Dressing siblings in matching outfits gives the family a neat look – just look at the Beckham boys. But, according to psychologists, dressing siblings identically might not be the best thing for their developing identities. So think before following suit.

Dressing-up clothes took off in the 19th century and are still adored by children, parents and educators everywhere, especially because it is a sure-fire way to spark creativity and encourage imagination through role play. The average dressing

"It is impossible to overemphasise the role played by knitted garments in the democratisation of children’s clothes,” says Noreen Marshall, author of Dictionary Of Children’s Clothes. Knitwear became popular after zoologist Dr Gustav Jäger wrote

Until the turn of the 20th century, uncomfortable layers were a staple of children’s clothes: not just to keep warm, but also to protect modesty and add shape to the outer clothes children wore. Sometimes, a few extra layers were just what

“A child’s appearance has an awful lot to do with his behaviour,” pronounced Women’s Wear Daily in 1966. “Put a girl in a pretty dress and she behaves like a lady. If you put a boy in something he really likes, he will behave like a well-mannered child.” Worn correctly – with tuc...

It was a case of organised mayhem as Junior attended the opening of the new John Lewis children’s floor after an impressive £4 million revamp. After filling ourselves with delicious mini burgers and mini hotdogs, the perfect party food, we were

Do you have a favourite storybook character? We round up a regal rolecall of the most loveable, imaginative and heroic storybook characters of all time. Click on a name find out why they float our literary boat...The Wild ThingsMiffyThe Cat In The HatTintinCurious GeorgeBabarMade...

. Children started wearing jeans in the Fifties, but the look really took off in the Seventies with the bell bottoms and skinny-jean-and-jacket combo that was the denim suit. Today, jeans are a staple in the wardrobe of every child and even newborns wear

Clara Button and the Magical Hat Day by Amy de la Haye & Emily Sutton (V&A Publishing, £5.99)After her mischievous older brother Ollie destroys her favourite hat, will Clara Button be able to find a new one she loves just as much? Clara’s quest takes her to some of London’s most ...