Infant and Toddler Fashion

When we think of the newest creations in fashion, those pieces are usually envisioned on leggy models, or even our own shorter frames. They usually don’t come with matching pacifiers.

Infant and toddler-specific clothing has broken into the fashion world as we know it – Stella McCartney has started a children’s clothing line. All of this is actually good news, since new mothers already have a laundry list of concerns to worry about; catering to the specific clothing needs of babies in a fashion world dominated by teen and adult demographics shouldn’t be added to that list.

In the olden days (we’re talking early nineteenth century here), children’s clothing closely mimicked that of adults, making little ones look like stiff mini-mes, cute but undoubtedly uncomfortable. I mean, bloomers and woolen jerseys don’t exactly encourage free-spirited playtime. They wore these clothes regardless of how well they actually fit, be it too tight or too large.  

Fortunately, we now realize that among the unique needs of growing tots is the fact that they’re, well, growing. By six months, infants have typically doubled in weight, and they’ve graduated from crawling to wobbly first steps by one year. It’s not unreasonable to expect clothes on the market that cater to that kind of rapid development, but it’s a facet of design we may not really consider when thinking about traditional fashion limitations. Sizes now begin at “newborn,” and move up in three-month increments all the way to 5T.  

One of the best-known names in children’s clothing include, of course, Gymboree and Oshkosh B’Gosh. Their fun, affordable options leave your little girl or boy looking adorable without you having to sacrifice the formula and diaper budgets. Their clothes allow for increased mobility as children get older, all the way up to school or daycare ages. Online shopping also allows mothers to save time, as they can select cute pieces and have them delivered right to the door. 

Some ways to save money while still doting on your bundle of joy include going to consignment shops, swapping with family and friends who have children outgrowing their clothes, and shopping boutique stores a season ahead, meaning buy for next fall when stores have end-of-the-season sales. Honestly, there were some outfits my niece never even touched in her early years, since kids grow at the speed of light and everyone wants to pitch in for a baby shower.

All in all, keeping your baby happy and healthy is any parent’s number one priority. But after they’re fed, burped and well rested, take advantage of 21^st century designs and shopping options to keep them looking as precious as they are.