Bringing your precious little ones along to meaningful family get-togethers and events makes for memories you will never forget. There is nothing cuter than seeing your young children dressed up to the nines for a wedding, birthday party or cultural event.
Small children can be notoriously fussy about new clothes due to unfamiliar textures or specific fits. Clothing sensitivity can be profoundly difficult for little ones to deal with, particularly babies and toddlers, considering they cannot effectively communicate their discomfort. As such, selecting formalwear for your children can be tricky. To help alleviate some of the pressure, consider the following tips for successfully choosing a formal outfit for your baby, toddler or young child.
Give Them Choice
Giving your little one choice over their formal outfit may sound like a recipe for disaster - they could end up attending a family wedding dressed as a superhero. However, giving children an element of choice over their outfits grants them a sense of independence and is an excellent method of self-expression. Consider taking your child along when shopping for their outfit, and ask them simple questions like “what colour do you want to wear?” - this allows them to feel included and will likely make them more enthusiastic about the big event.
Don’t Buy Too Far In Advance
There is no doubt about it - kids grow quickly. It only takes a split second and a well-timed growth spurt for them to outgrow their entire wardrobe. As such, avoid purchasing their outfit too far in advance, as you can never be sure whether it will fit when the time comes. It may be better to buy your little one’s outfit in a size or two up. If you’re worried about wasting money on an outfit that will only be worn once due to rapid growth spurts, consider borrowing formal kids’ clothes from a friend or relative.
Comfort And Freedom Of Movement
One of the most essential factors in selecting any outfit for a baby, toddler or small child is comfort. It’s unrealistic to expect your child to sit pleasantly with the rest of the adults for the entire duration of a wedding or party, so select an outfit based on how well your little one will be able to move around and play. Furthermore, babies and toddlers tend to become grumpy and irritable when they are uncomfortable, and considering a young child may not have the means to communicate this, you could be in for a tantrum or two.
Consider Your Fabric Options
Babies have highly delicate skin; therefore, natural, lightweight and breathable fabrics are essential to help promote healthy skin and temperature regulation. Synthetic fabrics and irritable materials such as lace, organza and wool can be highly uncomfortable and may even exacerbate skin conditions such as eczema. Fortunately, you can find cool baby clothes made from organic cotton - perfect for formal events and ideal for little ones with sensitive skin, allergies, and chemical sensitivities.
Bring A Back-Up
If there’s anything you can guarantee about babies and toddlers, it’s that they are messy. You may already pack several changes of clothes for a regular day out, and a formal event is no exception. While you don’t need to spend twice as much on multiple formal outfits, bringing a spare change of tights, trousers, and socks is always wise, particularly for potty-training little ones.
Weather Appropriate Clothes
While you may be able to grit your teeth and bear chilly weather for the duration of a formal event, you can’t expect the same from your child. Make sure you layer them up for outdoor affairs if temperatures are low - consider a cute formal jacket or even a faux fur cape. Similarly, for outdoor events during spring and summer, ensure your little one wears a sun hat to protect them from harmful UV rays.
Accessories
A well-placed accessory is a great way to add a charming finishing touch to your child’s formal outfit. Consider a cute, summery flower crown or floral headband to elevate a simple formal dress. For little tuxedo-wearers, you could opt for a dapper flat cap or a matching braces and bow-tie set. Keep in mind that young children have a tendency to remove loose clothing items, so lower your expectations and don’t expect those adorable hair clips to return home.