Smocks/Art Aprons?

[newtodaycare22]

Honestly, for the past year I've never used them ::. My kids were 3-5 and generally careful with paints, and we use washable paints. Now I have two 2 year olds who are lightly more into the paint.

What type of apron/smock do you recommend? Discount school supply.com is having a sale and I'm looking to them. Long sleeve or short? Material? Thanks and happy Monday!

[Kaddidle Care]

We've had many different kids but these ones seem to hold up the best. http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/1892/937/...cts/29272b.jpg The ones with the thinner straps get ripped easily.

[countrymom]

I have melissa and doug aprons, they wash really good. Some people use old shirts and turn them backwards.

[KEG123]

I made mine. Basically I just sewed up some simple aprons. If they had sleeves they'd probably be better, but they at least keep the paint off their main areas, the chest and torso.

[sharlan]

Being at home, I just let the littles take their shirts off if it's a messy project.

[JaydensMommy]

Ikea has very cute ones and reasonably priced.

[Cat Herder]

Any dollar store sells black long sleeved t-shirts in size 3-T and up that should work quite well over their clothing.

Grab a few of the black sweats pants, too, and you are set for a messy day without having a client to EVER ask you to pay for some article of clothing that gets lost or ruined...

[snbauser]

I just use plain white t-shirts. They are actually ones that my son wore but outgrew when he was going through a white undershirt phase. They are easy on/easy off and wash well.

[Meeko]

I use mens t-shirts that I get from the local thrift store. They cover them head to toes.

[Sunshine44]

Toys R Us, Crayola brand. $3.99 here. Works great, still have them after a year.

[Pammie]

I use the IKEA ones too - LOVE THEM!
I think they're actually bibs - they sell them in the same aisle.

They're long sleeve with ribbing at the wrist - velcro back closure - made of super lightweight nylon - but nothing seeps through. Best of all, they're about $2/each, and I'm still on my first set that I bought about 4 years ago

[kendallina]

I bought several short sleeve button down shirts that I put backwards on the children and just throw in the wash when they're dirty. I bought sizes a little larger than my group of 3-4 year olds. I LOVE them! I attached a bit of velcro at the top of them, so I can quickly velcro them instead of buttoning them. Obviously, these will protect their clothes from paint, but not from a water table or anything like that. They were only $1-2 each.

[momofsix]

When my kids get rid of their old t-shirts, the ok looking ones become paint shirts. I have never bought paint shirts!