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How To Get More Wear From Your Children's Clothes

Clothes for babies and children are really expensive and because children grow so quickly, these clothes will have a very short life. To look at how we can maximise the wear we get from them we're going to look at caring for them correctly, getting more wear from them and making sure we buy the right items initially.

Buying Clothes

The first thing to remember when buying children's clothing is, they must be comfortable to wear, easy to put on and above all else, washable. Buy clothes with elasticated waistbands and trousers or skirts with shoulder straps as this makes letting down or adjusting easier.

Buy socks that have no shaped heels so they can grow with your child. Stick to one or two colours and brands - this way you will always have a replacement if you lose one.

Maximising Wear

Put additional buttons on dungaree, skirt or dress straps - This way you can lengthen them as your child grows.

Sleep suit getting too short? - For comfort cut off the feet and you will get another month s wear, at least.

Add another tier to a tiered skirt, by using matching or contrasting fabric. Trousers or jeans that have become too short, or worn at the knees - can be cut down and made into shorts for the summer. Winter pyjamas that have become too small can be made into summer one's by cutting off the arms and legs.

Don't throw away an expensive jacket if your child has out grown it - cut off the sleeves and turn it into a fashionable waistcoat for your child.

Cleaning and Washing Tips

One thing that seems obvious but is often ignored is the manufacturers washing instructions. Manufacturers of material spend vast amounts of money to find out what are the best washing conditions for their goods. So always try and wash as instructions as it does help clothes last longer.

Use a material protector to spray collars, cuffs and knees of garments, any spills will then be easily wiped clean. Get grimy soiled socks clean by soaking them in a water and washing soda solution before washing You can revitalise white cotton socks by boiling them in water with a slice of lemon.

While this is by no means a definitive list of all you can do to maximise the wear from children's clothes, hopefully it will give you some tips you may not have thought of and inspire you to come up with a few ideas of your own.

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