Perfect clothes for your tiny tots

All decisions made regarding your children are of paramount importance, and even the clothes you pick out for them affects their mood and well-being, so here's how to do it right.

These days, children's clothing come in a variety of styles and designs that, sometimes, even the savviest of folks have difficulty in shopping for their little one's wardrobe.
Smitten founder and London College of Fashion alumna, Roshni Shewakramani, a stylish mum of two, answers common questions from parents to help them pick out the right clothes for their little ones.
What to keep in mind when buying clothes for your kids
When shopping clothes for kids, it is important to keep comfort on the top of the list. As much as possible, choose clothing items made with natural fabrics so they do not irritate your child's skin. Fabrics should also be lightweight, so kids can play comfort-ably. Fashion conscious mums are lucky that there are plenty of good brands that offer the perfect blend of comfort, quality and style nowadays. It's fine to be on trend, but make sure that children are happy wearing the clothes. One good thing to do is make them select their own clothes and guide them on their choices. That way, you help them develop their own fashion sense, whilst boosting their independence, confidence, and self-esteem at the same time.
Basics for every child's wardrobe
Every child needs basics such as T-shirts, pants, shorts, rompers, skirts and leggings, pajamas and socks. Add to that a few dressy outfits for going out. Cardigans and light jackets are also good, plus thicker sweaters are handy for air-conditioning. For babies, invest in onesies and hoodies/footies to keep them warm and snug. Fuss-free clothing with simple styles should be the staples of your baby's wardrobe.
How to shop for special-occasion outfits
First, make sure that the clothes fit the occasion, so you have to check if there is a prescribed dress code, even for children. Otherwise, it is safe to look for picture-perfect clothes that are elegant. I would suggest you opt for bright colours, so you get your child interested in the outfit. And just so that they will be happy to wear the clothes, be sure to match them with the perfect pair of shoes and fun accessories to get them more excited.
Parents also need to keep in mind that clothes should suit the child's age. Don't make kids look older than they are, just because you like the style of a particular clothing item. That is actually one of the biggest fashion mistakes we parents can make. Certain cuts and trends are only for adults. Also, make-up on little girls just ages them and takes the innocence away.
For occasion wear, my recommendations are these pairings - taffeta dresses for little girls in lavender, mint and metallic shades, matched with glittery ballet pumps. For little boys: linen suits and dress shirts that come with bow ties.
Moccasins in all textures to finish the look. Kids will always be kids, so remember to keep comfort on top of mind - they'll want to play and get rough in their clothes, whatever the occasion.
Extra comfortable for infants
Comfort and safety are very important when it comes to babies' clothing. You have to be mindful of the trims and extra designs, say a rhinestone detail or design, which can be done without. They can be choking hazards and therefore unsafe. If you think you really need those extras, on a special occasion for instance, thoroughly inspect the quality of craftsmanship and make sure the designs or extras are sewed on tight.
The ease of dressing and undressing is another consideration with infants. Wide necks, shoulder snaps, front zips and loose sleeves are just some of the helpful features you can look for. When it comes to sizes, it is advisable to shop by your baby's weight, as shopping by age is not that reliable, considering that sizes differ from brand to brand. If you are unsure, you can opt for bigger sizes, because your baby will outgrow the item before you know it.
Seasonal clothing requirements, such as back-to-school, for winter, etc
This is where investing in basic clothing items comes in handy. Practical parents can turn to the essentials and dress them up for other activities or seasons. Choose the versatile pieces from your basics and layer them up; teaching kids how to mix and match clothing will also help them develop their own fashion sense. For example, start with a basic T-shirt and layer it up with a vest, or for a cardigan for a back-to-school look, or a jacket for the winter. Girls would surely look pretty in the classic combination of leggings and short skirts. You can also freshen their looks in between season with accessories.
(Roshni is founder of Smitten, the maternity wear and children's clothing store)

• Dubai