It is normal behaviour for a toddler to attempt getting undressed at their own whim. The challenge of getting out of their clothing and trying on other clothing fascinates them. They get to practice fine motor skills when undoing buttons or laces and their creativity is put to good use when they choose their own outfits.
By encouraging your child to dress up large dolls or soft toys, you can be sure that they get the hand and eye coordination skills they need to dress themselves, without the hassle of you having to redress them all through the day. Try to use larger, simple items of clothing on large toys. Dressing up a teddy bear with your child's out grown hoodie is a good example of this. At a toddler's stage of development, trying to successfully fit intricate toy clothing onto a small doll is too difficult and frustrating for them.
You can also try providing them with felt cut-outs of people with different items of clothing in various colours. This is not too difficult for them to try and they will learn sorting skills. To make dressing themselves easier, provide them with old adult clothing, such as hats and coats. These items are fun and easy to fit. To encourage your child to dress properly unaided, start with outfits that are easy to fit, such as clothing that is held up with elastic waistbands, velcro shoelaces and gradually introduce more challenging items like buttons and belts.
By encouraging your child to dress up large dolls or soft toys, you can be sure that they get the hand and eye coordination skills they need to dress themselves, without the hassle of you having to redress them all through the day. Try to use larger, simple items of clothing on large toys. Dressing up a teddy bear with your child's out grown hoodie is a good example of this. At a toddler's stage of development, trying to successfully fit intricate toy clothing onto a small doll is too difficult and frustrating for them.
You can also try providing them with felt cut-outs of people with different items of clothing in various colours. This is not too difficult for them to try and they will learn sorting skills. To make dressing themselves easier, provide them with old adult clothing, such as hats and coats. These items are fun and easy to fit. To encourage your child to dress properly unaided, start with outfits that are easy to fit, such as clothing that is held up with elastic waistbands, velcro shoelaces and gradually introduce more challenging items like buttons and belts.