Toddler wardrobe essentials?

[Herts501]

So with the changing of the seasons having arrived it's that time of year when I need to update my 3 year olds wardrobe, a job I find quite overwhelming!

Trying to decide which colours to go for (brights, neutrals, muted etc...) and finding matching items in the right sizes whilst trying not to spend a fortune; exhausting!

My question is, what do people consider to be wardrobe essentials for autumn? Also, what are your top go to shops or websites? X

A few packs of leggings, t shirts and underwear, some jumpers, a warm coat and wet weather gear.

All in patterns/ colours that she and I like, but I’ve never stressed about things going together!

20 mins on the H&M website will sort you out. It really doesn’t need to be exhausting.

My kids clothes never matched particularly. I think you could just go to your nearest big supermarket and kit out a toddler fairly quickly and cheaply.

Depends how much washing you do and what your lifestyle is - but 6-8 pairs of trousers, same for long sleeved tops, some vests, some jumpers/sweatshirts, underwear and socks, pjs, winter coat, hat, gloves, wellies, shoes? I’m sure there’s more but those are your basics.

Or Facebook marketplace, eBay, vinted etc often have bundles of seasonal clothes sold by size

Decent warm trousers/ jeans and lots of long sleeve tees to have on under a jumper/ sweatshirt. I personally prefer darker colours, especially as the rain and mud will just mess up the pastel coloured clothes really quickly, but obviously it's what you and your child like best.

For a 3 year old in autumn, you need a decent puddlesuit and wellies!

I'd stop worrying about things matching for a start 😁

All you really need is leggings, t-shirts, vests, a couple of jumpers / cardigans, a raincoat and a pair of wellies. You'll also want a proper padded jacket and a woolly hat and mittens set for winter. I continue to use short-sleeve tops in cold weather but put long-sleeve thermal vest things underneath. Works a treat and keeps her warm.

As for colours and designs, meh. I just grab what I and she like at the time and don't give it much thought. It ends up being mostly brighter stuff.

What are everyone’s favourite puddlesuits? That keep them as warm and dry as possible? Want something pretty.

We’re currently kitting out our nearly 3 year old and getting in multipacks of tops and leggings sets (really important to match), long sleeved dresses and tights, and cardigans.

Leggings
joggers- dark coloured
pair of wellies
pair of boots with grip
…..tbh I found a puddle suit too much faff, mine didn’t/ don’t go out when it’s torrential rain anyway
Long sleeve tops
hoodies- zip on and off easier than jumpers

I found plain bottoms easier as then could match with any top.

Fleece joggers worked really well for us last winter and you can get two pairs for £14 in Sainsburys.

If they’re not toilet trained you might want a puddle suit or snow suit. If they are toilet trained or you anticipate doing it in winter, I’d go for waterproof trousers.

Our DCs usually wore a mixture of joggers (including fleece joggers) and cords with long sleeved tops in winter, often layered with vests and jumpers/hoodies depending on the temperature.

Mine is nearly 3.

Footwear is always my priority. I always make sure we have a pair of really good quality trainers, wellies and some waterproof hiking type boots for when wellies don't work as well (in the park for example).

Waterproofs, warm coat, hat and lots of mittens also for winter.

Other than that I get basic joggers, long sleeve tops etc from H and M. Plus a few fancier things from JL and Next. He gets lots of things from Joules/Fat Face from his grandparents too!

Lots of socks are also always essential!

@Bustmybuffer What kind of brands are the waterproof hiking boots for toddlers?

Lots of stuff that is comfy, easy to move about in and you don't mind getting wrecked. So joggers, leggings, hoodies, fleece tops, long sleeved tshirts. A warm coat, decent waterproofs (bib trousers and jacket might work better for a three year old than an all in one), wellies and trainers.

@ZebrasLoveLions muddy puddles are my favourite. Nice designs, some have a removable fleece inner suit which is fantastic. They also do trouser/jacket combos which we have for nursery as they don't want the faff of an all in one (understandably!)

@ZebrasLoveLions I usually get them from Mountain Warehouse in the sale. They're fantastic, more waterproof than wellies!

Gilet/body warmer, waterproof trousers, wellies.

And I wouldn’t personally go for a puddlesuit / all in one for toileting reasons.

VINTED!

Nothing in addition to the above but just wanted to say I too like matching tops and bottoms, but inevitably it doesn't always remain that way if they get muddy, wet or dirty and need 1 half changing, so I try not to worry about it too much anymore.

I also started off liking neutrals and pastel colours but have since found that 1, toddler prefers bright fun clothes and 2, he's much easier to spot when we are out and about which is a huge bonus.

@ZebrasLoveLions We hugely rate the puddle suits from Trespass - they're absolutely bombproof and cosy, just right for a Scottish winter. Also second the suggestion of waterproof hiking boots for forest walks etc - Decathlon do some great ones. Get some for yourself too, no point the toddler being dry if you're wet and miserable!

Why bother matching stuff??? They often need changing at least once a day anyway.

They're just clothes

Pack of leggings/joggers 5-10
T-shirts, shirt and long
Couple of jumpers
Underwear
Coat
Hat
Gloves
Wellies
All in 1 waterproof
Ermmmmm

I realise this is not what you asked but my advice is - if you see it and like it, just buy it. Shops seems to always run low on sizing as I’ve found they by the time I have slept on it and decide to buy, they don’t have the right size/ colour/ combo and I’ve missed the boat.

Vinted for bundles of tops and leggings. I got 10 pairs of leggings in assorted colours/patterns for about £4! I also use Vinted for Next outfits/sets as they are expensive new but plenty in very good used condition on there. Also lots of Joules/JoJo if that’s your style.

H&M for jumpers, they’ve got some really nice knitted ones in lots of autumnal colours at the moment. I matched mine to the colours and patterns on the leggings.

2 coats, one warm puffer style, 1 thinner raincoat. A puddlesuit.

A pair of wellies, I got some bright yellow Hunters from TK Maxx.

Loads of socks as they always seem to go missing in this house!!

I’ve gone for a few things in autumn reds/orange/browns but a most of her wardrobe is colourful, I like to mix and match.

Why is it important that they match?

I couldn’t stand it if my children’s tops didn’t go with their bottoms, they don’t have to match per say but I wouldn’t have my DD wearing spotty leggings with a flowery top. For girls I always buy about four pairs of Next navy leggings with a little frill round the ankle (£3) and then various jumpers. Maybe a couple of jersey dresses or pinafore dress - I go for bright pinks, navy, florals, then navy, grey tights, then I’d have one decent party dress. For my DS I always get navy joggers and a smarter pair of jeans. Various jumpers and a smarter shirt for parties. Both would have new wellies, coats and puddlesuits. I’m not keen on neutral colours like beige, nude, blush pink etc and neither of them own any black clothes.

I've tried a few different brands of waterproofs and I've found lidl to be the best.

The only person who cares about your child in spotty leggings and a flower top is ...you.