When Mary Anne Phalen of Halifax, N.S,. posted for a friend in the Raising Haligonians Facebook group that she had children’s clothes to give away, they were a hot commodity.
It also sparked a larger question on just how parents are clothing their children during these times of self-isolation. Just because shopping may have slowed or stopped doesn’t mean kids have stopped growing.
Amber Snow, from Paradise, N.L., knows all about this struggle.
“Of course, a global pandemic hits just when my three kiddos have growth spurts,” she says.
Her 12-year-old has grown about an inch a month since last August and now, she says, he's basically wearing flood pants all the time. Snow says her son is in limbo between boys’ and men's sizes - he's too tall for boys clothing, but too slender for men’s – making it particularly difficult to outfit him without trying it on. Footwear is another issue, as he’s grown three sizes in the past year and a half, she says.
“I don't know what to do with him, honestly,” says Snow. “I wish I could take him out places to try on clothes but that's impossible. How are you supposed to buy them without trying them on first?”
Tracy Briffett Hayley, from St. John’s, N.L., is in a different boat. Her daughter plays hockey for a private school in Ontario and arrived home for March Break with a duffle bag. During her time at home, school and travel were both cancelled and her daughter was left with no personal belongings, two hoodies, two pairs of leggings, pajamas, socks and underwear.
“Believe it or not,” says Hayley, “We have no complaints, and just do laundry a little more often than usual.”
Practical tips
Since children are not going to school, or anywhere for that matter, many parents have opted to let their kids wear anything they’d like. This includes clothes that are too small or too short, wearing pajamas, or even for some, wearing princess costumes all day.
Those who have tried to find clothes say it can be a frustrating experience. When ordering online, it can be hard to find specific items, and many parents have noted that everything is more expensive than normal right now.
When a purchase is made online, many are irritated at the length of delivery time, and worry that when they do arrive, they will already be outgrown.
Instead, parents are looking for local options to outfit their children. Some opt to do their weekly grocery shop in places that also sell children’s clothing like Walmart, Costco, or Dominion in N.L. and the Atlantic Superstore in N.S. and P.E.I. Each time, add clothing to the grocery cart, and some suggested stocking up on a few larger sizes at the same time.
Some local businesses recognize this clothing shopping difficulty. For example, Piper and Max consignment store in Porter’s Lake, N.S., which carries items for the whole family, including maternity wear and footwear, posts photos of what they have in stock. Customers can place it on hold, then send an e-transfer within three days. The store is open on certain days for contactless pickup, or any pre-paid items can be set aside until the buyer is comfortable with coming to get them.
Other parents suggest asking friends and family for hand-me-downs or searching Facebook marketplace for clothes, arranging for contact-free pick up and paying by email transfer. To be extra-safe, one parent suggested putting all clothes into the washing machine right away when you get home.
Do-it-yourself
Wandalee Porter, from Conception Bay South, N.L. is opting to bypass all stores, by returning to one of her favourite hobbies – sewing.
With more time on her hands being off work, Porter is sewing grow-with-me style outfits for her 17-month-old daughter. As a crafty person, she says she has a basement full of materials just waiting to be turned into something. The patterns themselves, she says, are digital and all you need to do is download and print.
“Mistakes were made but I think I will get better over time,” says Porter. “This is my first time making clothing for my baby and my second attempt with digital patterns.”
For others who do not have the sewing skills or equipment, Kara Hebb of Nine Mile Creek, P.E.I., can help through her business, Saelvage, which is mainly dedicated to children's apparel, with a focus on "grow-with-me" clothing.
“Children grow so fast,” says Hebb, “these designs allow room for your child to wear the same garment for years to get the maximum value from their clothing.”
Each item is hand-made by Hebb, and after years of research and testing, she ensures that each item is checked over and provides personal attention to how the garment will be worn. With higher quality components and construction, grow-with-me pieces will last for years of wash and wear, she says. The retail industry has gone to cheaper textiles, and mass-produced garments are almost made to be disposable, she adds.
With the onslaught of COVID-19, Hebb says she has definitely noticed an increase in business and is happy she has a skill that can contribute to the local need.
All items are listed on the Saelvage website, and custom orders can also be placed via message, or through Facebook. Contactless pickups are available at her home in P.E.I., and shipping is available within Canada.
And, adds St. John’s, N.L., mom Alanna Weldon, it’s a great time to look at what’s available within your own community instead of turning to big box retailers or the internet.
“Now is the time to realize the importance of support from the village to help raise children and remember what a waste of money it can be buying new clothes for children. Support local. Support your friends, families and neighbours,” she says.
