The general rules for clothing children were common sense, warmth, and durability. Economy also played a significant role, for children were sure to outgrow or outwear their clothing far more quickly than adults. Children's fashions are often covered in the general monthly fashion articles provided by magazines like Godey's and Peterson's - see the Fashion Year by Year section for more details.

Little Children: How to Clothe Them (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1875)

How I Dressed My Daughters, by Phillis Browne (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1875)

Children's Calico Balls (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1879)

Children's Christmas costume parties.

Children's Fancy Dress for Christmas Parties (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1883)

"Fancy costumes are particularly well adapted to little folks, a fact which of late years has come to be recognized, and at many juvenile parties character costumes are de rigeur."

King Baby's Wardrobe (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1884)

How to Dress Your Children (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1889)

From Jersey suits to sailor's outfits, an overview of "recommended" fashions for children.

Children's Fashions, by Isabel A. Mallon (Ladies' Home Journal, 1892)

Sewing for Children

Baby's Boot (Peterson's, 1856)

Baby's Boot (Peterson's, 1856)

Baby's Hood in Silk and Shetland Wool (Peterson's, 1856)

Child's Sack-Coat and Cape, by Emily H. May (Peterson's, 1856)

A Dress for a Young Girl, by Emily H. May (Peterson's, 1856)

Little Boy's Sacque Coat, by Emily H. May (Peterson's, 1856)

Little Boy's Overcoat (Peterson's, 1856)

Pattern for Child's Apron, by Emily H. May (Peterson's, 1856)

Children's Sewing Patterns (Peterson's Magazine, 1865)

Knitted Dress for Baby (Girl's Own Paper, 1890)

A Child's Dress Made Out of a Yard of Print... (Girl's Own Paper, 1891)

Nursery Needlework (Girl's Own Paper, 1891)

Some Needlework for the Children's Room, by Eleanor Archer (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1891)

Baby's Frock (Girl's Own Paper, 1896)

Child's Pinafore (Girl's Own Paper, 1897)

Infant's Flannel Jacket (Girl's Own Paper, 1897)

Baby's First Shoe from Old Kid Gloves (Girl's Own Paper, 1898)

Child's Washing Hood (Girl's Own Paper, 1898)

Infant's Hem-Stitched Shirt (Girl's Own Paper, 1898)

Embroidered Flannel Baby Carriage Coverlid (Girl's Own Paper, 1899)

Knitted Baby Shoe (Girl's Own Paper, 1900)