2-3 Years Kids Clothes Checklist: What Every Parent Needs
Your little one is growing up fast. Many children abandon their naps at this age, which means even more time to entertain them! Getting out and about is great for you both so kit them out with the essentials - having the correct outdoor gear can mean the difference between a happy trip and a cold and grumpy child. When looking at sizes for this age it’s important to remember that 2 years alone (rather than 1-2 years) means ‘up to’ 2 years and 3 years means ‘up to’ 3 years.
You may well find your little one becoming more opinionated about their outfit choices, and having favourite pieces. Getting them involved in the process of picking out clothes can help.
Functionality remains key so keep an eye out for those easy dressing and adjustable details, along with dressing for the season in lightweight summer linens and cosy winter knits. You'll also find hats and swimwear with UV protection for swimming and playing in the garden.
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 2-3 years 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, buying preloved kids clothes from Borro can be a lifesaver - especially when you’re not sure what will actually work for your little one.
Potty training
If you have been lucky enough not to have to carry spare clothes about for a while, this is the age to start again! This is the most common age to start potty training, choosing clothes that your child can easily take on and off themselves can make all the difference. This may be a phase to limit dungarees and long dresses, in favour of joggers or leggings. Croc style shoes are an excellent option to send to nursery when potty training, as they can be quickly rinsed and dried. No-one likes to be presented with soggy shoes that need drying for the next day.
Quick 2-3 years Kids Clothes Checklist
- 5-8 tops (a mix of long and short sleeve depending on the season)
- 3 sets of pyjamas
- 8-12 bottoms (lots of spares to send to nursery for potty training)
- 3 cardigans or jumpers (zip ups and cardis are great for nursery. Look out for jumpers with poppers or buttons at the neck)
- Pants (lots!)
- 1-2 hats (a warmer one for outdoors if it’s cold, or a sunhat)
- 1 coat or jacket (to suit the season)
- 1 snowsuit/ puddlesuit/ waterproof trousers (snowsuit if winter, puddlesuit for the rest of the year. You may prefer waterproof trousers, particularly when potty training)
- 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 (Croc type shoes are great to send to nursery during potty training, as they can be quickly rinsed and dried. Little feet are developing so getting them measured will get the the best fit)
- Socks (ones with grippy pads are great for hard slippy indoor floors)
- Mittens (for outdoors if it’s cold)
- 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 more if you feel you need to. See our recommended 2-3 years kids wardrobe for everything you need.
Other considerations for 2-3 years
Toddlers can be particular about what they wear, buying preloved 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 bought for 2-3 years
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Top 5 most popular product types |
Top 5 best-selling products |
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1. Zip up hoodie |
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2. Coat |
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3. Joggers |
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4. Long sleeved top |
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5. Hoodie |
Average Borro order for 2-3 years = 9 items
Final Thoughts
Remember, every child is different, so don’t stress if you find yourself needing more (or less) than what’s on this checklist.
Explore sustainable and practical preloved kids clothes at Borro.