3-4 Years Kids Clothes Checklist: What Every Parent Needs

The preschool year is a crucial one for your little one to practice their skills for school readiness. You’d be surprised by how many of those are liked to clothing!

It’s still likely you’ll be spending a lot of time out and about exploring with your child and you may now have ditched the pram in favour of walking/ bike or scooter. Having the correct outdoor gear can mean the difference between a happy trip and a cold and grumpy little person. When looking at sizes for this age it’s important to remember that 4 years alone (rather than 3-4 years) means ‘up to’ 4.

Children at this age can be particular about what they wear, renting allows you to keep up with their current favourite themes and colours. 

If you haven’t already started potty training, now will be the time in preparation for school. 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 preschool 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.

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 3-4 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, renting kids clothes from Borro can be a lifesaver - especially when you’re not sure what will actually work for your little one.

Quick 3-4 Years Toddler Clothes Checklist

• 5 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 (look out for jumpers with poppers or buttons at the neck)
• Socks (ones with grippy pads are great for hard slippy indoor floors)
• Pants (lots!)
• 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/ puddlesuit/ waterproof trousers (snowsuit if winter, puddlesuit for the rest of the year. You may prefer waterproof trousers, particularly when potty training)
• 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)

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 3-4 years preschool wardrobe for everything you need.

Preschool clothes

If your child is spending time are preschool 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.

What other parents overlook 

Now is the time to promote their 'school readiness'. Keys skills include using the bathroom independently, and getting in and out of outdoor gear. Preschool will teach children many of these skills to support their transition. You can help by making clothing choices that allow them to getting dressed and undressed by themselves, and by practicing at home. It's also a wonderful boost to their self esteem! Rip tape shoes and high quality zips or poppers on coats can make all the difference for their little hands. 'The Coat Flip' method is a great way for them to put on their coat independently.

What Borro parents rented for 3-4 years

Average Borro order for 3-4 years = 7 items

Why Renting Kids Clothes Makes Sense

As a mum, I know how quickly kids 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 preschool 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 kids clothes rentals at Borro.