While you were pregnant, dressing up your bump in cozy winter clothes or summer dresses meant finding the balance between comfort and style.
And, when it comes to dressing up baby, similar rules apply. Just as there are great maternity styling tips that never go out of fashion, there are several tried and tested tips for dressing babies and toddlers.
Read on to find out how to dress up your baby in cute yet comfortable clothes that will guarantee they look and feel great.
1. Have Fun with Playful Prints
Your child will have plenty of time to dress in the plain clothes and sensible neutrals of the adult world when they grow up. While they’re still young, have fun with prints, patterns, motifs, and unique designs.
Clothes like a sweater with a bunny motif complete with fluffy tail, a car-print t-shirt, or a sweater emblazoned with Spider-Man are sure to be popular with your little ones.
2. Find a Good Fit
Just as your baby car seat needs a well-fitting base, as explained in this helpful guide, it’s crucial that your baby’s clothes fit well.
Ill-fitting clothes and shoes are uncomfortable enough for adults, so imagine how a developing child must feel in something that doesn’t fit well.
When dressing a toddler, it’s a good idea to get clothes in a slightly larger fit so that your child has room to move and grow. But, don’t force them into clothes that are too small or much too big. Small clothes will make them feel constricted, while oversized clothing may cause accidents.
3. Add Cute Accessories
It’s easy to go overboard with accessories such as bangles, hair clips and the like. Not to mention, there’s the risk of them swallowing these small objects or using them to hurt other kids.
But, a couple of cute accessories can make all the difference to an everyday outfit. And, many accessories can even be practical too.
For example, a cute headband will help keep your daughter’s hair in place. And, accessories like a woolly hat or thick colorful tights can make sure your baby is warm in winter.
4. Let Their Personality Shine
As they get older your children will develop interests in certain things, like dinosaurs, animals, cars or superheroes. They’ll also start to favor certain colors and prints.
While you shouldn’t let them have free reign, they should have some say over what they want to wear, even if it’s just which color coat they prefer or what design they want on their t-shirt.
5. Use Bright Colors
Wearing bright, cheerful colors is a great way to boost your mood, and it’s the same for babies and toddlers too. Babies are drawn to bright shades, and they look great in them too.
Not to mention, having a variety of different colors in their closet will mean that it’s easier for them to learn the names of different colors too.
6. Experiment with the Latest Styles
Many of the latest styles aren’t suitable for babies – yes, we’re looking at you, silk dresses. But, there are lots of current trends that would be perfect for dressing up your baby.
This season’s pinafore dresses are ideal for little girls as they’re cute yet chic. And, they allow you to mix and match t-shirts and sweaters underneath for a whole range of different looks.
Corduroy is a popular fabric this season, and it’s warm and soft too, so it’s perfect for pants, skirts, and dresses. Checked pants are another big trend this season. These look great matched with a plain sweater for a cozy winter look.
7. Layer Up
If you’re a new mom, you may be wondering, ‘what do newborns wear?’ The key to dressing a newborn baby is lots of layers. These will keep your baby warm and snug, and if they get too warm, you can easily help them cool down by removing the top layer.
The same goes for toddlers. If they’re very active they will warm up quickly, but it’s always a good idea to start the day with a few layers. This way you can add and remove items of clothing when necessary.
8. Select Soft Fabrics
When dressing babies you should also select soft fabrics that won’t irritate their delicate skin. This is particularly important for onesies and other items that fit close to the body.
Always go for natural fibers like cotton over artificial fabrics, and test clothes against your face to check for softness before you buy.
9. Prioritize Easy-Access
As well as making sure that your baby’s clothes are comfortable, it’s important that they are easy to get off and on.
Loose fitting sleeves are easier for you to push your baby’s hand through. Poppers or zippers up the front are preferable to those at the back of the garment. And, diaper changes are much easier if there are zippers or snap fastenings down both legs.
10. Avoid Over-Dressing
When considering how to dress a baby or toddler, it’s important that their clothes suit the occasion.
Most of the time they’ll want to play and run around, and they’ll often get dirty or fall over doing so. Make sure their knees are covered to avoid cuts and scrapes, and always choose comfortable well-fitting shoes to avoid accidents.
For special occasions like birthdays and weddings, you might want to dress your baby up in something fancy. But, you need to think about comfort and ease of movement as well as appearance.
Stretchy-waisted pants and a soft cotton shirt are good for little boys. This way they can still run around and play but will look good for photos. And for girls, opt for printed dresses in soft fabrics and a cardigan if they get cold.
Great Tips for Dressing Up Baby
We’re often prepared to suffer in the name of fashion. But, clothes for babies and toddlers should prioritize fit, comfort and ease of movement.
That said, by opting for bright colors, bold patterns and the occasional child-friendly trend, your baby is sure to look cute and stylish too.
And, for some great ways to save money when dressing up baby, check out these secrets to finding the best deals on kids clothes.
