Suits For Toddlers

Want to know the three golden rules for buying suits for toddlers? Don't let your next formal occasion turn into a tearstained disaster!

The first question is of course, why do you need some golden rules? Isn't it just about finding something that fits your child?

The answer to this is a categorical no.

The thing about children under the age of five is that it's much less easy to negotiate (translation: bribe) them into behaving well than is older children.

The other thing that we are much less aware of as adults is that young children can often find formal occasions such as weddings very stressful.

Their problem is that they don't know how to tell you in language you understand - they're much more likely to play up and get your attention rather than say "mommy, I'm scared".

The following advice should help you prevent many of the problems happen on such important occasions, and will help both you and your toddler enjoy the occasion much more. Toddlers suits and having fun can belong in the same sentence!

Golden Rule Number One

This has two major consequences for your purchase. If your boy is going to eat in his suit, you need to be aware that he is likely to get food on it.

Is this going to be a problem? If so, you need to change him before the meal - or at least take off the jacket and put a towel on his lap.

Golden Rule Number Two

Trying to force him into his formal wear on the day of the wedding (or whatever occasion it is) is a recipe for disaster.

Negotiating tactics such as "be a good boy and you can have… when we get home" are generally ineffective with this age group. This is because at this stage they don't really have a grasp of abstract concepts like getting a reward later. Toddlers are all about instant gratification, as I'm sure you'll agree!

Instead, what you need to do is to make wearing the toddler sued as normal as possible by encouraging him to wear it at home as often as possible. Even better if there are other boys and men who can where theirs as well.

If you turn it into a fun dressing up game, your chances of getting your child to wear the suit on the occasion are much higher.

Golden Rule Number Three

If you're buying a formal toddler suit, the chances are you're going to be attending a special occasion.

The fact that everything is more formal, more special will increase your stress levels if anything doesn't go to plan with your toddler.

Because things not going to plan are a speciality of most under fives, you're going to need to make a list of potential hazards and what you'll do to deal with them.

It if you're a guest at a formal occasion, it might be worth talking to your hosts about any potential problems. They will appreciate the fact that you've taken the time to ask their opinion.