Kids’ clothes shopping are pure delight when they are babies but it turns out to be a challenge once they are pre teens. Depending on the age, buying clothes for children involves a lot of thought with regard to texture of material, safety of the child when these clothes are worn, weather conditions, fashion, preferences of the child, the place the garment will be worn and the cost of the dress.
How would you like your child to be dressed? These years are so precious and pass too quickly. Children should be dressed in the clothes that tell their age. Sometimes we do find kids dressed up as mini adults in very serious clothes. A little bit of planning before you shop will help you save time, money and sanity – all highly valued factors for busy parents.
GUIDELINES FOR SHOPPING FOR KIDS
Infants and Toddler shopping:
Do make a shopping list for essential things to buy so that you do not buy unnecessary things and leave out the important ones to be bought.
Many parents and some gift-givers buy exact sizes not realising that these will fit just for a few days. In case you receive too many clothes in sizes zero to 3 months, exchange it for sizes six to nine months or nine to twelve months.
Shop whenever possible and wherever possible to save time and also not miss out on any good bargains in case you are unable to get back to the same place again.
Kid’s coats should be practical and comfortable. It should not be too bulky but active toddlers need room to move in their coats with ease.
Older kids shopping:
Take stock of all the kids’ clothes for the season.
Make a shopping list for season-specific clothes which include basic clothes, school clothes, innerwear, outerwear, extra-curricular and athletic attire.
Older kids have their own preferences and so it is better to keep their interests and tastes in the forefront before shopping for them. Laying out the limits regarding style and price would help in the selection with kids.
Socks and underwear should be bought to size. These clothes wear out fast and will be uncomfortable to wear if out of size. To eliminate fussiness in the mornings, it is better to stick to one particular style and colour.
Take a child with you for shopping if you are not sure about the size. Otherwise try and avoid taking kids for shopping but do make sure it can be returned if anything doesn’t work out.
Clothes for kids are beginning to be funkier these days.
Shopping for all kids:
Buy seasonal outerwear large enough for growth spurts.
Buying good and durable fabric will be the best for kids so that it will last longer even after rough use by the kids. Buttons and zips should be checked for faults. Inspect the clothes for quality construction.
Clothes for children should be trendy and comfortable too.
Shoes can be difficult to find but they have to be of good quality, practical and fashionable too.
Thus, getting the right combination of style, durability and affordability while shopping for kids is a great challenge. Ever so often parents on a tight budget end up buying low quality clothes which wear out fast, stain easily and look “cheap”. But this can be eliminated by buying the -
· Right fit: Buy clothes that fit and flatter the child. Proper sizes ensure optimal use of the clothes.
· Right colours: If kids are messy eaters, dark colours would be preferable. Lighter colours will keep the kids bodies cooler in warm weather.
· Right style: Children have different body types too. Choosing the right style for the child’s body will make the child look his or her best.
· Right brand: Some parents stick to a certain brand because of its quality and style. Its fine to do so since quality = savings.
· Right clothes for the right function: Dressing kids correctly for the occasion is just the right thing to do.
So happy shopping and have nice stylish, well-dressed kids besides you! |