Let’s be honest—toddler clothes go through a lot. Between food spills, muddy knees, mystery stains, and the occasional crayon incident (how did that even happen?), it feels like you’re doing laundry on a loop. And with how fast they grow, it’s easy to feel like you’re just buying new clothes every other week.
So how do you actually make those adorable little outfits last longer?
Good news: it’s not magic. It’s just a few simple tricks—starting with how you care for them. Whether it’s clothes for 1–2 year old boy, clothes for 1–2 year old girl, or those tiny matching sets you couldn’t resist, here’s how to get more wear out of every piece.
Choose Quality from the Start
This might seem obvious, but the better the quality, the longer it’ll last. Soft, well-made fabrics like 100% cotton, bamboo blends, or organic materials can handle frequent washing better than cheap synthetics. You don’t need a giant wardrobe—just a few good staples that hold up well.
Brands like Babydrewberry get this right. Their toddler clothes are designed with comfort and durability in mind, so you’re not tossing things out after just a couple of washes.
Wash on Gentle, Always
Even if that ketchup stain is screaming at you, don’t crank the heat and power. Washing on a gentle cycle with cold water helps keep fibers from breaking down. Hot water can shrink, fade, and weaken fabric—especially cotton, which toddlers live in most of the time.
Also, toss delicate pieces like soft rompers or tops with embroidery into a mesh laundry bag before washing. It protects them from friction and wild spins in the machine.
Skip the Harsh Stuff
Harsh detergents and fabric softeners might smell nice, but they can wear out fabric and irritate sensitive toddler skin. Stick with mild, fragrance-free laundry soap, especially for infant and toddler clothes.
Bonus tip? Add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle now and then. It helps naturally soften fabric, breaks down build-up, and keeps clothes feeling fresh without any harsh chemicals.
Air Dry Whenever You Can
We know, tossing everything in the dryer is convenient. But heat is brutal on toddler clothes. It can fade colors, shrink fabrics, and stretch out elastic—especially in pieces like leggings, waistbands, and soft cotton tees.
Try to air dry when you have time. Lay flat or hang up in a shady spot (sunlight can bleach colors too). You’ll be surprised how much longer clothes stay looking like new.
Rotate Outfits (and Don’t Overwash)
It’s tempting to rewash after one wear—especially if your toddler went near a snack. But not every outfit needs immediate laundering. If there’s no stain or smell, give it a second wear. Overwashing is actually one of the fastest ways to wear clothes out.
Rotating outfits also helps prevent overusing your favorite go-tos. Keep a few soft basics in rotation (Babydrewberry has great cotton sets) and mix in the more playful or stylish clothes for outings or special moments.
Mend the Little Things
Loose button? Small tear near the hem? Don’t toss it—fix it! A quick stitch or a patch can buy you weeks (or even months) of extra wear. Toddler clothes are constantly being tugged, stretched, and rolled in—small fixes are just part of the adventure.
And honestly, a cute patch on a knee or elbow just adds character. It tells a story of all the fun your little one had while wearing it.
Conclusion
Making toddler clothes last longer isn’t about being perfect—it’s just about being intentional. A little extra care goes a long way, especially when you’ve found pieces you love.
And if you’re starting with soft, comfy, well-made outfits like the ones from Babydrewberry, you’re already a step ahead. Because when the clothes are made to be worn, washed, and lived in—they’re made to last.
