Practical pursuits for little ones
Uniqlo, the master of basics, delivers the same pragmatism in its baby and toddler line to keep them comfortable and moving happily, writes Syida Lizta Amirul Ihsan
THE purview of baby and toddler clothing no longer belongs to brands specific to making them. With global business expansion and the need to introduce new categories, brands that make adult clothes now make clothes for children, toddlers and babies using the same principles and style aesthetics as their adult designs.
Also, this gives a chance to brand loyalists to introduce the brand to their offspring.
I have been wearing Uniqlo since it was only available in Japan and love its basics. So 15 years later when I became a mother (very late, I know) buying my son’s clothes from Uniqlo seemed a natural move.
But beyond brand loyalty, it is the small but practical baby line that draws me to it. Its Airism romper (RM39.90 for two) for instance, is so light and airy it’s even better than cotton rompers for hot afternoons and active babies.
My baby often develops heat rash when the weather isn’t kind, and this romper helps keep him cool. It’s anti-odour and anti-microbial so it doesn’t smell. Its ability to wick away moisture fast helps keep babies comfortable.
There’s also a sleeveless top option for mums who prefer a two-piece for their baby.
Airism, Uniqlo’s technology to deliver comfort, especially in hot weather, is improved season after season. The new line incorporates UV-blocking items for the first time in adults’ clothes, something I think will soon be incorporated in children’s and babies’ clothes.
MOVE IN COMFORT
The leggings for babies and toddlers is for me, one of the brand’s best inventions. The material is stretchable, allowing these little humans to move and develop their movements with little restriction.
Back when my son started crawling, I tried one so he could do so comfortably. He now has four pairs, in long and cropped lengths because they double up as jeans too for going out. It’s only RM24.90 per piece and could do down to RM9.90 for old stock so always pay a visit to the store for promotions.
They even have shorts now — in Bermuda shorts length — that’s even more comfortable to be worn at home. For now, the colours are limited but once there’s demand, I think the choices will increase.
TO BED
Uniqlo’s one-piece sleepwear (RM39.90) ends at the ankles without the booties usually found in most brands. This is pragmatic because should the baby not sleep immediately, he could still walk or crawl around comfortably. You don’t have to pull the bottom part up because walking with fabric underneath the feet is cumbersome.
But for more comfort, the pyjamas (RM59.90) work better and are more comfortable for babies and toddlers.
But the best is Uniqlo’s baby socks (RM24.90 for two pairs) that come with anti-slip so they can walk or trail around the house without slipping.
Most brands make socks to be worn with shoes and taken off at home, but Uniqlo being Japanese (who have solutions for every problem as exhibited by the products sold at Daiso and Tokyu Hands) understands that sometimes, babies move with their socks on at home so they need to be safe and comfortable.