Your baby has now graduated into the toddler phase. It’s likely you’ll be spending a lot of time out and about exploring. Having the correct outdoor gear can mean the difference between a happy trip and a cold and grumpy child. Child sizes here vary from specifying months, or 1-2 years, some will even just say ’2yrs’. When looking at sizes it’s important to remember that 2 years means ‘up to’ 2 years.
You may well find your little one makes requests (or complaints!) about their outfit. Getting them involved in the process of picking out clothes can help.
Functionality is key so keep an eye out for easy dressing and adjustable details – there’s nothing more frustrating than chasing around a small child who’s joggers keep falling down. Look out for lightweight cottons and linens for summer in airy styles, and cosy knits and fleeces for winter. You'll also find hats and swimwear with UV protection.
Your toddler is likely to resist lying down for changes, so clothes that can be easily changed standing up are brilliant from this age. This may mean saying goodbye to the bodysuits as those poppers are fiddly to do from this angle. Joggers or leggings and tops and jumpers are excellent staples of every toddler wardrobe.
As a mum of two, and founder of a baby clothes business, I’ve learned a few things about dressing babies and young children. Here's my 1-2 year toddler clothes checklist and some tips to make it all less daunting.
If you’re looking for an easy and sustainable way to dress your toddler, renting baby clothes from Borro can be a lifesaver - especially when you’re not sure what will actually work for your little one.
Quick 12-18 & 18-24 Month Toddler Clothes Checklist
- 5-8 tops (a mix of long and short sleeve depending on the season)
- 3 sets of pyjamas
- 5-8 bottoms (dungarees/ joggers/ sets to mix with your bodysuits/tops and jumpers. Great for daytime outings)
- 3 cardigans or jumpers (look out for jumpers with poppers or buttons at the neck)
- 1 occasion outfit (for all those birthday parties)
- Socks (ones with grippy pads are great for new walkers)
- 1-2 hats (a warmer one for outdoors if it’s cold, or a sunhat)
- mittens (for outdoors if it’s cold)
- 1 coat or jacket (to suit the season)
- 1 snowsuit or puddlesuit (snowsuit if winter, puddlesuit for the rest of the year. You may prefer waterproof trousers)
- 2 sleeping bags (1.5 tog in summer, 2.5 tog in winter – if you haven’t moved on to a duvet)
- Shoes and wellies (walking in bare feet is great for toddlers when safe. Little feet are developing so measuring feet will get them the best fit)
- Swimwear (look out for UV protection and swim hats)
At this age your toddler is exploring the world through play, so you will find their wardrobe needs to keep up with their mess (along with the washing). Start off with the minimum and you can always buy/Borro more if you feel you need to. See our recommended 1-2 year toddler wardrobe for everything you need.
Which size should you get?
When shopping for toddler clothes, the first thing to know is that sizing isn’t always consistent across brands. This age spans the 12-18 month and 18-24 month bracket. You may find some items are suitable for the full year, while others are outgrown. Look out for our notes on sizing to tell you how generous the brand is.
Other considerations for 1-2 years
Toddlers can be particular about what they wear, . Renting allows you to keep up with their current favourite themes and colours. They can also be fiercely independent. Making clothing choices that allow them to start getting dressed and undressed by themselves gives them a wonderful boost to their self esteem.
What other parents overlook
Nursery clothes
If your toddler is spending time are nursery or with a childminder, they’ll be doing lots of lovely activities that involve getting messy or dirty (a plus that you don’t need to clean up afterwards!) It is likely however that their clothes will not be kept as clean as you may be able to achieve at home. Sending your child in items you don’t mind getting dirty and shoes that go on easily will help you and them on their nursery days. Many parents find it easier to have dedicated nursery items - a hat and wellies that stay in their bag for example.
Be sure to check the laundry for ‘treasures’ in the pockets before the wash. Every toddler mum has had pebbles, leaves and toys in their machine.
What Borro parents rented for 1-2 years
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Top 5 most popular product types |
Top 5 most rented products |
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1. T shirt |
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2. Joggers |
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3. Joggers |
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4. Long sleeved top |
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5. Hoodie |
Average Borro order for 1-2 years = 8 items
Why Renting Toddler Clothes Makes Sense
As a mum, I know how quickly toddler outgrow their clothes. Renting clothes from Borro offers so many benefits:
- Sustainable: Reduce waste and choose a more eco-friendly option for your child from the beginning.
- Cost-effective: No need to spend a fortune on clothes your child will only wear a handful of times.
- Convenient: Save time searching for clothes you like from different shops or on Vinted, plus no hassle of dealing with outgrown clothes – just send everything back for free!
Final Thoughts
Putting together a toddler wardrobe doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on the essentials—like t shirts, joggers, leggings and layers—and considering options like renting from Borro, you’ll be well-prepared.
Remember, every child is different, so don’t stress if you find yourself needing more (or less) than what’s on this checklist. With Borro it’s easy to rent more, or just return things and stop paying.
Explore sustainable and practical toddler clothes rentals at Borro.
