rashes so check the kids’ skin often. When you’re buying sleepwear for kids, especially babies, make sure they’re made of flame-resistant fabrics that have been chemically tested.
Functionality & Style
Kids’ clothes should be functional, especially baby clothes. Newborns spend a lot of time lying down and sleeping. They don’t move a lot and need something comfortable to wear. This is usually pieces like kimonos, onesies and bodysuits. All of these pieces should be easy to put on and take off while the baby is lying down.
Functionality is also about being able to wash and dry the clothes easily. Choose things that are simple and easy to maintain and don’t require special care or instructions. Wool can be complicated sometimes, so if you don’t want to waste time washing everything separately, stay away from it.
As they grow up, kids will develop their own sense of style. They’ll start liking some colours and patterns more than others and that’s perfectly normal. Ask them to pick their own outfit for the day, and give them a chance to express themselves. You can also try this while shopping by giving them some instructions and advice on what they should choose.
Colour
Kids enjoy playing in the dirt, so their children’s clothes are often the casualty of their happy moments. Because of this, you should choose their colour palette wisely. This doesn’t mean they should wear dark clothes only because stains aren’t that visible. On the contrary, buy them light-coloured clothes but for specific occasions.
Clothes for the playground can be darker, and the ones for around the house can vary in colour. Outfits for walks and events where there’s less chance for them to get dirty can be in lighter tones. Plus, they can be washed at higher temperatures and any stains will certainly come off.
Occasion
Just like adults, kids should have clothes for every occasion. They also go out, go to sleep, to events and parties. It’s important that your kids are well-dressed for the specific occasion. They’ll fit in, feel that they belong and look pretty. Casual clothes however will take up most part of their wardrobe but there’s no harm in having a few shiny dresses, or a fancy suit and tie.
Comfort
Comfort should be a priority. Nothing too tight or too loose. They’ll feel uncomfortable and it’ll be difficult to move and do things on their own. It’s not the same as a grown-up wearing a tight dress or skinny jeans, children shouldn’t be limited. It can have a negative impact on their physical development including the hips, legs and arms.
The same thing applies to shoes as well. Tight shoes can cause deformations, improper growth, walking problems and pain. Don’t make the child wear uncomfortable shoes just because they look good with the rest of the outfit. Certain brands feel more comfortable than others. Go for a trusted brand that you’ve tried, and it made the kids happy.
