KID STUFF : A Quick Lesson on Dressing Toddlers

Preschool teachers spend a lot of time dealing with toddlers’ clothing, so they’re a good source for tips on how to dress the kids for school, says Marilise Flusser.

Flusser is the author of “Party Shoes to School and Baseball Caps to Bed.” In her book, she includes these tips from preschool teachers:

* Layer your child for indoor and outdoor comfort. If you put a sweater on your child, make sure she has a regular shirt on underneath so the sweater can be removed when she gets hot. An undershirt isn’t enough.

* Look for tops that have roomy, flexible necks. Necklines that are squared or have buttons at the shoulder let kids pull their shirts over their heads easily.

* Check with your school director and teacher about what kinds of outerwear are needed for school.

* Jeans have no warmth or flexibility. Corduroy pants or sweat pants are preferable for cold weather. Avoid expensive jeans with a working zipper, a snap fastener and a belt for 2-year-olds.

* Don’t send your child to school in high-tops, designer sneakers or heavy work boots. The slip-on canvas shoe is a good choice.

* Pinafores and over-the-shoulder straps often fall off the shoulder. Unless you adjust the straps properly--and sew them if necessary--don’t send your child to school in them.

* Avoid one-piece, sweat shirt turtleneck dresses for warm classrooms. It’s better suited for outdoor wear.