Sharing Toddler Boy Winter Fashion Essentials that Encourage Independence
Winter is approaching, and it’s time to update your toddler boy’s wardrobe with stylish yet practical choices. In this blog post, we’ll explore the must-have toddler boy winter fashion essentials that not only keep them warm but also promote independence in dressing.
My 2-year-old and 8-month-old toddler is undergoing potty training, and as part of it, we encourage him to dress himself, which is also promoted at his Montessori school. When shopping for his clothes now, I don’t buy many or any pants and shirts with button closures. So, let’s dive into the post and explore clothing options that are practical for the weather and encourage self-dressing skills.
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Toddler Boy Winter Fashion Essentials That Encourage Independence
Toddler Boy Winter Fashion Essentials #1-Pull-On Pants
Say goodbye to the struggle of buttoning and zipping! Choose winter pants with stretchy and elastic waistbands. That way, your toddler requires less to no assistance while dressing up or using the toilet.
Finding the perfect-fitting pants for my toddler has been quite a challenge. Sizing down doesn’t always work; they look shorter on him. After experimenting with various options and brands, I’ve discovered a few pants that fit him perfectly. If your toddler faces a similar struggle, these recommendations might work well for them, too. I am listing my tried-and-true options below, along with sizing details.
- Hanna Anderson Slim Sweatpants In French Terry (on sale for $27)- the one V is wearing in pic #1. Best fit and top quality. He is wearing his actual size- 2;
- GapFit Toddler Fit Tech Pull-On Joggers (on sale for $12) is the close second; they are good quality and soft. They fit loose; we size down to 18-24 months.
- Target Cat & Jack Pull-on Jogger pants (on sale for $4.20) are the BEST affordable pants for school—they’re soft, comfortable, and available in many colors. He wears his usual size 2T (refer to pic #2)
- Target Cat & Jack Micro fleece pull-on joggers (on sale for $7) are okay pants. I am not a massive fan of the fit; they are oddly loose but warm and suitable for the colder weather. He wears his usual size 2T (refer to pic #3)
- Gap Straight Corduroy Pants (on sale for $23.97) are fantastic for dressing up during the holidays or special events, but the sizing is off. Even when sizing down to 18-24 months (refer to pic #4), we have to tighten the drawstring to keep the pants in place. Sizing down further makes them too short.
2. Tops with stretchy necklines
Choose tops with stretchy necklines or broad openings, which will allow your toddler to slip them over his head effortlessly. Sweatshirts and sweaters are typically easy to put on and make excellent choices for colder weather. I am listing a few options that we love below-
- Bluey Pullover Sweatshirt (on sale for $7)- If your little one loves Bluey like we do, this sweatshirt is very cute. It fits loose, so we sized down to 18-24 months (refer to pic #3)
- Gap Mickey Sweatshirt (on sale for $18): This sweatshirt is so soft, cozy, and cute. It Fits true to size; he is wearing his usual size 2T (refer to pic #4)
- Hannah Anderson Graphic Baseball Tee (on sale for $16.80)- Easy to slip on, this tee looks both stylish and cute. He is wearing his usual size 2T (refer to pic #1)
- H&M Christmas Sweaters are always very festive and cute.
Sharing a few cute character sets from Target, we love this Bluey and corduroy overall (last seen here)
3. Self-Fastening Shoes
Shoes with Velcro or easy-to-fasten closures make it easy for little ones to independently put on their shoes. With just one Velcro strap and a wide opening, the See Kai Run Flexi sneakers make it easy for toddlers to wear shoes by themselves. V learned to wear shoes quickly because of these shoes, and even his teacher mentioned the same. They’re lightweight, and I’ve observed fewer trips compared to another shoe he has. The shoe V is wearing in the pictures is on sale for $27
4. Zipper Closure or 2-piece PJs
Closing the zipper on his favorite fleece PJs was the first thing my toddler started doing, and I believe it’s the perfect time to encourage self-dressing during the happy moments after dinner and getting ready for bed. The evenings offer a more relaxed pace to parents compared to the morning rush, providing more time for the toddler to practice the skill.
Both Zipper-closure PJs or two-piece sets make it easier for your toddler to manage bedtime dressing independently. Linking our favorites below
- Plush jumpsuits (on sale for $11.54) are my toddler’s favorite clothing items. Sometimes, he insists on wearing them to school, leading to morning tantrums. To avoid this, I hid them in a different drawer. Sizing is true to size, he wears size 2T
- Gap baby 2-piece Pajamas (on sale for $10) these 2-piece sets are stinking cute and come in fun prints, the firetruck PJ set is V’s favorite. They are usually expensive considering how fast they grow of them quickly that’s this is the best time to snag them as they are on major sale for Black Friday. (pj’s are made to fit snugly and it’s a good thing as they are free from toxic flame retardants; The federal regulations on Children’s Sleepwear require the use of flame retardants if the PJs don’t fit snugly ). Alternatively, I also love Old Navy Pjs.
5. Easy-to-wear Jackets
Embrace hassle-free mornings with jackets designed for easy slipping on and off. A single zipper closure fosters a sense of achievement for your toddler.
We got this Gap lightweight puffer jacket (on sale for $27) for V this year. If you live in much colder weather, consider these jackets- Patagonia Jacket, Amazon Essential Jacket, H&M jacket, LL bean Jacket, North Face Reversible jacket
6. Winter Accessories that promote Independence
Mitten gloves, socks with easily identifiable tops, pull-on snow boots and simple changes like these can foster independence in toddlers.
Linking some more options below
Shop The Toddler Boy Winter Fashion Essentials
Tops
Bottoms
PJs
Winter Gear
By incorporating these toddler boy winter fashion essentials into your little one’s wardrobe, you’re not just preparing them for the colder months – you’re also fostering a sense of independence and self-confidence.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts on these winter essentials and any additional tips you have for promoting independence in the comments below.
