The Well Dressed Child

Even before a baby is born, we begin to look at babyIt often seems, in fact, that once people have a new
clothes, trying to imagine what they will look like in eachbaby, they are more interested in making sure that
outfit we see. We stroll through baby clothing storestheir child is dressed well than buying themselves a
and peruse catalogs and online websites looking atnew blouse or pair of jeans.
adorable dresses, cute little onuses, matching pantsKeeping your child looking their best in nice, clean, high
and tops, tiny little sneakers and more. Baby clothingquality clothing is an important lesson for them as they
and clothing for children seems to take on a life of itsgrow up. While you don't have to instill in them the idea
own when there's a baby on the way.that only designer clothing is good enough or that they
Dressing your new baby in beautiful clothing is abouthave to keep up with the latest fashion styles, it is
more than keeping them covered and warm. Ofimportant for parents to teach children the importance
course, you want to make sure that you haveof always looking presentable and well cared for. This
sweaters and jackets for the winter and matchingmeans that clothing should be clean, wrinkle-free, high
short sets for when the weather gets warm. But thequality and well fitting.
clothing not only protects baby and child from theA lesson in teaching children about proper dressing
elements, it elicits compliments. Passersby comment onhabits is not a lesson in vanity. Rather, it is a lesson in
how adorable baby looks in her frilly dress or howresponsibility and self respect. Children should be taught
cute his floppy denim hat is. Despite the fact that babyfrom an early age to care for their possessions and to
may not understand the language, they know that theyappreciate them, and this extends to their clothing as
are being praised and they begin to learn self respect.well. They should be taught not to throw clothes on the
Clothing is a big part of having a baby. Peoplefloor when they are not being worn, can be instructed
celebrate the impending arrival of a new baby byearly on to fold clothes neatly and return them to their
throwing baby showers, and the piles of adorabledresser or closet, and can be taught why when their
outfits, with matching socks, shoes and hats, elicitfavorite shirt has a large stain or a tear it is no longer
"oohs" and "aahs" from the mom-to-be and otherappropriate to wear.
guests. The parents-to-be spend time shopping prior toA well dressed child is a well cared for child that
the baby's arrival to make sure that they have all ofgrows and develops with a sense of self respect.
the clothing they need, but they also enjoy lookingThey look good because someone has taken the time
through the clothing department to select clothing thatand effort to make sure they are clean, tidy and
will be high quality and good looking.properly dressed at all times. Without teaching them to
Although babies and children may not often bebe vain and to value looks above all else, parents can
dressed up formally, we place a great deal of value oninstill in their children the importance of maintaining their
their clothes and keeping them well dressed andbodies, clothing and overall looks by respecting
looking tidy. Even parents that may run to the mall in athemselves and their possessions. Choosing high
pair of sweats and a t-shirt will take the time to makequality clothing goes a long way towards having a well
sure that their young children look their best for the trip.dressed child.