How to Buy Clothes for Kids Aged 1 to 6: Checklist, Sizes and Starter Wardrobe

Quick answer: When buying clothes for kids aged 1 to 6, look for 100% cotton or mostly cotton fabric, a relaxed fit with room to move, an elastic or adjustable waist, wide or stretchy necklines, flat seams, and no small loose parts or neck drawstrings. Buy your child's current age size (or the next size if they are between two), and build the wardrobe around a few easy pieces such as cotton T-shirts for kids, comfortable bottoms and night suits. The checklist, age guide and starter list below make it simple.

We are a kidswear maker in Tiruppur, and parents ask us these questions every week. This guide covers children from 1 to 6, with notes for 7 and 8 year olds too.

Kids' clothes buying checklist

What to buy at each age

From around age 3, letting children choose between two outfits and dress themselves saves time on busy mornings. Easy waists and wide necklines make that possible.

How to choose the right size

1. Start with age, then check the size chart. Most Indian kidswear, including ours, is sized by age (1-2 Y, 2-3 Y and so on). Compare your child's chest and length with the chart, because children of the same age vary a lot.
2. Between two sizes? Choose the bigger one. A slightly loose piece gets worn now and next season.
3. Do not buy two sizes up. Very long pants can trip a toddler, and wide necklines slip off the shoulder.
4. Check the fit note. Some styles run slightly big on purpose. Our Red Label cotton tees, for example, have a relaxed fit that runs slightly bigger than regular sizing.
5. For a 6 year old, try 6-7 Y. A child who has just turned 6 usually fits the 6-7 Y size; a small 6 year old may still fit 5-6 Y.

A simple starter wardrobe (ages 1 to 6)

This is a starting point, not a rule. Adjust for how often you do laundry and whether your child goes to playschool.

For more on building a small wardrobe that works hard, read creating a capsule wardrobe for kids. Shopping for a boy? See our guide to choosing clothes for boys.

Buying for Indian seasons

Safety points to check

• No drawstrings at the hood or neck. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission treats hood and neck drawstrings on children's upper outerwear in sizes 2T to 12 as a strangulation hazard. Waist drawcords that sit inside the waistband are a different matter.
• Watch for small parts. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that babies and toddlers are at the highest risk of choking, so check that buttons and decorations are firmly attached.
• Sleepwear should be snug-fitting or flame resistant. The CPSC advises that loose-fitting cotton garments should not be used as children's sleepwear, and that snug-fitting cotton or flame-resistant sleepwear is the safer choice. In practice, that means proper fitted night suits rather than an oversized T-shirt. Our guide to safe, comfortable sleepwear for children goes deeper.
• Sun protection. The AAP recommends tightly woven fabrics, cotton clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, and limiting sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Why unisex basics save money

Plain tees, joggers, shorts and many co-ord sets work for boys and girls alike, so they can be handed down between siblings and cousins. Choose a few colours you like and you will get far more outfits from fewer pieces.

Our picks for an easy start

All of these are in our current range and come in sizes from 1-2 Y; details are as stated on each product page.

• Butter Yellow cotton T-shirt: a cheerful unisex basic that goes with almost any bottom.
• Friends Make Me Happy co-ord set: a 100% cotton T-shirt and shorts set with a loose, airy cut and elastic waist.
• Grey kids joggers: 100% cotton French terry at 240 GSM with a covered elastic waist and drawcord, for AC classrooms and winter evenings.
• Hippo Cuddle night suit: a full sleeve interlock cotton night suit made for AC bedrooms, sizes 1-2 Y to 5-6 Y.
• Yellow gingham ruffle dress: export-grade cotton seersucker with woven checks and a relaxed fit for summer.
• Kelly Green Holiday co-ord set: a mercerised cotton shirt and pants set for functions and travel, sizes 1-2Y to 7-8Y.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for when buying kids' clothes?

Fabric first (100% or mostly cotton), then fit (room to move), an easy waist and neckline, flat seams, and no small loose parts or neck drawstrings. Finally, check that it is machine washable.

How many clothes does a toddler need?

A good starting point is 6 to 8 T-shirts, 4 to 6 bottoms, 2 to 3 co-ord sets and 3 to 4 night suits, plus a festive outfit and winter layers if you need them. How often you wash matters more than any fixed number.

Should I buy kids' clothes a size bigger?

Buy the current age size if it fits, or one size up if your child is between sizes. Avoid going two sizes up, because long hems and loose necklines get in the way.

What is the best fabric for kids' clothes in India?

For everyday wear, soft breathable cotton suits most children through most of the year. For winter, cotton French terry or fleece-lined layers add warmth.

What size clothes should I buy for a 6 year old?

Usually 6-7 Y. If your child is small for their age, check the size chart; 5-6 Y may still fit.

The bottom line

Choose comfort and fabric first, buy the right size rather than the biggest, and keep a small set of easy basics your child can mix and match. Browse our cotton T-shirts, co-ord sets and night suits for kids when you are ready to shop.