Tips to dress your tot without breaking the bank

(ARA) - At what stage of childhood does it cost the most to clothe your kids? Is it when they're infants - and outgrowing their outfits on a monthly basis? Or during the terrible twos, when food and grass stains join with growth spurts to keep parents hunting for clothing bargains?

Many new parents find the cost of keep their little ones comfortable and stylish can add up as quickly as the cost of diapers and formula.

"Kids grow faster in infancy and toddlerhood than at virtually any other time in their development, and keeping them in durable, stylish outfits and accessories that actually fit can be harder than it seems," says Mary Rachide, a children's clothing expert with Family Dollar. "Many families struggle to budget wisely for clothes and other kid essentials, and a child's rapid growth can make the planning that much harder."

Department store and specialty store prices can be shocking, especially for parents who have to dress more than one child or have children that quickly outgrow new clothes, shoes and accessories. "Knowing your child will outgrow expensive clothes before they wear out, may make you think twice about buying them," Rachide says.

Budget-savvy parents should look for clothing sources that offer both durability and affordability. One new source worth checking out is Family Dollar. The popular value retailer has launched Kidgets -- its own label of clothing and accessories including cute outfit sets, baby blankets, shoes and diapers for ages newborn through toddler. With Kidgets, parents can dress their little ones in high-quality and fashionable attire for less than $10 an outfit.

Plan ahead

Another helpful tip for frugal families is to shop in advance and store away the clothes until the child grows into them. When stores clean out their seasonal stock, buy sale items in the sizes your kid is likely to be wearing the next time that season comes around. For example, many stores will soon be clearing their shelves of summer items in favor of fall attire. If your child is a newborn now, search for items for a 1-year-old, so they'll likely fit next spring.

Share the style

Another great way to keep clothing costs down is to host a clothing swap. Coordinate with friends, family and neighbors, or get church members or other parents involved. Invite participants to bring gently used clothes in all sizes, and encourage families to exchange items they no longer need for nearly new ones that another child has outgrown.

For more children's fashion ideas, visit Kidgets at www.familydollar.com or check out Family Dollar on Facebook at www.facebook.com/myfamilydollar.

Courtesy of ARAcontent