Starting a baby or children's clothing line requires different choices than a regular clothing collection. Parents pay closer attention to materials, fit, safety, and origin. In this article, you will read step by step how to set up a baby or children's clothing brand, what choices are involved, and when clothing production in the Netherlands is a smart route.
More and more entrepreneurs are starting a sustainable baby or children's clothing line. Sometimes from personal experience, sometimes from frustration with existing brands. Whatever the motivation: the practical questions are often the same.
- Where do you start with a baby or children's clothing line?
- Which materials are safe and suitable?
- What does it cost to start?
- How many pieces do you need to have made at a minimum?
Below, we will guide you through the entire process — from the first idea to production.
1. Concept & target audience: for whom are you making children's clothing?
A strong baby or children's clothing line starts with focus. Are you going to make clothing for babies (0–2 years), toddlers, children, or a combination? And do you focus on everyday use, special occasions, or growth clothing?
Important questions at this stage:
- Which age category is central?
- Is the clothing practical, fashionable, or functional?
- What is your vision on sustainability and price?
This step strongly overlaps with starting a regular clothing line. In our comprehensive guide, you can read how to develop this further: guide: starting a clothing line.
2. Materials for baby and children's clothing
For baby and children's clothing, materials are especially important. The skin is more sensitive, clothing is worn intensively, and often washed.
Popular fabrics
- organic cotton (preferably GOTS certified)
- cotton with a recycled content
- bamboo and viscose blends (if carefully chosen)
- high-quality deadstock fabrics
Producing locally makes it easier to test fabrics and assess samples before making larger choices. You can read more about sustainable production at: sustainability at Atelier Jungles.
3. Design, patterns, and samples
Before you have baby or children's clothing produced, good patterns and samples are essential. Here you can see if fit, freedom of movement, and finishing are correct.
- pattern development tailored to growth and comfort
- safe details (no sharp edges or loose parts)
- practical closures and seams
Many emerging brands start with 1 or 2 models. This keeps it manageable and affordable. Read more about this process at: clothing production & sampling in the Netherlands.
4. How many pieces do you need? (MOQ)
A frequently asked question when starting a baby or children's clothing line is: how many should I have made at a minimum?
With production in the Netherlands, small editions are often possible:
- 25–50 pieces per model for clothing
- smaller pilots for accessories or tests
- by-products as soon as an item sells well
This makes local production attractive for new children's brands that want to limit risk. You can read more about this at: clothing production in the Netherlands.
5. What does it cost to start a baby or children's clothing line?
The costs depend on complexity, material choice, and quantities. You will encounter:
- development costs (patterns & samples)
- material and production costs
- labels, packaging, and logistics
The price per piece is higher for small editions, but on the other hand, you run less inventory risk. A more detailed cost overview can be found in: what does it cost to start a clothing line.
Who is local baby and children's clothing production suitable for?
Production in the Netherlands fits well with:
- emerging baby and children's brands
- concept stores and lifestyle labels
- brands focused on sustainability and transparency
- limited editions or capsule collections
It is especially suitable if quality, flexibility, and a fair story are more important than mass production.
Read more
Starting a baby or children's clothing line?
Do you want to brainstorm about your idea, materials, or production? We are happy to think along about a realistic start with small editions and local production.
Schedule a meeting
