Having a child comes with so many responsibilities that parents find overwhelming.
Among them is ensuring that they are provided with the basic needs: food, clothes, and shelter.
Today, we will focus on clothes and how often to buy them.
But, How Often Should You Buy Your Children New Clothes?
Every parent wants their kids to look at their best all the time. For this reason, many are compelled to buy new things for them. Unfortunately, this means additional expenses.
Some parents, due to lack of finances, make their kids wear clothes that their elder children previously wore. Sure, this is cost-saving, but there are times when new clothes are necessary. For instance, when they are worn out or no longer fit.
When Should You Buy New Clothes for Your Child?
1. When The Clothes No Longer Fit
Children grow quickly. Sometimes you may buy an outfit and expect them to wear it for a long time, only for your child to outgrow it after a few years.
Well, that can be disappointing. But if the clothes do not fit anymore, your child sure needs a new set.
2. The Clothes Are Worn Out
No one, even adults, wants to wear worn-out clothes if they can afford to buy new ones.
So, inspect your child’s wardrobe and remove old worn-out clothes.
If the pull neck has overstretched, the t-shirt has faded, or the jeans have ripped, it’s time to upgrade.
3. Your Kids Don’t Like Their Clothes Anymore
When children are little, parents make every decision for them, including which clothes to wear.
But as they grow old, they’ll develop their own tastes.
If you bought clothes for your child and they seem to have a different style, you may want to change their wardrobe.
4. When The Season Calls for It
We live in changing weather seasons, which call for different clothes.
During summer, your children need light clothing, but during winter, their clothes need to be heavy to withstand the cold.
So, in that case, you may need to buy new ones appropriate for the weather.
5. When They Are Out of Style
The thing about fashion is that it will always change.
New things are constantly being introduced to the fashion industry.
And while it’s sometimes impossible to keep up with the trends, you can try to ensure that your kids are not wearing old-fashioned styles.
For example, maybe you loved round dresses and bought several for your child.
But now, the market has long sleeves, mini dresses, and knitted dresses for kids. In that case, you can consider buying these if your budget allows.
What Can Be Done With Old Unwanted Baby Clothes?
1. Pass Them Down to Someone Else with a Baby
If the clothes are in good condition, you don’t need to throw them away.
Instead, you can let someone else enjoy them.
Pass them down to someone who has a smaller child.
2. Sell Them Online
If donating doesn’t sound good to you, you can always sell them at a less price.
Someone will surely buy them for their child.
3. Design a Keepsake
Most people don’t feel comfortable throwing or giving away precious things.
In that case, think of turning your children’s clothes into a keepsake. This way, you can have them for as long as you want.
4. Donate
So many children need clothes but don’t have them.
If your child has some old clothing, donate them to those in need.
Various charity shops are available that accept used clothing.
5. Recycle
Finally, if none of the above tips interest you, recycling is certainly an option.
Put the clothes in a textile recycle bin, and the experts can make something new out of them. Therefore, nothing will go to waste.
When to Let Kids Choose Clothes for Themselves
There is no standard age when parents should stop choosing clothes for their children. Remember that all kids are different and grow at their own pace.
But, several things can help you decide when to let your children choose the new clothes they want.
These include;
1. If They Can Physically Do It
If your child can dress themselves, there’s no need to force them to wear what you want.
Let them pick their clothes when they are dressing or when you go shopping for new clothes.
2. If They Can Express Their Opinion
Children learn to speak up quickly, and most times, they won’t be afraid to let you know their preferences.
If your child tells you the clothes they’d like to wear, it’s time to let them choose for themselves.
Five Tips for Buying New Clothes for Your Children
1. Choose a Quality Fabric
Children are very playful. Therefore, they need durable clothes that can withstand wear and tear.
Many of us think the cloth has to be expensive to have good material quality. However, this isn’t true.
What’s essential is to ensure that the fabric has a thick and durable quality. Feel the clothing, then hold it up. If it is transparent, it’s probably not good quality.
2. Pick Gender Neutral Items
Sure, you know the gender of your child. But, don’t base your shopping on that.
Instead, pick clothes that work for both girls and boys.
That means you opt for gender-neutral colors, patterns, and styles. This way, it’ll be easy to pass down the cloth or resell.
3. Choose Soft Fabrics
Itchy or rough fabric is uncomfortable.
So, opt for soft ones, especially when shopping for children with sensitive skin.
Cotton is the best material for babies as it is soft and breathable.
4. Buy Versatile Clothes
Leggings can be used as capris when your child grows taller.
You can also turn a dress into a tunic if it is a loose style.
Again, large and loose t-shirts can be worn under a long-sleeved shirt until your child grows big enough to wear the t-shirt alone.
So, before you buy any clothing, ask yourself whether it can be worn in another way.
5. Consider the Size
Think about your child’s height and weight when buying clothes.
Most times, these measurements will correspond to their age.
But if you are not shopping for your child, you can always consult with their parents for the right size.
Also, consider bringing the child with you to try the clothes, although this is hard for young children.
If you aren’t sure of their measurements, always opt for a large size since babies grow up quickly anyway.
Sources
https://www.newfolks.com/shop/kids-need-9-set-of-clothes-why/