Firstly, I want to caveat this whole post by saying that we photograph children in a diverse range of simple to fancy pants outfits and at the end of the day what they wear does not matter. 

What matters is our beautiful little people and their happiness and sense of belonging. That is ultimately what we are creating and celebrating by displaying their childhood portraits in our homes, instilling their self-worth and showing them that they are loved. 

In saying that, if you want to go the extra mile in presenting your babes at their best, then here are my top tips on dressing your child for Portrait Day.

When you hear your childcare Portrait Day is booked, first ask your centre management what colour the backdrop is going to be, or where the photographs will be taken - if candid. The next thing to do is not leave it to the very morning of picture day to pick out your babes outfit, this can result in a flurry of unnecessary stress. ​

Dress your child for Daycare Picture Day in a comfortable, well-fitting outfit that does not ride up or slip down around their neck or off their shoulders. It is best to find out what colour the backdrop will be so the outfit does not clash, but complements the colours.  Trust your instinct and create a well-put-together extra special outfit that's super cute. Try on a cardigan, hair bow, or fun accessories, and even bring your child's favourite toy. Just remember things don't always go to the exact plan, but your photographer will work with what presents. And always pack a spare, you never know what can happen between arrival at daycare and your child actually getting in front of the camera.

Keep reading for more tips on what your child should wear for daycare pictures.

The most important thing to do is to check for the possibility of a wardrobe malfunction.  

As your child wiggles around at breakfast watch how they move in their outfit. Can they sit comfortably in the denim skirt without underwear showing? This goes for undergarments showing at the neckline too.

Babies dressed in oversized nappy covers can completely ruin a gorgeous photograph (As the nap pops out the bottom or can be seen up their leg).  This applies to press-pop overall crutches too, do they easily un-pop? Often!

Sit your little one on the changing table and get down low to check. Usually, your photographer is working from their level and front on.  If there is an angle that they have to avoid because you can see a nappy it can really limit your photographer as they will have to focus on cropping this view out. 

Another thing to watch for is shoulder straps falling down.  

Although the photographer will ensure everything is neat and in place before they start this can easily slip. During the session your photographer is focused on your child's facial expressions and connecting with them, it's an easy oversight.  Sometimes by the time they spot this mishap, the best photograph has been captured - right in the moment of connection or play, when they arn't looking at clothing.​

The first big no-no is something with branding logos or big bold writing across the front. 

It might be hilarious or super cute, but when your child sits or move around the full text is not always clearly visible,  and unreadable text can take away the fun of your original intent of wearing it in the first place.​​

Logos and commercially branded tops can take away from originality and the enchantment of your child's character, so be wise with this. 

I do know some parents love that life at age six might be an absolute obsession with one's favorite character and that's something they want captured in their kinder photographs, but we suggest going for classic cute. 

Your child can express this love for a Disney character by bringing their favorite toy which can be included and easily removed from some of the photographs.

"As far as exactly what colours to not wear we say, no limits!" 

Once you've checked what colour the backdrop is, work with this to complement the colours and create a special portrait your family will treasure forever.

Colour wheel image was sourced from LogoGenie.net.

Playing with colours is incredibly fun and could be a playtime activity with your child to lightly discuss how colours work together. Take note of what work's with your child's complexion too.

I found this helpful visual guide on the Bright Side blog, although this is women's fashion tips according to hair colour, I think it's helpful for any age, males and females.

Fashion hair-colour matching images were sourced from Brightside.me.

Ensuring your child's hair is not going to fall into their eyes is the most important hair styling for picture day.  Showing off your child's long hair is sweet, but oftentimes this can get messy, or fall into their eyes when interacting with the photographer.

It's not always possible for your educator to remember to pull out your packed brush to do your child's hair when they are already juggling an extra distraction on picture day. So to avoid missing a great shot because your child's hair fell into their eyes right at the moment they smiled, I suggest going for a hairstyle that won't easily get messed up.

Piggy tails, braids, half-up, clips, hairbands, and the good old-fashioned ponytail all do the job of keeping hair out of one's face.

PINTEREST is a fantastic source of inspiration for the how-tos on creating the perfect braid.