When a toddler refuses to wear their Eid clothes

It is usually the feel, not the look

A toddler who screams at the sight of a beautiful new kurta is rarely objecting to the colour. Most of the time, something about the outfit feels wrong to them, and at this age they cannot explain it. Working out what it is solves most Eid-morning battles.

• Scratchy embroidery on the inside of the chest or collar.
• Stiff, crisp fabric that doesn’t move like their everyday clothes.
• A tight neck that has to be pulled over the head.
• Too many layers, such as a kurta, a waistcoat and a shawl, in a warm room.
• Something new and unfamiliar on a day that is already loud and strange.
• Simply wanting to choose for themselves, which is very normal at this age.

Try it on before Eid

The single most useful thing is a practice run a week or so before Eid. Let them wear the outfit for ten minutes while doing something they enjoy, such as eating a biscuit or watching a favourite video. It becomes familiar, and you find out which part bothers them while there is still time to fix it.

A trial also checks the fit. For pieces from us, exchanges are possible within 7 days for unused items in original condition with the original bill, so try things on carefully, over clean clothes, as soon as they arrive.

If there are older siblings, let the toddler watch them try on their outfits first. Toddlers copy, and seeing a big brother or sister happily dressed in a kurta often does more than any amount of persuasion.

Fixes for common complaints

• Scratchy embroidery: ask for a soft lining behind the embroidery when ordering custom eastern wear. On a finished piece, a thin vest underneath helps.
• Tight neck: choose pieces with shoulder buttons or a front placket. The Oatmeal Teddy Ribbed Top & Jogger Set has two buttons on the shoulder for exactly this.
• Stiff fabric: a gentle wash before Eid often softens new cloth. Check the care label first, and see our guide on washing embroidered kids’ clothes.
• Too hot: drop a layer. A kurta alone, without the waistcoat, is still an Eid outfit.
• Waistbands: an elasticated pajama is more comfortable than a drawstring shalwar tied tightly.

Give them a say

Toddlers cooperate more when they have chosen something. Offer two options and let them pick, or let them choose the colour when you order. A detail they love helps too: their name embroidered on the pocket, or a favourite animal. A dinosaur fan may happily wear the Sky Blue Dinosaur Sweatshirt & Grey Jogger Set when a stiff kurta is a non-starter. You can ask for custom touches through custom orders.

Have a plan B

Decide in advance what you will do if they still refuse. Many parents take the family photo first, in the special outfit, then let the toddler change into a soft set in a festive colour for the rest of the day. Eid is about being together, and a happy child in a comfortable outfit makes for better memories than a tearful one in the perfect kurta.

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