Dressing Your Darling; Seven Steps to Simplifying Your Child’s Wardrobe

Dressing yourself in the morning can be hard enough, but even more challenging when you have to worry about how to dress your little one too. Here are five simple tips to help solve your son or daughter's wardrobe woes.

1. Pay attention to price. The first factor to remember when shopping for your little girl or boy is don't break the bank! There are tons of adorable outfits available for under $50, and you won't feel bad when she or he outgrows it six months from now.

2. Look for simplicity. Your daughter or son will love having easy-to-wear clothing. One piece outfits, like dresses or jumpers are ideal because they often have one-snap enclosures and simple cuts. You want to avoid clothing with excess zippers, buttons or bows that will make getting the clothing on and off more difficult.

3. Fabrics matter. Don't forget to look at the fabric content when considering clothing for your children. Stick with simple fabrics, like 100% cotton. They're easy to care for and non-irritating to children's more sensitive skin.

4. Go for comfort. As much as you may love your skinny jeans, remember that your little one has places to be and people to see...and he or she doesn't want clothes to restrict them from their active lifestyle. So look for garments with wider-cuts for easy mobility.

5. Look for fit. Make sure your child's clothing fits well. Again, it's difficult to move if pants are too long, if the crotch is cut too short, if sleeves are long, etc.

6. Patterns are perfect. With children, accidents are bound to happen and when they do a patterned, colorful outfit will hide just about anything. Avoid colors like off-white and beiges, which don't hide stains and are difficult to bleach.

7. Keep it clean. Children's clothing should be easy to care for. Children's clothing often has to be washed after each wear, so make sure their outfits are machine washable and require little or no ironing.

This article is co-authored by Athelia Woolley and Emily McCormick , the founders of Shabby Apple. Shabby Apple is an online dress company that offers girl's dresses from infant size up to girl size 12. Shabby Apple also offers girl's accessories to complete a little girl's outfit.