Toddler Clothes

From LoveToKnow Childrens Clothing

Once your baby begins walking and getting around on his own, parents are ready to begin the search for toddler clothes that will take their child up to about preschool age. Fortunately, clothes for toddlers are readily available in a range of prices and styles to suit various occasions, from casual play to those special events that call for cute, frilly dresses or little boys' suits.

What to Look for in Toddler Clothes

When shopping for clothes for girls and boys who are finally toddling around on their own, what should parents look for?

Affordability: When it comes to children's clothing, many parents are concerned with price. After all, the clothes you buy this year probably won't make it through next year because kids grow so quickly. Young children can be especially hard on clothes and saving money on something that has a short lifespan may seem like a smart choice. You should definitely shop within your budget, but realize that cheap toddler clothes come in two varieties: inexpensive and cheaply made. Even if a garment is destined to only last one season, you don't want something so poorly made that it won't last through one washer cycle! You may find toddler clothes at low prices due to sales, resale events or because they were passed down. These can be designer duds that you score for a fraction of the price, which are very different from toddler clothes that are cheap in design.
Washability: If there's one thing toddlers are going to do, it's get dirty. To save yourself the stress of constantly worrying about soil, treats, popsicles and other foods staining their clothes, choose garments that are easily washable. Your toddler will likely go through more than one outfit each day, especially during those toilet training phases. Having to hand wash delicate clothing will get old fast, so when buying, take a quick peek at the tag and see if the toddler clothes are easy to throw into a washer and dryer. This probably won't be the case for those fancy party dresses and suits that girls and boys wear to special occasions like weddings, but since these events are few and far between, everyday wear is usually more practical and easy to care for.
Durability: Toddlers are busy exploring their world. They're climbing, jumping, running and experiencing all kinds of adventures. They're not concerned about staying clean or how their clothes are holding up. This is where choosing well-made but affordable garments comes into play. Cheap clothes can wear out quickly, which is not a savings in the long run. Buying from reputable children's clothing stores is a great way to ensure that you get quality clothing that's made to withstand just about anything little bodies can dish out.
Sizing: When in doubt, upsize. While a toddler's growth may not be as dramatic as it was when she was an infant, she is still growing. If you have to choose between an outfit that just fits or one that gives her room to grow, it's best to err on the side of roominess.
Style: Some toddler clothes closely mimic adult styles, but in more kid-friendly colors and designs. If polka dots are the newest trend, you'll probably find plenty of polka dot dresses and tops on the racks. You can be a trendy shopper and outfit your toddler in the latest duds, but keep in mind that if you decide to put these clothes away for a future baby, extreme fads will be out of style by then. Adding a few trendy pieces to your toddler's wardrobe while maintaining a base of classic styles is a good balance.

Finding Clothes for Toddlers

You can find toddler clothes at many retail outlets – online and storefront – as well as score hand-me-downs from friends and family. Some places to look into for clothes for this age that are affordable, durable and budget-friendly include: