How to Pick a Toddler Girl Dress

When your little girl enters the toddler phase around her first birthday you may want to get her a very special dress for her first birthday party. Keep in mind that these dresses are impractical and you will probably only keep them dressed in the party dress long enough to take a few special photos. You may consider hiring a dress for this purpose or alternatively persuade a doting grandmother to buy her a special dress for this occasion. Either way bear in mind that these dresses are not cheap and your little girl is unlikely to wear the dress more than a few minutes at her party.

If you are considering having a photo-shoot of your little toddler girl taken you will need to choose the dresses wisely. If you are doing the photo shoot yourself choose dresses that match background drops that you have available.

You may want to take your little girl to a professional child photographer who has clothing for toddler girls. This will save you a lot of time and effort as their clothing is usually color-coordinated with their backgrounds.

Most of the dresses that you will buy for your little toddler girl will be for everyday wear. They should be functional and preferably be practical colors. Toddler girl dresses should not be too long or too wide as they will tend to trip and fall over the skirts of the dresses. As they enter the phase of dressing themselves look for dresses that they will be able to put on themselves. Jersey knit bodices are a good idea as these are usually button-free. Choose fabrics that are machine washable as their clothing needs to be able to take a lot of wash and wear. Durable cotton dresses are ideal for the summer months. If your toddler is still very young look for dresses that do not have tags at the neck as these can be a source of irritation.

Dresses for little girls are ideal during the potty training stage as this makes it easy for your little girl to help herself with the potty routine. Once again make sure that the dress is not too long - long dresses may get soiled during the potty episode as little girls have not all learned the skill of lifting their dresses and using the potty at the same time.

If you choose a dress with straps make sure that they cross at the back or straps that are joined together as little toddler girl's shoulders are still too round to hold up the straps. Besides looking untidy straps that slip off can cause a safety hazard as your little girl's arms can get entangled while busy climbing onto a chair and she may lose her balance.

During winter choose dresses that can be worn over sweaters. Layering is not only highly fashionable it is also very practical and will ensure that you get maximum use of the dresses. Denim sleeveless dresses are ideal as they match any long-sleeved t-shirt that you wish to put on underneath.

If it is the beginning of spring or autumn choose dresses that can be co-ordinated with toddler girl yoga pants in the colder of the two seasons.

One important thing to remember is not to buy your little girl's clothing too big. The dress will not fit comfortably and will hinder your child's play and freedom of movement. If you are looking for long-sleeved dresses make sure that the design allows for sufficient arm movement. Raglan sleeve construction is ideal or set-in sleeves with deep sleeves. For everyday wear avoid very wide sleeves as these will get in the way when she is out playing.

The bottom line is that all toddler girl's clothing should be practical, functional and easy to get on and off.