in 1850 that people might live healthier lives by wearing animal fibres like wool. Not only did it keep children warm, but it also stretched, providing freedom and room for growth.

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

Amazingly, denim breeches were worn as early as 1703, and the first ‘jeans’ from the 1840s onwards. The word denim comes from ‘serge de Nîmes’ (literally meaning fabric from Nîmes); whilst ‘jean’ derives from sailors’ pants worn by the Genoese navy

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.

Trends may come and go, but the children’s look inspired by generations of royals (think Queen Victoria dressing her children in kilts at Balmoral; or little Charles and Anne in their double-breasted, velvet-collared Harris tweed coats) has run and run. Parents still swoon over “...

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

Amazingly, denim breeches were worn as early as 1703, and the first ‘jeans’ from the 1840s onwards. The word denim comes from ‘serge de Nîmes’ (literally meaning fabric from Nîmes); whilst ‘jean’ derives from sailors’ pants worn by the Genoese navy

.Vintage fabric Patchwork tea dress by Nixie Clothing (ages 2-8)

The trend for all things naval kicked off when the artist Franz Winterhalter painted the four-year-old Prince Albert Edward in a white sailor suit for a Channel Islands’ cruise in 1846. By the 1870s, both boys and girls were sporting the look.

cot to accomodate babies of all sizes, a hypoallergenic matress, a bumper bar which can be opened with one hand from both sides and an adjustable, and reversible seat.Available from April 2012, the complete set (with accessories) costs £779Planning a