Sep
Functional Dressing
The single most important thing to remember when buying toddler girl clothing is that toddler girl clothes must be comfortable and easy to put on and get off. If you shop wisely and select a few durable, easy wearing items that will stand up to child’s energetic play you will allow your child to learn and grow and thereby becoming more independent.
Most toddlers are very active and need clothes to suit their lifestyles, even when it comes to toddler girl clothing. Toddlers clothing is subjected to more than its fare share of wear and tear. Make sure that you select little girls clothes that are machine washable and durable enough to withstand abrasion from crawling, climbing and falling. Keep in mind that even though the solid color garments, the pretty pinks and pastels, are very attractive plain colors show soil marks very easily. Patterned fabric is much more practical and can be just as attractive if the fabric suits the style of clothing.
Practical play clothes to consider are elasticized slacks, jersey knit tops, tee-shirts, sweaters and coveralls. Coveralls may however be quickly outgrown as is the case with any one-piece clothing.Fabrics that work well for toddler girl clothing are jersey knits that have stretch for comfort, sweatshirt fleece for comfort and warmth in winter, and water repellent fabrics for outerwear.
If you buy wisely you can buy toddler girl clothing that not only fits your little girl now but you can choose clothing that your toddler girl will not outgrow too quickly. Be careful not to buy toddler girl clothing that is too big. Not only is big, bulky clothing uncomfortable, it hinders play and movement and can pose a safety hazard for your little girl. Stretch fabrics are a great idea for toddler clothing as this will ensure that your child will be able to grow and still wear the clothing for a longer period. Avoid styles that have a definite waist-line as these will tend to appear too small as your toddler gains length.
Look for sleeve designs that allow maximum freedom of movement such as raglan, kimono or set-in sleeves with deep-cut armholes. Long sleeves that have ribbed or elasticized cuffs will also allow for longer use of a garment.
If your toddler is still crawling make sure that the crotch length of pants are sufficiently long enough to allow your toddler to move freely without being uncomfortable. Look for garments with crotch openings at least until the toddler is fully potty trained. Pants need to wide enough over the seat area to accommodate the diaper. Your toddler is presumably busy potty training or will be ready for potty training in the near future so it is best to look for pants with elasticized waists. This will make it easier for your toddler girl to help herself with the potty routine.
If you are looking for bib pants make sure that the shoulder straps cross over at the back or are anchored together in some way as your toddler girl’s shoulders will not be straight, or broad enough, to keep the straps in position. Adjustable shoulder straps will ensure that clothing will fit your toddler girl for longer. Toddler’s necks are still short and a rib knit neckline fits them best. Toddlers will more than likely have a problem with dressing themselves with bib pants and these should be kept for occasional, and preferably not everyday, use.
Round about the age of two years old your little toddler will most likely start to try to dress herself and it is best to keep this in mind when selecting clothes. The same applies to toddler girl shoes and you will probably find that your little girl prefers shoes that fasten with velcro instead of buckles and laces. Make sure that your little girl’s socks are the right fit – too small socks are just as uncomfortable as socks that are too large.
Keep both yourself and your little girl in mind when shopping for toddler girl clothing. The clothing must be easy to care for , easy to put on and off, be comfortable, provide sufficient warmth in winter, fit perfectly and still look good!!! This may sound like a tall order but there are many options to choose from that will fit the bill.
