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Selecting Toddler Clothes for Fit, Function and Fashion
Keeping a busy toddler in clothes can be a full-time job for a variety of reasons. First, toddlers grow very quickly, so that perfect dress that you bought your daughter for her first Easter may very well be too small by the time Mother's Day rolls around. It can honestly seem that a pair of jeans that fit your son one day will suddenly come up an inch too short the next! The other challenge to toddler clothing is that whatever material you put on your little one needs to be as rough and tumble-proof as he is. While it might be hard to believe, some toddler clothing will wear out even before it is outgrown, because kids are hard on clothes. Fortunately there are some guidelines you can follow to get the most out of your tot's wardrobe.
Finding the Right Fit
There are actually options in toddler clothing that will allow garments to grow with your child - at least in the short term. Look for pants with cuffs that can roll down, and elastic waists that can expand with your child's waistline. There are now many brands of pants that offer adjustable elastic waistbands that will offer even more flexibility in sizing. Buy shirts and tops a tad on the big side, and roll up sleeves and tuck in hems until your child grows a bit. There are also snap-bottom shirts that have adjustable snaps to accommodate a longer torso length. If you child outgrows all of the snaps before getting too big for the shirt, there are expanders that you can purchase to extend the life of snap-bottom items.
Thinking about Function
Fortunately many toddler clothing manufacturers have been thinking about function in the clothing they design as well, which means many are now offering jeans and pants with reinforced knees. This has been the greatest invention since sliced bread for a toddler who still spends much of his day on his hands and knees. You can also find high-quality clothing with reinforced ribbing that won't stretch out and lose its shape. This is particularly handy on turtlenecks and sweatshirts. Stain guards and machine-washable materials are also a welcome help for harried moms and dads. There are a number of options available in toddler clothing that will help the garment to hold up to the lifestyle of a busy little one.
Getting some Fashion-Sense
Fashion is all in the eye of the beholder, and your toddler clothing will be no exception. While you may be drawn to the frilly dresses and tights, your daughter may be asking for a sweatshirt with a Disney princess on the front. Depending on your taste and where you choose to shop, you choices for toddler clothing styles are virtually endless. The good news is that your little one cannot understand the idea of a fashion statement, so you will get to call the style shots for a while - at least until the elementary years hit. Happy shopping!
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