About Kids Fasion: Measure and Weigh Your Child

Sizes often differ from store to store, so it is best to measure your child before placing an order.

- Clothing: Measure your child's height, waist and inseam, and know his approximate weight.To measure your child's inseam, have him stand up straight with his legs slightly apart. Using measuring tape, measure from just below his crotch to the bottom of his ankle. Record the length in inches; this is his inseam. If your kid is too active to keep still long enough to take a measurement, you can measure the inside seam of a pair of pants that fit him well. Place the pants on a level surface and measure the inside seam from the crotch to the hem.

- Hats: Measure the circumference of the head, 1/4 inch above the ears.

- Shoes: Have your child's foot professionally measured at regular intervals to ensure that she is wearing the right sized shoe. It is important that children's shoes fit well because their feet need good support and room to grow. However, when you are ordering shoes online, and your child hasn't been fitted recently, you'll have to measure her foot yourself.

Good news! Stride Rite has made shopping online for children's footwear worry free. Their handy sizing tool, E-Fit helps you choose the perfect sized shoe for your child in 4 easy steps. All you need is a printer, a piece of paper and your child!

Download and print up the E-Fit sizing chart, and have your child step on the paper. The chart will help you measure the length and width of her foot. Plug the information into the E-Fit tool, and choose what type of footwear you need. Stride Rite's website will then show you what they have available in the size and style that you are looking for. What could be easier?

Choose the Appropriate Size
Most online stores have a size chart you can follow to ensure that you choose the proper size for your child. If your child is on the boarder-line between sizes, use your judgment on which to order. If you're placing an order for a single, up-coming event, get the smaller size. If it’s something that you hope he will wear for an entire season or longer, order the larger size.

Read the Return Policy
Most large chain-stores have relaxed return policies allowing the customer to return items to their store or mail it back. This is not always the case, however, so it is wise to read the return policy before making your purchase. Items purchased on online auctions are often non-returnable.

Choose Shipping Method Wisely
Carefully read the shipping information for each item; certain items may take longer to leave a retailer's outlet than others.

Some online retailers offer free shipping with purchases over a specified amount. Therefore, it can often be cheaper to order an extra small item rather than pay for shipping. When taking advantage of such offers, be aware that if you choose a faster shipment, you most likely will not qualify for free shipping.

Check the Website for Promotions
Retailers often run promotions on their websites such as percentages off online orders, free shipping, electronic coupons and other incentives. Check your favorite online stores often to catch these deals.

Sign-up for the Newsletter or Join the Club
Many online stores offer free newsletters or memberships to savings clubs. If you are a big fan of certain stores, sign up! Retailers frequently offer special discounts to members in the form of electronic coupon codes sent in newsletters. You may also get advance notice on sales, new lines and up-coming events.

Source: Michelle Kouzmine, Your Guide to Kids' Fashion