It can become overwhelming to dress our children with all the colors, cuts, sizes, trends, designs, and tips. There are so many things to consider and with children learning all about fashion, trends, and style, most of us are not in the position to make the right buying choices. As kids grow older, they have a say in everything they wear or want to wear. If your child’s wardrobe is overflowing with clothes, you are probably making mistakes in buying clothes for them. Let’s take a look at few common mistakes you can avoid when buying clothes for children.
- Choosing quantity over quality
All parents are keen to invest in their kids’ wardrobe. It is natural to want to dress them beautifully and to make them look smart and presentable. However, it is not a good idea to choose quantity over quality. It can be tempting to buy more clothes than your child can probably wear but it will only be a waste of your time and money. Instead, look for quality clothes that your child will wear for a long time to come. Remember, children grow up very fast and they need new clothes every few months. So, purchase a size larger and look for clothes that last longer.
2. Looking for the wrong size
Parents must purchase a size bigger than the regular size. This will ensure that you get your money’s worth and the clothes do not end up hanging in the wardrobe. Buying clothes of their current size will make them look adorable but it is also a waste of money because they are not going to fit them within three months from now. Purchasing a larger size can be beneficial as they can be worn for a longer time. Remember, just one size bigger and not oversized clothes!
3. Not keeping the weather in mind
When shopping for your little one, you must keep the weather in mind. If you do not choose weather-appropriate clothing, it will not serve the purpose. Even if you are tempted to buy something that is not for the current season, avoid the temptation because if your children cannot wear it now, you need not invest your money in those clothes. Pick lightweight, cotton clothes for summer and full sleeves and warm clothing for the colder months. It is best to shop before the start of the summer or winter season, to make the right choices. However, you can buy warmer clothes like thermals and jackets which your child can wear for a couple of years.
4. Not checking for loose threads
You must always check for any loose or dangling threads in the clothing. If you fail to do so, you will not only waste your money on the clothes but it will also become uncomfortable for your child, especially infants. Your baby’s toes or fingers could get entangled in the threads and could hurt them. It is a safety measure you must always watch out for.
5. Choosing the wrong fabric
When it comes to children, comfort is a priority. You must choose a fabric that is comfortable and skin-friendly. Opt for organic fabrics that are soft on the skin and are free of chemicals. The breathable and soft material will feel comfortable to your little one. Kid’s skin is very sensitive even after they grow up, the skin remains prone to irritation and you do not want them scratching their skin all day. Hence, choose cotton clothes that are skin-friendly and light. There are ample options available in comfortable, cotton clothing for children. Also, remember to remove the factory tags while wearing them because they can cause rashes and irritation on the skin.
6. Not washing new clothes
It may seem bizarre but it is advisable to always wash the clothes that you buy for your kids. Some clothes are treated with chemicals to make the material look crisper. They were also hanging on the shelves for a long time before you bought them. Hence, every piece of clothing should be washed with a mild fabric conditioner before your kids wear them.
7. Shopping without a budget
A lot of parents get so excited about shopping for their kids that they do not stick to the budget. They start randomly picking items without thinking about the money or the value. Do not make this mistake. Always prepare a list of all the items you need to buy so as to prevent overspending. When you walk into the store or shop online, you will see an extensive collection of beautiful clothes and you may want to grab them all for your little one. But choose to purchase only those items that your baby needs. You do not need several pairs of shoes and socks, no matter how cute or smart they look.
8. Buying excessive party wear
You may want to go out of your budget when you see the beautiful Christmas dress or the three-piece suit for your little man. Children only need one or two pairs of party wear because they are going to outgrow next year and may not wear it more than once. Party wear does not come cheap and you must not buy a lot of pieces. Stick to regular, easy-to-wear clothes.
9. Sticking to bright colors
Yes, your child looks really cute in yellow but they do not need a wardrobe full of yellow outfits. When shopping for kids, parents often overlook the importance of color. You need a few bright pieces but the others can be basics. Stick to blue, white, black, pink, brown. When you buy too many bright outfits, it becomes difficult to pair them and your child cannot wear them often. Somedays a bright outfit may look great but not every day. Keep a color tone in mind and then pick outfits. Shades like blue, white, grey, etc. are ideal for everyday wear and they also look great on kids. However, this does not mean you do not purchase bright colors. You can invest in a few bright-colored pieces but not too many. Pick different styles, designs, and prints so that they are easy to pair.
10. Ignoring return policies
Whether you purchase from the store or online, you need to check the return policy. You could make the mistake of buying clothes that are wrong in size and when shopping online, the fit can vary from brand to brand. You cannot check the fit until you receive the clothes. Many stores have great return policies but there are many others that do not take returns. Hence, before you end up with an expensive mistake, you need to check what the retailer’s return policy is including who will be paying for the return shipping. It is best to stick to stores that allow for convenient and hassle-free returns in case the clothes do not fit.
11. Not letting children make their choice
As kids grow up, they will have a lot of say on what to wear, which colors to wear, how to style and where to shop from. As parents, it is your responsibility to guide them in the right direction. Let them choose for themselves. You must not overpower them and force your choices on them. Allow them to pick and choose. If you do not like something, you can explain to them that why it is not the best buy. However, make a budget and let your child know about it so when you head to the store, your child knows where to look and what to pick. Buying clothes for themselves is a joyful experience for kids and if you engage them well, it can become a pleasurable experience for you too.
12. Not reading labels
All clothes come with labels that carry washing instructions and inform you on ways you can look after the clothes to make them last. However, only a few parents have the habit of checking the label at the time of purchase. Warm weather clothes will have special wash instructions and you need to follow them. Remember, the best way to make clothes last is to be kind to them. You must always use warm water and mild detergent to wash the clothes. Read the label at the time of purchase so that you are aware of how you need to look after it in the future.
Considering the endless choices parents face, it is not easy to pick clothes for children. However, keep these mistakes in mind and make sure you do not make them. You do not want to spend your hard-earned money on something that will not last long. Think of the safety and comfort of your child and always pick clothes that not only make them look good but also feel comfortable. If the clothes no longer fit your child, ensure that they do not end up in a landfill. You can give them to charity so that other children can wear them.
