Seeing your baby grow into a toddler is one of the most amazing experiences for a parent. However, with change comes updating your child’s wardrobe. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying clothes for your toddler:
They’re going to be picky
Now that your little one is talking, he or she is going to have an opinion. Odds are, your toddler will be picky about clothing from time to time. Therefore, it’s important to get the most out of your budget. Try not to spend a lot on one article of clothing. Instead, opt for the less-expensive tops and bottoms so you can give your baby options. That way, you might have fewer hissy fits down the road (every parent’s dream).
It’s going to get messy
Your toddler is definitely prone to spills and leaks. Between food during dinnertime and dirt from the playground, you’re going to want clothes that are fast and easy to clean. Don’t buy anything that requires hand -washing or a delicate load. Doing laundry is a enough of a headache, and you’re not going to want to have to do specific loads for your toddler. Hint: Invest in some bibs.
Look for clothes they can grow into
Your toddler is going to be constantly growing. You don’t want to buy clothes that are too big or ones that will be too small in a few months. Instead, try to shop for articles that will stretch, specifically ones with elastic waistbands and belts.
Keep potty-training in mind
Ideally, you’re going to be training your toddler to learn how to go to the bathroom. Because of that, you’ll be spending a lot of time taking clothes off and on. Make sure to find bottoms that can easily be removed so it doesn’t slow down the process. In addition, this could also be your chance to get your little one excited about potty-training. Have your toddler pick out his or her favorite character-themed, big-kid underwear. That should inspire them to ditch the diapers and learn how to go to the bathroom on their own.
Buy clothes that aren’t hard to take off during potty training time.
Don’t forget about holidays
There’s nothing much cuter than a little girl dressed in a Christmas outfit or a little boy in his holiday best. When shopping for clothes, be sure to add some festive clothes to the mix. Here are some holidays to remember:
- Fourth of July.
- Halloween.
- Thanksgiving.
- Christmas.
- New Year’s Eve.
- Valentine’s Day.
- St. Patrick’s Day.
- Easter.
Don’t forget about your little one’s birthday, either. You could get him or her an adorable shirt that says, “It’s my birthday!”
Ask around
Do you have family members or friends who have kids? Odds are, they have boxes full of old toddler clothing they’d love to get rid of. Be sure to not only shop in stores, but shop around the neighborhood for hand-me-downs. Then, you don’t even have to spend a dime, and you can pay it forward when your toddler grows out of the clothes.
