How to dress you toddler for a family photography session
Wait! Don't know how to dress your toddler for your family pictures? Not to worry, I have some tips and tricks to help you choose the right clothes.
If you are the parents of a toddler, you already know they are full of energy, big ideas and looking for independence, all while exploring new things.
If your toddler is like my daughter was, she had her sense of style and was very determined about what she liked and didn't like at a young age. She enjoyed trying all the different combinations of colors, patterns, and fabrics. But not to worry, toddlers can also be fun to dress for family photos. It can be easy to want to dress them like big kids, as they are no longer babies. However, there are a few things you want to watch out for when selecting outfits.
I'm here offering my top 5 recommendations for dressing your toddler for your family photo session.
These tips will leave you with things to consider when outfitting your child, all while providing easy fixes. These suggestions will help your photo session day go more smoothly and ensure your child's outfit won't distract from your child's face!
Choose outfits that allow easy movement
As you are already aware, toddlers aren't always the firmest on their feet. They love running as if running a marathon, but not without a few tumbles. Adding in clothing that trips them up makes matters worse. So embrace the age and look for things that make it easier for them to move.
A great way to test an outfit is to try it on them and let them run around the house. Do they seem to trip or struggle walking more than usual? If so, look for something else. Trust me; you'll be happy you did.
Try thin layers for your family photo session instead of big bulky clothes
Yes, keeping your child warm during your family photo session is crucial. If a child is cold, they will be one unhappy child, and they will surely let everyone know. You want to be able to see your child's face. Bulky layers can get in the way as you move and play. Instead, try thin warm layers. Long sleeves under a sweater, for example.
Comfortable fabrics for your family photo session.
Toddlers are extra sensitive about how their clothing feels. For example, my daughter would never wear jeans because they were too stiff; she didn't like how they felt. So, if your child is similar to mine, they most likely won't embrace the sweater that is a little itchy or the jeans that are too stiff to move in. Something may look cute, but if your toddler is uncomfortable, it will show in your photos as they squirm with their clothes or move more awkwardly.
When less is more, try simple accessories
Accessories can be adorable. A cute little beanie during the winter can add a pop of color or a headband for a baby girl. However, accessories can also be distractions, especially for toddlers. Ensure that your accessories stay put with movement, so you're not spending the entire time replacing headbands or hair clips.
Dress your child in something they like.
It can be easy to want to dress your child in something that you love or that works great with the rest of the family's outfits. However, if you pick a dress and your child does not like wearing it at all, or you pick jeans and your child only wears "soft pants," you will pay for it during your session.
Embrace their preferences when selecting their outfit, and you will all be happy come picture day.
So what should you dress your toddler in for your family photography session?
Dress your toddler for your family photo session in something they will be comfortable in, something they can wear without hesitating for a minute. The simplest way to find out is to try the outfit before. Then, let them run around and play around the house. If they seem happy, not fussy, you will know you chose the right outfit!
Once you have your toddler dressed, you might want to try the high-flying test.
Please pick them up, fly them like an airplane and twirl them around. Did you forget the tights under that dress? Does their outfit entirely fall off (think of straps falling, sweaters riding up, etc.)? Of course, nothing will stay 100 % put; the outfit will move a bit. However, if their face is covered the entire time, or when you come back down, everything has to be readjusted; try something else.
