We’ve heard it time and time again. “They grow up so fast!” It’s not just something distant aunts and uncles say at extended family functions - it’s true. Toddlers are tweens in a heart beat. When it comes to just how fast they grow up, blink and you’ll miss it.
But this rapid growth isn’t just a truism. It’s expensive. And it means their 6-8 month wardrobe or size 3 shoes are going to need replacing before you can say “Where did the time go?”.
So before you buy those trendy expensive trainers for your new born or the irresistibly cute designer top for your 9 year old, think. Will this get covered in yogurt or paint? Will they outgrow it in size or whim? Will this still be a trend by the time the next child is big enough to wear it?
Whether your child is two or ten, we’ve got the playbook for inexpensive infant summer clothes. From cheap newborn clothing to big kid seasonal outfits, read on for the budget-friendly garments for your ankle-biters.
Read on for top tips on keeping costs as small as your little ones!
Newborn summer clothes
Baby girl summer clothes
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We heart this 100% cotton heart romper from Next, coming in at £8-12 depending on size. In a calming cream with pops of colour, this short sleeved one piece will keep your baby cool (as for calm and collected, we make no promises!).
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What better way to be bang on trend for summer than a crochet two piece? No, this isn’t one of Nanna’s knits, this is a ludicrously sweet summer set for your baby. In red and cream, it’s an eye catching co-ord for the beach, the garden, or the pram. With sizes ranging from 0-3 months to 3-4 years, you’re sure to bag a size for your little (or slightly less little!) one, only at £18-19. Thanks John Lewis!
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Your child is as sweet as can be, so this strawberry sunsuit in pink gingham is the perfect pick! We think it’s berry much their style. With ruffle shoulders and check print, they’re ready for picnics or park walks or whatever this summer has in store for them. At £23-24, this JoJo Mamn Bebe romper is available for ages from 3 months to 3 years.
Baby boy summer clothes
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He’s a bright young thing who needs bright clothes. And these rompers in checkerboard print bring all the colour and attitude you could need. Looking for summer outfits for your baby boy? Look no further. With three outfits for £17-21 in sizes from 1month up to 2 years at Next, you’re game set and match with these. Because why have one when you can have three? (Ask anyone with triplets!)
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When it comes to babies, there are a few ground rules. Love them, feed them, and - importantly - dress them in animal themed outfits. If there are ears? Plus. If there’s teddy bear fur? Even better. But if you’re looking for a roarsome option for your cheeky chappy, this 2-piece dino denim set will have him well able to go. A dapper shirt for a baby at just £20.95.
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Let’s set sail for summer with the chicest baby boy (or girl!) get up. This summer appropriate sailboat tank top is so cute, that we’re wondering if it goes up to adult sizing. While we write to JoJo Maman Bebe about sizing up, at least anyone from 6 months all the way to 6 years can enjoy it for £24-27. Newborn summer clothes in adorable styles? Check!
Toddler summer clothes
Little girl summer clothes
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She’s your little sunshine, so it’s only right her outfit displays that. This sunrise legging and fringe top set is suitable for 1-7 year olds so your toddler can get set for summer. Perfect for charging around, playing in the sandpit, or collapsing in a heap after a day of fun. And at just £8-9.60, it’s a price to make you feel sunny inside. Don’t forget your exclusive 20% off Matalan orders with VoucherCodes, so you can nab these ombre flared leggings for your ray of sunshine at a discounted price.
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When the temperature rises, you need outfits for your toddler that can keep up. Whether it’s ice cream pit stops or garden playtime, this outfit is child proof, summer proof, and trend proof. No matter what summer throws your way, this red pinstriped sleeveless dress with a flouncy collar from Next is ready. And at £12-14, it’s worth every penny. With sizes from 3 months to 6 years, a toddler of any size can rock this cotton frock.
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Summer is calling, and this yellow fruit frills set is answering. As sweet as the cherries embroidered on it, this co-ord will make you say ‘aw’ - but the price won’t make you say ‘argh!’. At £22 from River Island, you get two for the price of one - a top and shorts making your child doubly ready for anything summer has in store. If you prefer to be pretty in pink, the blush option is just as adorable and comes in sizes from 12 months to 4 years.
Little boy summer clothes
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Your little man is going to brighten up everyone’s day in this dinosaur two piece. With a button up shirt and shorts in lightweight cotton, this H&M set is on sale for £8.50 (normally £9.99). Suitable for 2-3 year olds (but with availability for 9 month olds to 1 1/2 year olds as well), this get up is soft and snuggly (despite the fierce dinosaurs on it!).
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This ecru short sleeved shirt looks like something straight out of a Henri Rousseau painting - a reference your toddler may not yet understand. But what he will love about this shirt is its soft cotton feel and cute embroidered animals. Lightweight and breathable, this top from Next will take him from playtime to nap time. And at £15-17, it comes in whatever size you need - all the way from 3 months to 6 years.
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Okay, he’s stylish! He might be a toddler, but he’s already repping the best brands and athleisure must-haves. With sizes ranging from 0months to 4 years, this denim tee set from Adidas even has the option to personalise with their name. At £35, it’s a touch more than other options, but with his name emblazoned across the tee, it will feel worth the pretty penny. Plus, Adidas is a VIP VoucherCodes brand, meaning purchases of Adidas count towards a £5 gift card for every two shops.
Children's summer clothes
Girl
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For those summer evenings or milder mid-year days, this pink and white cotton blend cardigan from M&S is suitable for children up to 8 years old and comes in at £16. With a v neck and a pointelle finish, it’s a cosy layer to throw on over jeans or a summer dress.
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Warning: buy these and your daughter might just become more stylish than you. In these wide leg linen trousers with a pink or blue pinstripe, she’ll be right on trend for easy warm weather activities. An elasticated waist band and drawstring keeps these slacks casual. Going up to mid teens, these M&S trousers are suitable for multiple ages and come in many colours - all for £20. And, dare we say it, they would look adorable with the pink cardigan above.
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A classic red summer dress is a staple wardrobe item that she’ll want to wear year in year out (or at least for as long as the growth spurts permit). With a bow back and a frilly neckline, this £26 dress from River Island will be the new go-to for summer holiday evenings, summer parties, and dinners.
Boy
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At just £9.99, your boy can look and feel the part with this Mango striped linen shirt in mint green. With soft to touch fabric and pinstripe details, it ranges from 6 to 14 in size, so he can wear it from child to tween to ‘Mum, I want to choose my own shirts’ age! (Though, we have a sneaky suspicion he won’t have any complaints about being kitted out with this, no matter his age.)
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Like father like son, this Cuban collar shirt in white and green from Reiss is a masterclass in dapper dressing - no matter your age. Just don’t show Dad - lest he want to squeeze into it too. Ranging from 6 years to 13 years, this shirt falls at £15-20 depending on sizing. What a dapper chap!
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When own clothes day rolls around at school, you can be sure this is the tee he reaches for. As far as infant summer clothing goes, this top from Frasers has got the t-shirt. With the iconic Polo logo and a range of demure colours, this is a junior shirt that has senior style. At £26, you can kit out your son from 8 years to 20! (Though by the time he’s hit 20, he probably wants to be dressing himself)
How to save money on kids clothes
- Choose versatile basics. When it comes to buying infant summer clothes, I always keep flexibility in mind. Clothes should move with your child - not against them. When shopping for friends’ kids, I like go for mix-and-match pieces, easy prints, and easy-to-style options that can stretch across a dozen items. One set of simple tank tops will get more wear out of them than the statement piece (no matter how cute it is).
- Opt for washable items. Summer = spills. Kids = stains. Playtime = wash time. There’s no avoiding it, when it comes to buying summer clothes for kids, you have to be prepared to see those fresh new trousers or pristine t-shirts covered in slime and goop and food. And, let’s be honest, we wouldn’t want it any other way. Because mess is a sign they had fun along the way. So long as you’ve bought machine-washable options that will keep their colour after a good few cycles, you’ll be okay. That means I think twice before buying too much cream or white, and always check the label to avoid hand-wash-only warnings. Because when you’re running after kids, you don’t have time to be soaking and scrubbing (let the washing machine do the rest of the running for you!).
- Shop end-of-season sales. Sounds obvious, but so often we get swept up in the here and now. If it’s Christmas, it’s tempting to buy the seasonal festive jumper, and if it’s summer, it’s oh-so-tempting to choose the kids summer clothes with the latest style. But if you can resist, then a bit of foresight can save a bit of money. At the end of summer, I like to nab a few discounted items for the next year. But remember, you need to buy the next size up to get ahead of the inevitable growth spurts.
- Prioritise wearability over trends. No matter how irresistible the latest trend sweeping Mumsnet is, it’s best to stick to your guns and go for the items that will stand the test of time. Trendy items are often pricier and short-lived. Cotton and linen are good options that keep longer (and keep kids cool in this heat!).
- Hand-me-downs. Don’t turn your nose up at a hand-me-down! Don’t be shy - whether it’s from cousins, friends, or neighbours, passed-down clothes save a fortune and reduce waste while they’re at it.
- Vouchers galore. Before buying anything new, I like to scout out VoucherCodes for discounts and deals worth snapping up. I’m often delighted to find the newborn summer clothing or tweens outfit I was about to purchase could be had at a fraction of the cost. And, if you’re in doubt, download the DealFinder browser extension so it can do the legwork for you. You’ll never miss a code again!
- Sell what they’ve outgrown. It’s true what they say - kids grow up so fast. Last year’s baggy is this year’s tight. And the baby girl summer clothes you purchased last year are not going to cut it for your suddenly grown up toddler this year. Unless you have more on the way or friends in need, you can pop your old clothes on eBay, Vinted or Depop to make a few bob on the side.
- Adjustable styles and sizing up. Elasticated waistbands aren’t just for maternity trousers (or buffet dinners). Kids can benefit from drawstring waists and elastic too. You want to go for clothes that will grow with your child, so they last as long as possible. Stretchy t-shirts and dresses are ideal - so you can forget the stiff sets and unforgiving silks. And if you’re extra frugal, you’ll opt for slightly oversized options to get that extra bit of wear out of them.
- Buy second-hand. If you’re in your local high street any time soon, chances are you’ll find some great options in the charity shops for your little one. Or, if you’re more of an online shopper, check out Vinted, Depop and eBay for clothes at wonderfully reduced prices. You’ll find lightly worn options that the child outgrew and - if you’re lucky - even some unworn with tags clothing that just wasn’t quite right the first time around.
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