How To Dress Your Toddler In Summer

How To Dress Your Toddler In Summer

Dressing my toddlers for the summer has always been one of those tricky balancing acts. I want my little one to stay cool and comfortable, but I also need to make sure they’re protected from the sun, ready for playtime, and able to handle all the messes that come with a toddler’s day. Over the years, I’ve learned a few things, made some mistakes, and found a few clever hacks that help me get it right every time. Whether you're a new parent or just looking for some fresh ideas, I’ve got you covered with some essential tips for dressing your toddler this summer.

Summer Toddler Clothes Checklist

Before I dive into all the details, here's a quick checklist for summer toddler clothes:

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton
  • UV-protective clothing or sun hats
  • Comfy sandals or shoes with good grip
  • Shorts, t-shirts, and dresses for easy movement
  • Nappy-friendly outfits (don’t forget those!) 
  • A few layers for cooler evenings or unpredictable weather
  • Water-friendly gear for outdoor fun
  • Suncream 

With these in mind, let’s go through how to put together the perfect summer wardrobe for your toddler.

Sizing Toddler Clothes: The Mystery of Growing Bodies

One of the most challenging parts of dressing a toddler in summer is figuring out the right size. Toddlers grow at an alarming rate, and it can feel like you’re buying new clothes every month. But don't stress – it’s all part of the journey! When I founded Borro, it was with this very issue in mind. Something doesn't fit/ is grown out of - simple return and exchange it.  Sizes can vary by brand - look out for our handy notes.

Renting Toddler Clothes: A Smart Solution for Busy Mums

When I first discovered the option to rent toddler clothes, I was a little hesitant. Renting? For toddlers? It sounded too good to be true. But after trying it, I was hooked! Renting clothes from services like Borro is a game-changer for busy parents. The idea is simple: you can rent a variety of outfits from top brands, which means you get quality clothes that fit perfectly without the worry of them being outgrown in just a few months. 

Not only does this provide fantastic value (because toddlers grow so quickly), but it also provides access to a wider range of stylish, high-quality clothes that I might not otherwise buy. Rent as much or little as you need, from cute summer dresses to durable play clothes and even swimwear for the beach. Plus, if your toddler has a sudden growth spurt, you can swap out clothes for a new size without any fuss. The flexibility is ideal for mums who are always on the go or those who don’t want to commit to purchasing expensive clothes that will soon be outgrown. Find out more  about how Borro works here.

Fabrics That Keep Your Toddler Cool

The number one factor when dressing your toddler in summer is making sure the clothes are breathable. Cotton is always a go-to fabric for hot weather – it’s soft, lightweight, and allows air to circulate, keeping your little one cool. Avoid synthetic fabrics that can trap heat and make your toddler uncomfortable. Linen is another great fabric to consider. It’s also breathable and has a natural, relaxed look that’s perfect for summer days.

Look for clothes with loose fits. Tight clothing can restrict movement and make your toddler feel overheated, which is not ideal when they’re running around. Plus, it makes nappy changes that much harder!

UV Protection

Now that they're on the move, it's harder to keep them in the shade, so while we all need our vitamin D, it's important to  protect your toddler’s delicate skin from UV rays, and escape the midday sun (hopefully for a nap). 

A wide-brimmed sun hat is an easy and affordable way to keep the sun off your toddler’s face and neck. Look for hats that are adjustable, so they can grow with your child. Sunsuits protect them in and around the water. A good pair of sunglasses with UV protection can also be a fun accessory and a useful way to protect your toddler's eyes from the harsh summer sun.

Nappy-Friendly Clothes for the Win

When dressing a toddler, comfort is key – especially when it comes to their nappies. I’ve learned to look for clothes that make nappy changes easier. Outfits with stretchy waistbands, snap buttons, or zippered bodysuits are ideal for quick and easy access. Don’t forget that your toddler will likely need a change of clothes throughout the day, so make sure to pack extras if you’re heading out. I’ve had more than one surprise nappy explosion in the middle of an outing!

The Unseen Importance of Footwear

One thing that most blogs miss out on is how crucial the right shoes are in the summer.  Lightweight sandals with good arch support and a secure strap are my top pick for summer shoes. They should be breathable and water-friendly, so your toddler can play in the park or dip their toes in the paddling pool without issue.

When buying shoes, I always make sure to check the grip. A slip could lead to a scraped knee or a fall, and no one wants that on a sunny day.

Conclusion: Stay Comfortable and Stylish

Dressing your toddler in summer should be about more than just style – it’s about comfort, practicality, and ensuring they’re safe from the sun. By investing in breathable fabrics, using UV protection, and being mindful of nappy-friendly clothing, you can make sure your little one is prepared for all the fun summer days bring. And if you're unsure of sizing or don’t want to buy clothes that will be outgrown too quickly, renting clothes from a service like Borro can be an excellent solution. It takes the guesswork out of shopping and ensures that your toddler has just the right clothes for every season.

Going away on holiday? Check out our our essential packing list here.

So, grab that summer toddler clothes checklist, and get ready to enjoy a season full of sunshine, play, and (hopefully) minimal messes!

 

Back to blog

Receive Credit For Your Unwanted Clothes

Tired of the endless cycle of kids outgrowing their clothes and wondering what to do with them? Our Sort Out Sack is your easy way to clear space and earn credit!

Receive £5 Borro credit guaranteed for every full bag we receive. PLUS £5 Borro credit for every organic item in excellent condition

Get Credit For Clothes

Questions?

Why Borro clothes?

Renting means less waste, more wardrobe flexibility and no more piles of outgrown clothes. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to dress your little ones.

With Borro, you get high-quality kidswear without the commitment, just what you need, when you need it. Helping you save time, save money, and save the planet.

What about stains?

Don't panic! Let us worry about the stains. Stain insurance is included. Obviously it's best to prevent stains if you can, or treat them as soon as possible. But we will never charge you.

If the garment can't be saved, it will be upcycled or recycled. Nothing ever goes to landfill, and we'll never charge you.

Subscription & exchanges

Subscription

All the clothes are individually priced and there's no minimum amount or set subscription - we're flexible!

Rent as many/few things as you like and you'll see at checkout what your monthly subscription will be. (If you want us to pick out a coordinated bundle of 10 items for you, it's £29/month).

Exchanges

We know little ones grow as fast as the weather changes! You don't need to return your previous order to order new clothes, so simply send back items whenever you no longer have a need for them, and add any new items to your subscription, by adding them to your basket and checking out.

Delivery & returns

Delivery

Your order will be packed and dispatched the next working day. Delivery takes 2-3 working days.

Returns

Pop them inside the bag/box they came in, attach the free pre-paid returns label, then drop off at your nearest Evri ParcelShop.

We only include one pre-paid returns label per order, so if you choose to send just some of an order back and the rest later, you will need to pay for the postage of the second return. 

Once we've received your items we will amend your subscription so you only pay for what you've got.

We recommend returning items 4-5 days before your subscription renews in order to allow enough time for delivery and processing to avoid your next monthly payment going out. If you're a few days late, you can always cancel online (use the link in the order confirmation email). As long as we receive the clothes within the next few days, that's fine.

Sustainability

At Borro we maximise the use of each item of clothing by providing a service that ensures it's well maintained, repaired and enjoyed by as many families as possible.

So if a garment is used by 6 different users, the global warming potential is 49% less, with a CO2e (kg) per user of 1.18, instead of 2.29.

All Frequently Asked Questions