Shoes and stockings should keep the feet warm and comfortable, not perspiring, cold, restricted.
Night clothes. A complete change should be made at night. After three years a shirt is not needed at night, except in very cold weather. When diapers are no longer needed, the nightdrawers may be worn, using those with feet for cold weather. For outdoor sleeping in cool weather a sleeping-bag of eiderdown is desirable, and a light hood. A flannel or eiderdown bathrobe and slippers should be provided for emergency and morning use.
Care. Begin to teach the child at one year to put his shoes neatly together; by two years to lay his clothes neatly when taken off, and to hang up wraps; by three years to fold; by four years to take care of all clothing as removed and keep his chiffonier in order. Provide low hooks and small, low, easy-working bureau drawers within reach of the child.
Keep soiled clothing in a ventilated receptacle, out of the sleeping room or kitchen.
Keep hats and wraps well brushed; shoes brushed and cleaned; after five years, children should care for shoes.
Readymade clothing should be washed before wearing. Much readymade clothing, whether cheap or expensive, is made in sweatshops and crowded tenements.
Children’s play clothes should be of such durable material and simple design that play may not be hampered through fear of soiling or injuring garments.
Avoid:
| Underwear: | Thick woven |
| Heavy cotton fleece-lined | |
| All or three-quarters wool (unless open weave and soft) | |
| Rough seams | |
| Corsets | |
| Stockings: | Thick, heavy |
| All wool | |
| Seams; much darned | |
| Round garters | |
| Tight hose supporters | |
| Shoes: | Patent leather or other non-porous material |
| Rough inside seams and soles | |
| Tight across toes, instep, or ankle | |
| Stiff, inflexible soles | |
| Rubber soles unless with leather insoles | |
| Too large or too small | |
| High heels | |
| Non-washable dresses or wraps for children under three years | |
| Elaborate, showy clothes | |
| Unbecoming clothes | |
| Wraps: | Fur or other heavy neck pieces |
| Mufflers, except in very cold weather, and for children under five | |
| Gloves in winter. (Mittens give better circulation) | |
| Rubbers or overshoes, except in rain or slippery weather | |
| Ear muffs | |
| Veils | |
| Unventilated hats | |
| Tight Clothing: Gloves, neckbands, waists, underwear, stockings, shoes | |
Ample size is especially important with growing children, and easily overlooked or neglected as they outgrow their clothes. Rubber in legs of readymade rompers is always too tight, and is better removed.