How to Select Clothes for Pre-Schoolers

By the time they hit preschool, many kids have a few words to say about the clothing they wear. Preferences at this age often revolve around color, texture and motif, so it's still mom and dad's job to keep their choices practical and functional.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Elastic waist clothing
• Clothing with snaps

1. Choose skirts, pants and shorts that have elastic waists for no fuss dressing. When selecting zippered bottoms, consider those with wide plastic teeth for ease of movement and less potential to catch.

2. Opt for clothes that have easy snaps, large, easy to maneuver buttons, and necklines that allow their heads to glide through. These little details will minimize frustration and promotes effortless and no-nonsense dressing.

3. Remember that your child's preschool activities will involve a lot of mess makers. Look for garments that can tolerate the threat of paint, grass and mud stains, as well as the numerous washing needed to keep them fresh.

4. Buy clothes that are a little large. Your child is growing, so an item that fits perfectly upon purchase may be too small a few months down the road.

5. Select clothes that layer easily for cold winter days. Kids resent feeling mummified in bulky sweaters and jackets, and layering allows them to adjust their clothing to suit the range of temperatures they may encounter throughout the day.

6. Look for outerwear garments that have scarves, mittens and hats that are attached. You'll never have to dig for cold weather accessories or find one naked hand again.

Tips & Warnings

• Let your child choose from items that you've pre-selected. This gives him/her the opportunity to be involved in the decision making process without headaches.
• Label all of your child's clothes so there's no question regarding ownership.
• Many dyes and materials may be potential skin irritants. Monitor your child's comfort in any new garments, as well as rashes or itching that may develop.