2/25/16

Children's Place Coupon $10 OFF: How to Pick a Toddler Girl Dress

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Party Dresses


When your little girl enters the toddler phase around her first birthday you may want to get her a very special dress for her first birthday party. Keep in mind that these dresses are impractical and you will probably only keep them dressed in the party dress long enough to take a few special photos. You may consider hiring a dress for this purpose or alternatively persuade a doting grandmother to buy her a special dress for this occasion. Either way bear in mind that these dresses are not cheap and your little girl is unlikely to wear the dress more than a few minutes at her party.

Toddler Girl Photo-Shoots

Toddler Girl Photo-shoot
Toddler Girl Photo-shoot

Toddler Girl Dresses for Photo Shoots

If you are considering having a photo-shoot of your little toddler girl taken you will need to choose the dresses wisely. If you are doing the photo shoot yourself choose dresses that match background drops that you have available.
You may want to take your little girl to a professional child photographer who has clothing for toddler girls. This will save you a lot of time and effort as their clothing is usually color-coordinated with their backgrounds.

Dresses for Everyday Wear

Choosing Toddler Girl Dresses for Everyday Wear

Most of the dresses that you will buy for your little toddler girl will be for everyday wear. They should be functional and preferably be practical colors. Toddler girl dresses should not be too long or too wide as they will tend to trip and fall over the skirts of the dresses. As they enter the phase of dressing themselves look for dresses that they will be able to put on themselves. Jersey knit bodices are a good idea as these are usually button-free. Choose fabrics that are machine washable as their clothing needs to be able to take a lot of wash and wear. Durable cotton dresses are ideal for the summer months. If your toddler is still very young look for dresses that do not have tags at the neck as these can be a source of irritation.
Dresses for little girls are ideal during the potty training stage as this makes it easy for your little girl to help herself with the potty routine. Once again make sure that the dress is not too long - long dresses may get soiled during the potty episode as little girls have not all learned the skill of lifting their dresses and using the potty at the same time.
If you choose a dress with straps make sure that they cross at the back or straps that are joined together as little toddler girl's shoulders are still too round to hold up the straps. Besides looking untidy straps that slip off can cause a safety hazard as your little girl's arms can get entangled while busy climbing onto a chair and she may lose her balance.
During winter choose dresses that can be worn over sweaters. Layering is not only highly fashionable it is also very practical and will ensure that you get maximum use of the dresses. Denim sleeveless dresses are ideal as they match any long-sleeved t-shirt that you wish to put on underneath.

Dresses For More Seasons

If it is the beginning of spring or autumn choose dresses that can be co-ordinated with toddler girl yoga pants in the colder of the two seasons.
One important thing to remember is not to buy your little girl's clothing too big. The dress will not fit comfortably and will hinder your child's play and freedom of movement. If you are looking for long-sleeved dresses make sure that the design allows for sufficient arm movement. Raglan sleeve construction is ideal or set-in sleeves with deep sleeves. For everyday wear avoid very wide sleeves as these will get in the way when she is out playing.
The bottom line is that all toddler girl's clothing should be practical, functional and easy to get on and off.

2/24/16

How to Choose Glasses for Kids

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As many as 1 in 20 preschoolers wears glasses. If you've got a little four-eyes, use our guide to finding the best pair for her peepers:
Choose a flattering frame. Pick a squarish one for your round-faced cherub, a round shape for your angular angel. And shoot small: Oversize glasses can make a kid look bug-eyed.


Be flexible. You may think plastic styles are cuter (bright colors, fun shapes), and they're fine. If you can't get a good fit, though, metal's easy to adjust, says Dana Cohen, a pediatric optician in Medford, MA. Look for flexible titanium and spring hinges, which bend without breaking as easily.

Focus on the bridge. A too-tight nose pad will pinch and prevent the glasses from sitting close enough to your child's eyes. When it's too wide, the frames slip and slide. You'll know it's right when there's very little space between your child's cheek and the lower rim of the frames.


Ear this. For a child under 3, go for a silicone-covered, wraparound earpiece. For a baby, consider a soft strap that fits around the back of the head (otherwise, good luck keeping them on!).

Opt for safety. Polycarbonate lenses are the most impact-resistant. An antireflective coating will pad the price tag but usually results in sharper vision by letting more light hit the retina.

Read all about it. If your kid's resisting wearing her specs, pick up Luna and the Big Blur, by Shirley Day ($9.95), about a little girl who ditches her glasses and then does silly things like putting ketchup on her ice cream. It'll make the benefits crystal clear!

2/23/16

5 tips on choosing athletic shoes for kids

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To pick the right footwear for your physical activity, the first thing you should keep in mind is the type of foot you have. Try doing the “wet test” by placing your foot in a tub of water and then leaving the imprint on a brown piece of paper. If you can see the entire sole of your foot then you have little or no arch, which means you have flat feet and probably an overpronated gait. 

If you can only see the ball of your foot and your heel with a thin line between them you have high arches, which means you likely underpronate when you walk. If you have a normal curve between the heel and ball you have a neutral arch. People who overpronate need a shoe with a lot of support and a motion-control feature. Athletes who underpronate need a pair that has plenty of cushioning and a soft midsole. If you have neutral arches you just need a pair that offers stability with both cushioning and support.
Choosing the right pair of sports shoes for your kids feet can have a significant impact on not just on your child’s comfort and performance but can potentially reduce their risk of developing injury.


When making a choice about what the right sports shoe is for your child there are many factors to consider. Aside from the most obvious things such as getting the right size and the all important colour selection, other elements that should be considered include:

Room for Growth - Always allow 1-1.5cm at the end of kids shoes to allow for those sudden growth spurts and check regularly to make sure they haven’t outgrown their current shoes.
Width - Feet come in different shapes and sizes and fortunately so do shoes. It's important to make sure that your child’s shoes are fitted not just for length but also the width of their foot.
Structure - The basic things to check with regard to structure are: A firm heel counter - If you squeeze the back of the heel of the shoe it shouldn’t collapse inwards. Flex Point - The shoe should naturally bend first at the ball of the foot

Fastening System - Depending on the age of your child a firm fastening system such as dual velcro straps or laces is important to hold the foot securely inside the shoe.
Arch Support - Depending on whether your child has flat or or high arched feet they may benefit from additional inserts to provide more specific support for their foot.

Next time your child needs new sports shoes think about these 5 key points and you should be well on the way to choosing the right shoe.

2/22/16

Children's Place coupon code: Buying Athletic Shoes and Socks For Children

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Buying shoes for your child that fit properly is extremely important.  Unfortunately, a recent study found that a majority of kids wear shoes that are too small, which put them at risk for developing serious foot deformities, such as bunions.
If the shoe fits

Dr. Carol Frey, Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at UCLA and Chief of Foot and Ankle Surgery at West Coast Sports Performance in Manhattan Beach, California, says parents should remember the following when shopping for their children's shoes:
Shop at the end of the day: Shop when your child's feet are at their largest (either at the end of the day, or after a run or sporting event).
Measure both feet, standing up: Measure your child's feet when they are standing up bearing their full weight. Measure both feet in case they vary in size. Choose the shoes that fit the larger foot.
Measure and fit with sports-specific socks. Your child should be wearing the specific sock that he will ultimately wear with the shoes. Note: This is a reversal of the normal fitting process in most athletic shoe stores, where socks are purchased as an "add-on" after shoes have been fitted. Ones that are padded, such as Thorlo socks,* are ideal, especially for wearing with cleated shoes.
Allow for wiggle room: There should be a half-inch from the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe so that your child is able to wiggle all of her toes. Don't press with your thumb on the greater toe to estimate fit because it activates a reflex that causes your child to curl the bigger toe, giving the wrong impression that there is enough space. In an ideal world, the length of the shoe should exceed the actual length of your child's foot by at least 10 millimeters to ensure that enough space is provided for the greater and lesser toes.
Lace the shoes properly: For maximum support, use the top eyelet on the shoe and run the laces through twice for a snugger fit. Don't tie the laces too tightly, as that can cause injury to nerves and tendons on the top of the foot.
Check for snug heels: If the heels don't fit snuggly, they will pull up out of the shoe (pistoning) and your child will be more likely to get blisters.
Have you child walk in the shoes: Allow your child some time to walk around the store in the shoes and ask them how the shoes feel. When she takes them off, check her feet for any red spots or areas of irritation. Inspect the inside of the shoe for any extra material, glue or irregular stitching, which may cause chafing.
Expect immediate comfort: Most importantly, the shoes should be comfortable right away. Shoes shouldn't need to be "broken in" to feel right.
Remember: younger children may not be able to tell you how a shoe fits and feels. They may simply say something hurts, with few details. It is important to ask, since they may not offer the information. In some cases, the pain may be the result of something as small as some extra fabric inside or socks bunching up. In very young children, whose feet tend to be thicker across the top, shoes may appear to fit because the toes have room, but still be too tight through the bridge of the foot or cause your child's toes to be scrunched up inside.
Selecting the right shoe also means picking the right kind of shoe:
The best materials: Leather, suede and canvas are the most durable and breathable materials for athletic shoes. Synthetic materials don't allow the foot to "breathe" and may even contribute to skin diseases and foot odor.
Choose the proper shoe for a particular sport: Shoes are designed specifically based on the demands of that sport. For instance, running shoes are designed for forward movement and have extra cushioning, while tennis shoes are meant to support side-to-side motion
Selecting cleats

Cleats can cause problems in young players, especially ages 9-13, when there are not enough cleats on the heel. This can lead to excess pressure and heel pain. Look for shoes with multiple cleats on the heel to help alleviate this problem. In order to reduce knee and ankle injuries, it may help to choose shoes with shorter cleats on them, no more than a half inch long for younger players.
If the shoe doesn't fit

Poor fitting shoes can cause a number of problems, explains Dr. Frey. The increased pressure may lead to:
Blisters
Curling or clawing of the toes
Bunions
Corns
Calluses
Pinched nerves
Ingrown toenails.
Besides causing pain and discomfort that can affect athletic performance, the wrong size shoes can result in foot problems and cause further injuries down the road.
If your child has foot pain that persists 12 hours after she takes off her shoes, you should see a doctor in case there is a potentially more serious problem.
Orthotics: popular but unnecessary?

While orthotics (shoe inserts prescribed by orthopedists or podiatrists) are the latest rage, Dr. Frey feels that in most casesthey are unnecessary. Given the quality design of most shoes today, and assuming you buy the proper shoe for your child and get a correct fit, you don't need to spend money for orthotics.
Children who are likely to benefit the most from orthotics, says Dr. Frey, are those who:
Over-pronate (their feet tip in)
Have flat feet (Note, however, that a new study has raised serious questions about whether orthotics are necessary for flat feet or that they will help athletic performance).
Have shin splints, or
Are experiencing arch pain or strain
For children needing extra ankle support, look for shoes with good heel stability. "People with high arches tend to have more ankle sprains/rolls, and need a stable shoe like a high top or high profile shoe," explains Dr. Frey.
For additional information visit The Institute for Preventive Foot Health (IPFH) is a non-profit private foundation committed to raising awareness about the importance of caring for the feet through education, research and the identification of methods demonstrated by clinical research to prevent, treat and manage painful conditions and diseases affecting the feet, mobility, functional status and quality of life.

2/21/16

Children's Place coupon code: Cute and Easy Girls’ Short Patterns

Summer is approaching, or at least I hope it is. And with summer comes short clothes. I have a girly-girl (she doesn’t get that from her mother, I assure you), and she loves to wear skirts and dresses. The problem is, she’s a very (very) active girly-girl and they stop making skirts with underthings attached around 4T.

Sometimes you can find them in bigger sizes, but it takes super sleuth skills. Often I solve the problem with some little bike shorts or leggings underneath. This, however, means being able to find said pair of shorts or leggings, and laundry isn’t my strong suit.

So here I have dug up some skort patterns from around the web. I hope to give a few of them a try for my acrobatic girl so she can flip and twirl all summer long, while keeping her undies, well, under.


Free Skort Tutorials

I love finding patterns for free. There are some amazing seamstresses out there who love to bless people with their creations. The one drawback to tutorials is that they are often one size and offer direction, not necessarily instruction. I say that I only pretend like I know how to sew, and often times I do just fine with a tutorial.

All of these patterns call for knit fabric. This means it stretches, and it also will not fray. For some tutorials you’ll see the designer didn’t hem the bottom, and this is because knit fabrics will typically just curl up, they won’t fray. Some people find they like using a serger for projects like these.

Also keep in mind that when you’re sewing with knit fabrics you have to watch your thread tension or you’ll pucker or stretch out the fabric. If you haven’t sewn with knits before, just go slowly at first. And hey, if it isn’t prefect, she’ll have outgrown it by next season anyway!

Rainbow Circle Skort from The TipToe Fairy

Fabric dimensions are given for a size 2T/3T, but the pattern could be upscaled for a bigger child. The only drawback I see to this pattern is that you need a lot of fabric. You’re essentially cutting circles of fabric to make tiers, which takes up more fabric, and you’re using several colors (hence the “rainbow”. If you have a lot of knit fabric around, this is an absolutely adorable tutorial. You also need to draft your own shorts pattern.

Fabric Requirements: 1/2 yd of 6 colors of knit fabric, thread, non-roll elastic
Draft own pattern
Summer Skirt Tutorial from Creative Spaces

For this pattern you must also draft your own pattern pieces, but the designer gives you detailed, step by step instructions on how to do so. It’s a cute pattern, and looks like it would come together very quickly. Especially if you save your pattern after it’s drafted and you use those pattern pieces on others. You could do a lot to “jazz” it up as well.

Materials: 1/2 yard knit fabric, thread, non-roll elastic
Draft own pattern

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2/20/16

How to Choose Perfect Sleepwear for Your Kids?

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In order to choose the right sleepwear for kids, you have to know their bodies. Also, you must take into consideration their sleeping habits, comforts and preferences. Sleepwear comes in a range of prices and it is necessary to budget for it as well.  Here are some tips that will help you choose the perfect sleepwear for your kids.

The Size

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Any garment should fit well, but that is the most important criterion while choosing sleepwear.  Size of clothes for kids tends to vary according to manufacturer, so there is no one-size that fits all kids of the same age. Every brand does not follow the same size chart.  In order to get the best size, take your child’s measurements. Measure the arms, length, waist and chest.  If you are buying sleepwear for winter, it is a good idea to take the measurement of the feet as well. Measurements are important because if you buy something too long or loose, your child will trip and fall or may not be comfortable wearing it. While shopping online, using specific measurements can be of great help, as you cannot physically look at the sleepwear. 

Sleepwear Styles

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There are many types of sleepwear to choose from. The style you choose will depend on your child’s sleeping patterns, age and comfort. For toddlers and babies, blanket sleepwear is more suitable, especially during winters. They provide excellent insulation during the cold nights. You also can use pajamas and t-shirts as an inner layer for the blanket sleepwear. Among this kind of sleepwear, footed and un-footed sleepwear is available.

For kids, who are on their feet most of the time, footed sleepwear is not suitable because they may slip and fall. Kids, who are running and playing, will not usually like head-to-toe sleepwear. For such kids you can use socks instead during winters. You can ensure that their feet are warm and clean at the same time. 

Pajama Styles

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Pajamas are a versatile option because they can be worn by most children of any age and during any weather. They also are the most comfortable type of sleepwear. For different seasons, you can buy different types of pajama sets made from different fabrics. Cotton pajamas are ideal for summer, while woolen blends are best for winter. 

Nightgowns

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For girls, nightgowns are comfortable. But if your little angel moves around a lot while sleeping then these may not be suitable. To decide whether to buy a nightgown, observe your child while sleeping. Nightgowns are ideal for girls who are 14 years and above.

Forget nightclothes with strings, as they are a hazard. Your child could choke during the night if the string gets wrapped round their neck. 

The Material

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The material of sleepwear plays an important role. A lot of children are allergic to certain kinds of fabric. Most sleepwear is made out of cotton and synthetic mixed materials. Sometimes, you also can pick up sleepwear made from fleece. Remember, the material you choose should be fire safe as well. Avoid choosing materials like satin and silk for younger children.  The best material and safest bet would be to go for cotton blends. This is the same material that t-shirts are made out of. 

2/19/16

Children's place coupon $10 OFF: How to Get the Most Out of Your Child’s Clothes

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We have been blessed by hand me downs and new clothes being gifted to us by grandparents. I really have had to buy very little for my daughter. But when I do, I am not only making sure to buy on sale, but I buy items that I know can transition from being a bit too big, fitting just right and being on the small end.
Picking clothes that can go the long haul through those three stages, gets me more than double the amount of use out of them.
Here are some ways that I do this, in how I style Penelope.
And might I just add, that picking out her outfits has to be my favorite thing in the whole world to do. It is becoming quite the hobby. I have no idea what I am going to do when she won’t let me pick out her outfits anymore.
It also has made me more conscious of the clothes I wear. I have started to take much more pride in what I wear and how I look.
But I digress.
So here is a classic example of how I dress Penelope when it is cold out.  This pink jacket is from Mini Boden and is a size 18m to 2T.  When she first got this jacket, at 11 months old, it was huge on her (you can see in the picture below), but she looks cute in anything, so we pulled it off.  We are currently wearing this jacket in the fits-perfectly-stage.  I don’t think we will get another winter out of it (that would make for three total) but if we go someplace cold this summer, it will still be great.
Her first layer is a long sleeve shirt I recently bought at Target, in size 4T.  She is tall, so bigger shirts don’t hang too low on her, but the sleeves are too long.  But I roll them up, or make a cuff like this.  Pretty adorable to me.
The next layer is a  18m black cardigan.  She first started wearing it at about 9 months old.  All I did was roll up the sleeves then.  We have passed the perfect fit stage and are in the almost too small to wear stage.  But since it still fits in her chest, it looks cute as 3/4 sleeve, especially with a longer sleeve underneath.
Here she is in the black cardigan at 13 months. I miss that baby face!
Here she is at 11 months when she first got her Mini Boden jacket.  The tights she has on are also Mini Boden in size 2T.  Again, she is on the taller size so I can pull off bigger clothes on her.  The top of the tights just came way up her chest in the beginning.
This winter, the tights fit perfectly, and almost getting too small, but I am pleased we got two winters out of them.
The dress she is wearing, also from Mini Boden, is a classic jumper.  So in the winter, I would layer a long sleeve shirt, her dress, then a cardigan.  In the spring, she would wear it over a short sleeve shirt, and in the summer just bare.
She can still fit into some of the very first pillow case dresses I made her.  I made them a little long, and at first they were longer dresses, then perfect length dresses, then tunics and now shirts.  They also layer very well.
For shoes, I buy as big as I can but that she is still able to walk in them and not look like a clown.  This picture above (shoes by See Kai Run) is as big as I will go.  These look a little goofy right now, but she is not wearing them much yet, since it hasn’t warmed up here enough for open toed shoes.
Her leggings in this picture are in the almost too small to wear stage.  I first I bought them big and rolled the hemunder.  Then they were perfect and now they are still cute at cropped leggings.  I also did this with her Gap skinny jeans (which are great for cloth diaper butts by the way).   Other pants I will roll the cuff up and unroll it as she grows.   I have gotten almost two full years out of most her pants this way.
Skirts. I do the same thing. See a trend?  I buy big, and as they get shorter, I add leggings.
The jean jacket she is wearing in this picture is a size 2T.  Almost too small for her, but gonna get a little bit more wear out of it.  The next jean jacket I bought for her to wear is a 4T, so we will start the whole process over again, of being a bit too bit at first.
So even though I bought this jean jacket from Gap at full price, getting two full years out of it, makes it more than worth it.  And buying a staple like a jean jacket, that can go with anything, eliminates the need for several jackets.
Here is how the jean jacket fit when I first bought it.  That is probably one of my favorite outfits she ever wore!
One last picture for posterity.  She was having so much fun running around and modeling for me.
So what do you do to extend the life of your children’s clothes and stretch your dollar as far as it will go?