How to make your kids' clothes last longer

By Mia Freedman
Monday, March 7, 2011
Thinkstock

Mia Freedman talks about making her kids' wardrobe look good, no matter what life brings.

The best advice I ever got about motherhood is this: If someone gives your child an item of clothing you don't like, make it disappear. Because kids have a finely tuned radar for knowing just how much you hate that awful animated logo T-shirt, and then deciding they want to wear it every single day! Even to bed. Even when it no longer fits.

Similarly, if there is something you want them to wear, they will sense this and stubbornly refuse. I adore buying clothes for my kids but when they're growing fast, it can be expensive.

With a boy and a girl only a few years apart, I have discovered the joy of neutral colours that can be swapped and shared between them. There will always be a pink explosion in my daughter's wardrobe but happily, she's starting to broaden her colour palette.

Wardrobe essentials Mia's kids can't live without

  1. Dress: Cool and comfortable, my daughter lives in dresses.
  2. Cargo pants: I love a unisex hand-me-down!
  3. Socks: I only ever buy them in white. It makes pairing easier!
  4. Growsuits: A practical solution for every baby.

Your say: How do you keep your kids' clothes clean? Share your thoughts below.

This article is brought to you by Vanish Napisan. To find out more on how to keep whites "crystal white", head to www.vanishstains.com.au.

Recipe Search

Tip: Try "lamb & potato" or "Low GI"
advertisement
Features
Pictures
Video
Act like a lady, think like a manAmerican comedian Steve Harvey's dating guide Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man has become an overnight sensation in the US. But can his advice help Australia women find love? Fiona Tuite finds out. The five arguments that can destroy your relationshipEvery couple argues, but experts say the words you use in a fight can predict whether your relationship will last forever or end in tears. Prince Charles makes his debut as a DJThe Prince of Wales has followed up his recent cameo as a TV weatherman with a spot of DJing while on tour in Toronto, Canada. Baking soda, bicarb soda, baking powder. what is the difference?Question: What is the difference between baking powder, baking soda and bicarbonate of soda? What are their different applications? Why women are so nasty and how to deal with itOur mothers taught us that if we can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all. So why can women be so nasty to each other?

Prince Charles makes his debut as a DJ

Prince Charles makes his debut as a DJThe Prince of Wales has followed up his recent cameo as a TV weatherman with a...More >

Meet Germany's adorable new polar bear cub

Meet Germany's adorable new polar bear cubOne year after the death of Germany's beloved polar bear Knut, a new cub has...More >
Horoscopes by Jessica AdamsHoroscopes by Jessica Adams Desserts to impressDesserts to impress

Weekly newsletter

Recipes in your inboxWe send you the latest recipes from the Weekly plus all the week's best bits to your inbox.
Sign up now >
ww |

topics

Handy hints(740)/ Expert advice(530)/ natural health(436)/ Books(426)/ diet(348)/ Recipes(292)/ Food(278)/ Health(252)/ Gardening(221)/ Royals(166)/ Craft(164)

Also on Ninemsn