Read on to find out why you should consider letting your child choose their own clothes, and how to handle the situation when they get to this stage.
Why should you let your little one choose his/her clothes?
1. It allows them to express themselves
The clothes you wear reflect your personality. For a child, picking out an outfit for the first time is so much more than choosing something nice to wear; it can be an opportunity for them to express their likes, dislikes, and opinions in general. Don’t be surprised to discover that their taste in clothing is the polar opposite of yours. Keep in mind that the first couple of items that they will pick for themselves are about experimenting to find their style, so be patient!
2. It lets them practice decision making
It may not seem like a big deal, but allowing your little ones to pick out their clothes while they’re still young can help to cultivate their problem-solving skills. Allow them plenty of opportunities to weigh up their options and make a decision, a skill that they will find useful later in life.
3. They will wear what you buy them
Any parent can tell you how frustrating it can be to buy clothes for your child, only for them to refuse to wear them. When you allow your kids to pick out their own outfits, they’re more likely to wear what you but them. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about spending your mornings trying to convince them to wear an outfit that you picked out for them.
4. It helps to foster independence
When kids get to choose their outfits, they are more willing to learn how to get dressed which encourages them to be more independent as well as inspires them to take more charge when it comes to their daily routine. Furthermore, by letting them pick out what they want to wear, you get more time to complete other tasks at hand.
5. It can be a way for them to start learning about money and budgeting
You can take it a step further by taking your kids along with you on your next shopping trip and letting them pick out the outfits they like for you to buy. You can use this opportunity to introduce them to money and budgeting at an early age. This way, you could help foster a healthy outlook towards spending that will encourage them to be sensible with their money when they’re older.
How to go about letting your child choose their clothes
1. Give choices
Most toddlers and pre-schoolers want to have more control over their lives, and getting to pick out their clothes is one way they feel they can achieve this. So whenever you can, let them have it. To make sure that you have control of the outcome, provide your child with choices. For example, ask, “Would you prefer to wear the black coat or the blue one?” Having a say will make your little one less likely to throw tantrums.
2. Plan ahead
To plan, try making a step-by-step guide of your kid's routine by taking pictures of them doing various activities. These photos could show him waking up, washing his face, brushing his teeth, getting dressed, and eating breakfast. Hang it in his room, and he is likely to follow it each day. If you allow him to pick out an outfit the night before, you can avoid having to deal with tantrums and tears in the morning.
3. Practice makes perfect
By the time they are 3 years old, most kids can pull on a sweatshirt, underwear, and elastic-waist pants. Most children enjoy doing this as it makes them feel confident and competent. So even if tests your patience, give your little one the chance to dress as often as possible, especially on slow-moving weekends when there isn't much to do. Remember, the more power you give to get dressed, the less of a hassle it will be.
4. Make a game of it
A preschooler doesn't understand the urgency of having to leave the house on time in the morning, which is why they would rather do anything else than getting dressed. Keeping this in mind, make their dressing up routine more fun by turning it into a game. For example, say, "I'm going to set a timer to see how long it take you to put on your underwear, pants, and shirt." Reward your child if he can get dressed before the buzzer goes off.
5. Allow for taste
Do you dislike itchy sweaters? Can't stand cargo shorts? Likely, your child will also have clothes that he/she dislikes. Therefore, try to be flexible about your little one's preferences, as long as it is within reason. There may be an easy solution to some of your child’s pet peeves – you can cut off itchy shirt tags or turn socks with uncomfortable seams inside out. And if he wants to wear shorts every day – well, why not? If you are concerned that he may be cold, you can always add tights underneath.
6. The winter coat struggle
If your child doesn’t feel cold while spending time indoors, why force him to put on a bulky jacket over his perfectly cozy outfit? Allow your child to shed layers and dress as he pleases as long as it is warm inside. He will feel different once he is outdoors. Unless it is unbearably cold, carry his coat for him if he can’t be bothered to put it on. If he gets cold, he will ask for the coat.
Final thoughts
Children enjoy exploring, discovering, and pushing boundaries. Allowing your little one to choose the outfits they want to wear could aid in their development, expand their creativity, and help with their independence, confidence, as well as financial management in the future.
]]>1. Add an extra closet rail
If there is not enough room in your growing fashionista’s wardrobe, consider installing a second rail in his/her wardrobe beneath the top one to double up the hanging space. This is doable because baby clothes are small and do not require as much hanging space as adult clothes. By adding a second rail, you will also have more room for vertical storage, which in turn leaves you with more space to store items such as toys, diapers, towels, and blankets.
2. Invest in closet dividers
Getting a lot of baby clothes in preparation for a new arrival or hand-me-downs from family and friends can be a bit overwhelming and throw you in a loop in terms of organization. To avoid chaos and disorder, sort those items by season, type, and size, and keep them separate using hanging tags that indicate the different categories.
3. Use clever clips
Although they are effective closet organizers, clip hangers are expensive, which doesn’t make them worthwhile especially for a kid’s closet. Instead of spending your money on them, consider hitting your local dollar store for packs of clothespins. Organize your little one’s two-piece outfits by hanging the top as you normally would and clipping the skirts or pants to the bottom part of the hanger.
4. Make the most out of baskets
Wicker baskets can be used to store your kids’ towels and pajamas. You can store these storage baskets under your child’s bed for easy access. Alternatively, you can purchase some plastic crates and hooks and create easy hanging storage.
5. Door storage
If you don’t have enough space, consider going vertical by making use of the space on your little one’s closet doors. One way you can create door storage is by mounting a vertical, track-based storage set-up to the back of a closet door, and then add baskets and/or shelving. You can store things like socks and accessories here.
6. Clever shoe organizer
If you are having trouble organizing shoes, socks, and other small items (undies, diapers, bathing suits, etc.) consider using an over-the-door pocket organizer. This is an inexpensive way to add more storage space in your child’s closet, and since you hang it over the back of the closet door, you don’t have to worry about overloading your closet road.
7. Hang shoes on a rail
Because they are so tiny, baby shoes tend to get lost quite often. A great solution to this problem involves hanging an inexpensive suspension rod in your little one’s closet and using curtain rings to hang their shoes in pairs. By displaying the shoes this way, it becomes easy for you to pick a pair out.
8. Try out a chalkboard dresser
If you have an old chest of drawers at your disposal, try dressing it up with a coat of chalkboard paint, adding visual cues on where specific clothing can be found. For example, one drawer can be labeled “underpants”, another “t-shirts”, another “pajamas”, and so on. You can involve your kids in this DIY project by having them help you with the design to match their personality.
9. Storage bins
You can never go wrong with storage bins. You can keep them in your child’s closet or drawer and use them to store items separately. Storage bins are great for storing socks, underwear, scarves, headbands, and other accessories.
10. A rolling wardrobe caddy
Consider investing in a rolling wardrobe/diaper caddy for your storage needs. This can be used as a portable dressing station and serve as an alternative to a bulky dresser. You can place your portable caddy next to the changing table so that you have all that you need to dress and undress your little one.
11. Hook-up soft-knit baskets
If you prefer a more unconventional way to organize your kids’ clothes, consider hook-up soft-knit baskets. To create this storage solution, you will need a couple of hooks and a set of soft-knit baskets that feature suspension loops. For even more space, you can try hooking up canvas bags as well, which you can use to store blankets, toys, and other nursery essentials.
12. Store folded items vertically
Neatly fold your kids’ clothes and store them in the closet or drawer vertically. Stacking clothes on top of each other is hardly ideal as it will make it difficult for you to find things you need later on, plus you will have to keep re-folding clothes to maintain neatness.
13. Hang bottoms on s-hooks
Hang your little one's shorts and pants on s-hooks. This is an organization hack that makes these items more compact, plus you will have an easier time selecting a pair of bottoms for your kid to wear.
14. Have cast-off bins
When organizing your child’s closet, ensure that you have space for cast-off bins. These are accessible pre-assigned spaces for clothes that your child doesn’t need any more for any of the following reasons:
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, the outfit you pick out for your kid doesn't matter – what is important is that you can find the item you need when you need it. As a mom, having the assurance that you don't need to tear your house apart to find your little one's favorite shoes or jacket allows some peace of mind. The above-suggested clothes organization hacks can help you achieve this.
]]>This means that you constantly have to replace clothes, which can be overwhelming and result in a messy closet situation. Read on to find out how you can organize your little one’s clothes.
Lay everything out and sort through
To get started organizing your kid’s clothes, first empty his/her closet and drawers. Take everything out and spread it out where you can see it. Lay it out on a table, their bed, or even on the floor. You can then divide the clothes into the following piles:
- The “keep/stay” pile
This pile is made up of clothes that your child currently wears that are seasonally appropriate and in good condition.
- The “store” pile
The “store” or “save” pile consists of out-of-season clothes that your kid won’t wear for a while. You want to keep the items in this pile in storage until the right season comes around. This way, you will save a lot of space and energy, plus your little one’s drawers and closet will be significantly cleaner.
- The “pass down” pile
If you have younger kids, it's common practice to save clothes that the oldest outgrows for the younger ones to wear when they're old enough. You want to put any of the clothes meant for this purpose in the "pass down" pile.
- The “donate” pile
If there are any gently-worn clothes in your kid's closet that they don't need, consider separating these items from the rest and putting them in a "donate" pile so that they don't unnecessarily take up space. You can then donate them to goodwill.
- The “discard” pile
Put any item that is torn, ripped, overly worn, or faded in the “discard” pile.
You can tackle this sorting task on your own, or ask your children to help you so that they can be involved in the organizational process – whichever way you choose to go about it, just ensure that you get through as many items as possible in one sitting.
Step by step organization
Once you finish with sorting, the next step is to put everything back in place. Start by arranging all the clothes that your child doesn't need at the moment so that you can keep them in storage.
1. Clothing storage solutions
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when looking for storage solutions:
For effective storage, consider investing in fabric totes or storage bags. Resist the urge to shove the clothes into these storage units and opt to carefully organize your child’s clothes before putting them away instead. Here are some tips on how you can do this:
2. Organize items by season
For most people, the most logical way to put clothes in order is by season. By keeping your little one's summer clothes all in one area, you will have an easy time preparing them for the season when it comes around.
3. Organize items by type
Another way you can organize your child’s items is by type. This is effective if your child has enough seasonal clothes for you to split into different bags. You can dedicate a storage bag to winter coats, another to snow pants, and another to layers. This way, you will have an even easier time unpacking in preparation for the season.
4. Organize items by size
If you intend to store a collection of items that is much more than a season's worth – a closet for younger siblings to grow into, for example – you might want to consider organizing by size. You can sort then sort the clothes further by season within the size categories. For this strategy, you must label the storage totes or bags by size so that you can easily find items you need in the future.
Putting everything in order
Once you finish organizing the items that are reserved for future wearing, you can then put your child’s closet back in order. By this stage, you should be left with a few clothes – only what your kid is currently wearing.
Final thoughts
Organizing your kid’s clothes can take up quite a bit of time, but it is a worthwhile exercise that you will especially appreciate if you plan to save some clothes to pass them down to younger siblings. To make the task easier in the future, regularly organize your kid's clothes systematically, and get rid of what you don't need.
]]>Choose clothes in your baby’s size
Buying an adorable onesie for your little one only to find it too small or too big is quite disappointing as it means you will have to go through the hassle of making an exchange. You must always choose clothes that fit your child right. In addition to being comfortable, the appropriate size of clothing will also allow your baby to stretch and move effortlessly.
Most clothes usually have standard measurements to serve as a guide if you are unsure of the size that will properly fit your child. As you have probably realized, sizing tends to vary between brands, as well as from country to country. To select the right size clothing for your baby, start by considering age. That said, you want to always check a brand's size charts to give you an idea of the size that is most suitable based on your little one's weight and height.
A majority of clothing retailers typically provide size charts for the brands that they sell, so you want to check their websites before making a purchase. If you plan to purchase from a kids’ clothing store in your area, seek the guidance of the staff who will likely inform you if a label tends to run small or large.
The importance of fabric
Babies have very sensitive skin that can be easily irritated by clothes made from the wrong type of fabric. Cotton is the most common fabric used for babies’ clothes as it feels soft on delicate baby skin, plus it is durable and incredibly versatile – jersey, corduroy, denim, terry, fleece, and flannel are just a handful of the numerous cotton fabric variants available. Another perk that makes it the go-to fabric is the fact that most cotton items are easy to care for as you can toss them into the washing machine without having to worry about damage.
Polyester is another popular fabric used to make kids’ clothes. This is a synthetic fiber that is lightweight, quick-drying, durable, and resistant to stains and wrinkles. Polyester/cotton blends are commonly used to make sweatshirts, dresses, and sweatpants.
Polyester is also commonly used to make children’s swimwear, linings, and outerwear.
How safe is a design?
When shopping for baby clothes, keep safety in mind. Every year, countless clothes from different brands are because they fail to meet safety standards. To reduce the risk of strangulation, the North American Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) bans neck and hood drawstrings (the kind that was previously prevalent in kids’ hooded sweatshirts) in children’s’ clothing in sizes2T-12. Small parts, such as buttons, as well as decorative add-ons like bows, hooks, sequins, ribbons, beads, and flowers can become choking hazards if they become loose. Better Kid Care recommends that all fasteners and decorative attachments on clothing made for children under three have to be a minimum of 1 ¼ inches in diameter and 1 inch in length.
The CPSC also stipulates that sleepwear for kids ranging from 9 months to 14 years have to be either tight-fitting or made from flame-resistant fabric. Some pajama fabrics, such as a polyester fleece combo can trigger static electricity when your little one tosses and turns in bed. To avoid such a scenario, consider buying non-fleece sleepwear that is tight-fitting (no more than one size larger) and made of non-flammable material.
Look out for potential irritants
Clothing tags that are usually found behind the neckline are irritable even to some adults, so you can imagine how uncomfortable they feel against a baby's sensitive skin. Simply snip off tags, making sure to get rid of every bit of it. Alternatively, you can select clothes that are tag-free (some cloth brands sell items with clothing details printed on the fabric itself)
Some chemicals used in clothing can also irritate your baby’s skin, cause allergic reactions, or even expose them to long-term health problems. Look out for formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical that is used to keep clothes shrink-free and wrinkle-free, and perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), used to make clothing stain proof and waterproof, which have been proven to be toxic.
Convenience is key
A baby never stays in one outfit for too long – frequent changes are required because of spit-up, poop, and pee, so you want to choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off.
Arm and neck holes
Go for clothes that feature wide arm and neck holes to make dressing and undressing easier. Clothes with an envelope neckline are ideal as they tend to be wide and stretchy.
Fasteners
Zips and snaps are the best types of fasteners for baby clothing. Buttons can cause a bit frustrating to fasten while your baby is flailing his/her legs and arms. Choose a zip-up outfit that also features a snap-over tap to keep the zip from sliding down, as well as to protect your child from scratches
Kimono-style clothes
Consider going for kimono-style onesies if you want to avoid the hassle of trying to get your baby’s outfit over his/her head. You won’t have to worry about touching your baby’s head thanks to the wrap-around design and easy snap fastenings in these styles of clothing.
Final thoughts
With a wide variety of fabrics, styles, and brands of baby clothes in the market, it is understandable why it can be a bit overwhelming to choose the appropriate ones for your little one. To make your shopping experience fun and less stressful, consider the tips in this article to help you build a suitable and comfortable wardrobe for your baby.
]]>Buying baby clothes on a budget doesn’t mean settling for items that are of poor quality. This article explores a variety of strategies that can come in handy when you want to buy baby clothes on a budget.
1. Find cheap online stores
Online shopping has become one of the most common ways to buy items, including baby clothes. You can get newborn clothes, toddler clothes, and other baby essentials at reasonable prices.
2. Try using cashback shopping sites
When shopping online, consider using cashback platforms. Some of them offer up to 40% cashback on online purchases from a variety of stores that retail baby clothes, including Macy’s, Amazon, Kohl’s, Old Navy, Target, Walmart, and more. All you need to do is to sign up for free.
3. Buy from family members and friends
If you have family members and friends that have children who are a bit older than yours, consider asking them if you can buy baby clothes that they don't need. In most cases, you will find that they have a closet full of baby clothes that they want to get rid of, so they might even offer to give you items for free. Take what you get, and then afterward, sort through the items to find what you want to keep.
4. Browse Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a great place to find baby clothes when you’re on a budget. To get started, sign in to your Facebook account, and a link for Marketplace will appear on the left sidebar. Click on the link to see Marketplace ads. Go to the “Family” category and click “Baby & Kids”. Browse the listings for baby clothes in your area to find affordable deals. You can also list and sell any baby items that you may have on this platform.
5. Check for baby clothes in your local thrift store
Consider buying baby clothes from your local thrift store. Because kids grow at a rapid rate, they typically outgrow their clothes way before they wear them out, so you will likely find that the secondhand clothes sold in thrift stores are still in good condition. Just remember to give the items you decide to buy a good wash before putting your little one in them
6. Shop at garage sales
Garage and yard sales are great places to start when you’re looking for a bargain. One of the most reliable ways to get good deals at yard sales is by looking around for citywide sales. Some cities regularly set aside some days during which residents are encouraged to take part.
In some cases, the sale sponsor will put out a catalog that details all sale holders. The catalog allows sellers to describe what they're selling – you can take advantage of this to find participants who are selling baby clothes. Don't hesitate to bargain when buying clothes at a garage sale. You will find that most sellers are willing to lower their asking price as they likely just want to find buyers.
7. Don’t overlook coupons and gift cards
Coupons come in handy when you need to save money shopping online. Before checking out, use Honey, a reputable coupon finding-app, to scan the items in your virtual cart and start the search for coupon codes. This will save you from having to look for applicable coupon codes for each item. If Honey finds coupons, they will be automatically applied, and you will subsequently get to save on your purchases.
8. Shop offseason
Another way you can save a few coins shopping for your little one is by shopping the clearance racks. Consider buying snowsuits or winter coats ahead of time. Similarly, you can save quite a bit of money by buying Easter, Halloween, Christmas, or any other special occasion outfits ahead of the season. Just remember to consider growth spurts so that you don't end up with ill-fitting clothes.
9. Trade with a friend
If you have family or a group of friends who have children that are around the same size or age as your own, consider swapping clothes to upgrade your little one's wardrobe. Gather a few people in your circle and ask them to bring items that are in good condition but they want to get rid of. Switch clothes as you see fit and end up with cute baby clothes without having to break the bank!
10. Check local group sales
Check to see if there are any local group sales where you live. These sales are often hosted in churches as well as in schools over the holidays. You can usually find more information regarding such sales on local Facebook groups.
11. Browse Freecycle
Consider browsing Freecycle to see if you can find free baby clothes. Freecycle is a renowned non-profit organization that allows people to exchange items for free. This platform is free to join, plus you can also list the things you need.
Browse Craigslist and other similar sites
Craigslist is a great platform to find items when you have a tight budget. By browsing on Craigslist and other similar sites, you will find a lot of affordable baby clothes in top condition.
Final thoughts
One of the most effective ways you can save money when you have kids is to buy baby clothes on a budget. All these strategies will help you avoid having to pay full price for baby clothes so that you can spend your hard-earned money on other baby essentials.
]]>Read on to discover how kids fashion has changed over the years, from 1960 to 2020.
Trends in the 60s
For boys in the early 60s, corduroy slacks and denim jeans were popular. These trousers would be paired with a matching blazer, sweater, or jean jacket. Girls on the other hand were all about collared dresses, pleated skirts, and bib-front dresses.
Earth tone plains and olive green shades were all the rage, especially for fall. In the late 60s, navy blues and pale yellows became the main focus for boys. Sports jackets and simple understated plaids also gained popularity as the go-to casual looks. Girls leaned towards bright pink and yellow shades, as well as tent dresses, puffy sleeves, and longbow collars.
Trends in the 70s
In the 70s, boys commonly wore three-piece sets that were modeled after the outfits that men were wearing at the time. Other separates that were popular during this era of fashion include sweater vests with funky patterns and colors as well as pullover sweaters that featured buttons or stripes. Flared pants were all the rage as well, and would often feature solid colors, colorful plaids, and stripes.
Girls would commonly wear pale pastels with prints and rich colors with unique patchwork pieces and other prints. Boldly colored coordinates that would be popularly seen included flared slacks with matching shirts and jackets as well as overalls paired with printed bibs.
Trends in the 80s
The 80s in fashion is known for its colorful and over-the-top aesthetic. Popular boys' clothing in the 80s included tapered pant, boldly patterned sweaters, collared shirts, plaid blazers, cuffed pan, dyed canvas pants, patterned jeans, and jacquard cardigans. Acid wash denim jeans were a must-have in every little boy's closet, and pants sets that featured popular TV characters, as well as Nike athletic coordinates, also couldn't be missed.
Girls preferred to wear fun patterned and brightly colored leggings, drop-waist dresses, oversized sweatshirts (often paired with acid wash denim jean skirts), and cuffed bottom pants.
Trends in the 90s
The most notable kids’ fashion fad in the 90s was fluorescent clothing. Popular shades for girls included bright mint, hot pink, coral, turquoise, orange, bright red, and yellow. Girls wore calf dresses paired with leggings, oversized t-shirt, slouch socks, crew-neck t-shirts, laced trimmed bike shorts, pantywaist tops paired with skirts or jeans, and leotards. It was also quite common to see mothers match outfits with their daughters.
Fashion trends that were popular with boys included jean jackets, soccer shorts, sweatpants, tartan shirts, cargo pants, colored jeans in purple, red, and bright mint green colors. In the mid-90s, both boys and girls preferred to wear simple clothes such as flannel shirts overalls, and grey knitted sweaters.
Trends in the 00s
2000s kids fashion was heavily influenced by earlier eras. Girls in the early noughties gravitated towards box-pleated skirts, halter tops, sequined pants, satin skirts, mid-rise jeans, chunky sweaters, hot pants, flare jeans, cargo pants, daisy dukes, hoodies, hip-hop inspired sweatpants, floral print summer dresses, and solid bright-colored tights.
Boys on the other hand could be seen in tracksuits, leather coats, puffy jackets, ripped jeans, light-colored polo shirts, khaki chinos, corduroy pants, cargo pants, trucker hats, and tartan lumberjack-style shirts.
As the era came to a close, girls began to wear boho-chic dresses, tank tops, boot-cut jeans, denim miniskirts, and cropped jackets. There was also a brief revival of items worn in the late 1980s, with sundresses, pale denim jeggings, acid wash skinny jeans, neon leg warmers, and geometric pattern tops all coming back into fashion.
Boys in the late 2000s wore slim and straight leg jeans, knitted V-neck sweaters, windbreakers, Hawaiian shirts, ski jackets, and roll sleeve flannel shirts paired with white T-shirts.
Trends in the 10s
The 2010s saw the dominance of Athleisure, hipster fashion, and a revival of alternative fashions. Subdued colors such as mustard yellow, olive green burgundy, blush pink, and mauve saw a surge in popularity.
Popular trends for girls included T-shirt dresses, baby doll dresses, oversized coats, loose Capri pants, puffer jackets, yoga pants, leggings, cardigan sweaters, baggy pants, denim jackets, multi-colored tie-dye skirts, floral maxi dresses, white peplum dresses, and dusky pink midi-dresses.
Boys on the other hand favored graphic print hoodies, shirts that featur3 Mayan and Aztec patterns, flannel shirts, sweatpants, tracksuits, camouflage jackets, baggy cargo pants, brightly colored hoodies, bomber jackets, slim-fitting jogger pants, denim jackets, drop-crotch pants, grunge style tartan over shirts, and shawl collar cardigans.
Trends in 2020
This era has seen a lot of vibrant popup colors such as yellow and bright red, with past favorites such as pastel and earth tones taking a back seat. Prints, tie-dye, and stripes have also made a comeback in a big way, with both boys and girls rocking these designs.
Tencel has been the “it” fabric of 2020 thanks to its silky smooth feel and wrinkle resistance. The eco and sustainability approach that a lot of brands have adopted has also helped to boost this natural fabric’s profile. Toweling fabric has also been considerably popular, especially due to the sport-chic craze that is still going strong.
Find trendy outfits for your little one on hingebrigtsen Baby
On hingebrigtsen, you will find a wide variety of fashionable pieces to choose from whether you have a newborn or a preschooler.
Final thoughts
The history of kids’ fashion is long and colorful. Certain looks or outfits have come to define a specific period – plaids are associated with the 1960s, just as scrunchies were part of the signature look in the 1980s.
You can recognize some elements of fashion trends from the past in the clothes that kids wear today, so don’t be afraid to experiment – as long as your kid is comfortable and happy to try out some past favorites.
]]>Whether you're making clothes for your child or making them as a gift, handmade items are undoubtedly unique. However, before you embark on your next sewing project, you must pay attention to the fabric that you choose. A child's skin is very sensitive, so you want the fabric that you choose to be soft and non-irritating. It is also important for the fabric to be breathable, as well as sturdy enough to withstand regular washing and general wear and tear. This article details different types of fabric that are deemed suitable for baby and kids' clothes.
1. Muslin
Muslin is a cotton fabric that comes in several different weights ranging from paper-thin to somewhat dense. Thin muslin is ideal for fashioning children's clothes as it is breathable and feels gentle on the skin. Muslin is commonly used to make burp cloths, cloth diaper covers, and swaddle cloths. This fabric is also suitable for lining clothes as well as for making petticoats.
2. Lawn cotton
This is 100% cotton fabric that is characterized by its high thread count and soft feel. These qualities make it suitable for kids' clothes, especially baby garments – it is commonly used to make christening gowns. Another noteworthy quality of this fabric is the lightweight nature that allows it to dry quite fast.
3. Batiste
Batiste is a cotton open weave fabric that has a very soft feel to it. Unlike lawn fabric, it is opaque. It is much more durable than other types of cotton fabric, plus it is very comfortable for children to wear as it feels soft even on sensitive skin. The lightweight quality of this fabric also makes it a superb choice for making clothes that are to be worn in the summer.
4. Voile
This is a semi-sheer fabric that has an almost gauze-like quality to it. It shares several similarities with lawn cotton, but it is generally thinner, more transparent, and somewhat crisp. Voile is also free-flowing, which makes it suitable for making cute little dresses for your little one.
5. Bamboo rayon
Bamboo rayon is an ultra-soft yet durable fabric that is derived from bamboo plants. This fabric is believed to have non-allergenic properties, which makes it a fitting choice for eco-conscious parents. It is also great for sensitive skin, plus it is thermal-regulating, which means that it will readily adjust to the body temperature of your child, so you don’t have to worry about the risk of overheating. This quality makes bamboo rayon a great choice for layering.
6. Wool
This natural fabric has several advantages, but it requires a lot of care and attention to maintain. Wool is great for making kids' clothes as it is effective at retaining heat. Some woolen fibers may cause discomfort due to their texture – to avoid this, pay close attention to the composition of the wool. For instance, when wool is combined with acryl it becomes soft to touch.
7. Fleece
Choose a light fleece fabric to make your child's winter clothes. This fabric is popular for its moisture-wicking properties as well as its ability to keep the body warm. Unlike wool, fleece is quite easy to maintain as you can simply toss it in the machine for a wash, plus it dries fast. You can use this fabric to make hats and scarves for your child to wear in winter.
8. Handkerchief linen
This is semi-sheer linen that has slubs on its surface that give it a slight texture. Because it is linen, you can expect the clothes that you make to have the elegance of linen, but with a soft texture. Because it is lightweight, it is suitable for sewing dresses with pleats, gathers, and smocking without the bulk.
9. Minky/minkee
This is a soft polyester knit fabric that has a brushed pile which gives it a superb plush hand. This fabric is ideal for making soft plush toys and coy blankets. It is worth noting that this fabric is not as breathable as natural fabrics, so it is not suitable for making summer clothes.
10. Jersey knit fabric
Jersey knit fabric is commonly used to make baby and kids’ clothes, and with good reason – it is soft and breathable. This fabric is also stretchy, which allows it to accommodate constant body movements as well as growth spurts.
11. Microfiber fabric
This is a newer type of fabric that is non-allergenic and very soft. If your little ones have hyper-sensitive skin, consider going for this fabric.
12. Broadcloth
Broadcloth is a smooth and lightweight fabric that can either be cotton blend or cotton. Go for cotton if you plan to make clothes for your baby. Cotton broadcloth is renowned for its fine ribbed texture and lustrous surface. This fabric is great for making dresses, gowns, and tops.
13. Eyelet cotton/ broderie anglaise fabric
Eyelet cotton and broderie anglaise fabric feature embroidery on their surfaces, which makes them great for making kids’ nightgowns and dresses. They can be used to make the clothes themselves, or as accents or trims.
14. Gauze
This is a cotton muslin fabric that is light, airy, and breathable with a slightly wrinkled appearance. Single gauze is one layer of this fabric, whereas double gauze features two layers of the fabric tacked together at regular intervals. Japanese double gauze is known for its opacity and an ultra-soft feel. The quality of this fabric can vary due to printing, dyeing, and maker, so ensure to do your research before purchasing.
15. Waterproof fabrics
If you are looking for fabric to make winter coats, cloth diapers, washable bed pads, diaper covers, bibs, nursing pads, and training pants, you will want to go for waterproof fabric. Polyurethane laminated polyester is a great place to start, especially for diaper covers and cloth diapers. This jacket can serve as an inspiration for the type of fabric to use to make a waterproof coat for your little one.
Final thoughts
It might be tempting to go for flashy fabrics such as sequin knits and synthetic lace, but before you make a purchase, think about your child's needs. Keep in mind that your little one has delicate skin, and dazzling others with a dress made from pretty fabric is none of their concern. Always pick a fabric that will allow your kid to feel comfortable.
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