Best kids clothes by age

Kids are always growing out of their clothes. As a parent, you'll always find yourself buying new outfits over and over again. It can actually get quite expensive if you don't have budget for it.

The good news, though, is that it is possible to make the process of buying new clothes for your little ones less stressful. Remember the spark you had as you shopped for your baby a few months before they were born? Well, there are a few things you can do to bring some of that magic back. That's what this article will focus on.

In this guide, you will learn how to pick clothes for your kids by age, as well as what you need to do to keep them looking great for longer, giving you more value for money every time. 

Let's begin! 

What to consider when choosing clothes for your child

There are a few factors you're going to have to think about as you shop for your little one. These factors apply whether you opt to buy the clothes online or at the mall: 

1. Your budget

You will need to have a fixed budget for your shopping. You don't want to go overboard as you shop, especially considering they will likely only fit in those clothes for a short while before they outgrow them. 

The occasion the clothes are intended for should also guide you in your spending. Get cheaper clothes for art projects and play dates at the park and more expensive ones for special events.

As you shop, consider taking advantage of sales and coupons. If your child has older siblings, hand-me-downs can help save you even more money. 

2. Comfort

This is very important when it comes to choosing clothes for kids. Choose items that will make your child happy to have them on. Babies and toddlers have sensitive skin so carefully look at the material used to make the clothes before you buy them.

Size also matters. If you find a piece that you like and it turns out to be too small or too big, return it. In addition to being uncomfortable, it might also limit their movement, or, in the case of clothes that are too big, trip them up and make them hurt themselves. 

3. Accessibility

If your child is just learning how to crawl, walk, or use the potty, ensure that the clothes they put on do not limit them in any way. Children who are also learning how to dress and undress themselves will also need easy-access clothes.

Go for clothes with elastic waist lines, stretchy fabric, large zippers and zipper handles, and bigger buttons. Also get Velcro shoes instead of laced ones. 

4. Durability

Regardless of your child’s age, you want to get clothes that will look good for as long as possible. Look for clothes that can withstand your child’s activities, especially if they are becoming more mobile.

Also, get clothes that will not lose their original color and appeal after going through the washer and dryer multiple times. This will save you money and even allow you to have something to hand down, donate, or show your child once they are all grown up.

5. Safety

Your child’s safety should always comes first. This also applies when choosing clothes for them.

Get clothes that are less likely to be dangerous to your child. Avoid clothes with drawstrings around the neck area as these could cause strangulation, and if you are buying pajamas or costumes, do not get clothes that have not been fireproofed.

6. Age

A lot of parents these days have started dressing their kids in adult-style clothes. Although this may sound tempting, you shouldn’t be in a hurry for your child to grow up. Such clothes are sometimes made using materials that may be harmless to adults but harmful to your little one's developing skin.

Best clothes for kids by age

This next section contains information on what type of clothes are best for kids, categorized by age group.

Generally speaking, your child's age will determine the size of clothes they wear. This is the main reason why children of different age groups have different clothing requirements.

Clothes for babies

Babies between 0 and 24 months fall in this bracket. Clothing sizes for babies are usually labeled in months.

Here is a size chart that you can use to know what size you need to get:

 
During the first two years, your child will move through these sizes pretty first. As you decide what they'll put on, do not forget to consider the time of year that they'll be born. If it is during warmer months, get lighter clothes with breathable fabrics to prevent heat rashes. If it is during winter, invest in more hats, mittens, and socks.

For the first few weeks that your baby will need swaddling, consider buying cheaper under layers (nobody will be seeing them anyway) and more high-end pieces for top layers.

For underwear, your baby will need undershirts. You can also use kimono tops or shirts that snap at the crotch.

Sleepwear should always be flame-retardant. They can either be footed clothes or gowns. A lot of first-time parents prefer gowns since they make for easy changing.

Clothes for toddlers

Kids between 2 and 4 years old fall in this category.

Generally, you'll be able to tell that the sizing belongs to toddlers if the number has a ‘T’ after it. Here is a size chart for toddler’s clothes.

At this age, your child has become more active. Look for clothes that can survive all the crawling, climbing, and falling that they'll do. Their clothes will also get a lot dirtier than they used to, so go for ones that can withstand being washed a bunch of times without losing their quality.

Your child is also starting to pick up new skills. Get more dresses and pants with elastic waistbands if they have started their potty training. This will motivate them to do it on their own as they'll have more control.

Since your child is learning how to dress and undress themselves, it is also smarter to buy clothes with wider holes and a simple fastening system like big buttons or snaps. This way, you both won’t feel frustrated as you change.

Your little one is also quite mobile now. Remember to include some shoes to protect those little feet. Choose ones that are easy to wear and take off. You might also want to include some boots, raincoats, and other rainwear.

For when the temperatures drop, you will need to stock up on winter wear. Get some jackets with large buttons and some socks and mittens. Son't get scarves, though, because they can be a choking hazard.

Clothes for big kids

This group is made up of children between 4 and 7 years old.

In this category, the sizes will be indicated by numbers and letters representing small, medium, large, and extra-large.

Here is their sizing chart:

By this age, children have started developing preferences and opinions. Before you go out shopping, ask them what they might like. If you can, take them with you, but remember to set boundaries.

The comfort and safety of your little one shoulf remain your top priority. Ensure the material you get is not itchy or likely to cause a reaction to the skin.

Your child is also likely fully or partially potty trained by now. Since they aren’t wearing diapers anymore, it is time to upgrade to underwear. As you shop for underwear, ensure that what you get does not have bunched up fabric or large seams that might irritate them. 

For sleeping wear, you will also have to make a few changes. Instead of one piece items, you can get a two-piece pajama set with all their favorite superheroes or cartoon characters on them. This might even make bedtime easier for you.

Final Thoughts

Before buying anything for your child, look for signs of misplaced holes, bunched fabric, and big seams. These can be very annoying for young children, which will only make them fussy. Once you receive your clothes, cut off the tags at the back to make your little one even more comfortable. 

With the tips outlined here, getting the perfect age-appropriate outfit for your little one should be a breeze. Good lick!