Unisex Costume
Swaddling Band
This swaddling band is the oldest item of children's clothing in the Museum's collection. It was made in Italy between 1575 and 1600. It is made from white linen and has a decorative trim made with lace and embroidery.
Pudding Hat
Until the 1790s many children who were learning to walk wore protective hats known as 'puddings' or 'black puddings'. These protective hats were the equivalent of a crash helmet.
Clarks Shoes
These shoes for a very young child were made by the company now known as Clarks. They are made from black leather and elasticated cotton which stretches across the top of the foot to give more comfort. By the 1880s they were well known for producing high quality, comfortable shoes.
Gilman Shoes
These children's shoes were made in England by C. S. Gilman in about 1851. He showed a large number of his shoes for adults and children at the Great Exhibition during that year.
Bathing Costume
Sea bathing first became popular for health reasons in the 1790s: Boys and girls would wear swimming costumes very much like this one. They were often made out of quite thick material and they would feel quite heavy when wet.
Nike Trainers
These yellow Baby Max Triax IV trainers were made by Nike in Indonesia in 1998. They illustrate the increasing importance of commercial brands, even for babies.
