Once babies start moving — crawling, cruising, walking, running — the question of what to put on their bottom half gets more interesting. Both joggers and leggings are comfortable, stretchy, and easy to pull on. But they're not interchangeable. Here's how to think about which one to reach for.
The Case for Leggings
Leggings are the ultimate layer. Thin, stretchy, and close-fitting, they work under dresses and tunics, under rompers for extra warmth, and on their own in warmer weather. They move with a baby's body without bunching or restricting.
For babies who are just learning to crawl, leggings are ideal — they stay put, don't have excess fabric around the knee, and hold up well to all that floor time.
Best for: Layering under dresses or tunics, crawling babies, warmer seasons, everyday wear.
The Case for Joggers
Joggers have a looser fit through the leg with a gathered cuff at the ankle. They look more structured than leggings and tend to read as a "complete outfit" on their own paired with a t-shirt or bodysuit.
The adjustable drawstring waist is a genuine advantage — toddler proportions vary wildly, and being able to snug the waist without the pants falling down makes a real difference during active play.
Best for: Toddlers on the move, cooler weather, play dates and outings, pairing with a simple tee.
Which Fabric Should You Look For?
For both, the most important thing is a stretchy, breathable fabric that doesn't restrict movement. GOTS-certified organic cotton is the best choice — soft against sensitive skin, free of chemical finishes, and durable enough to handle the washing machine several times a week.
Avoid anything with a rough inner seam or tight elastic waistband — both cause discomfort during active play and can leave marks on sensitive toddler skin.
How Many Do You Need?
- Leggings: 4–5 pairs (used constantly as base layers and standalone bottoms)
- Joggers: 2–3 pairs (for outings and cooler days)
Complete the Look With a Hair Accessory
Whether she's in leggings or joggers, a colorful hair clip or tie is the easiest way to finish a toddler girl's outfit. Ours are lightweight, stay put through active play, and come in enough colors to match whatever she's wearing that day.
See the full hair accessories collection here.
The Bottom Line
You'll want both in the drawer. Leggings for everyday layering and warm-weather wear, joggers for cooler days and outings. Browse our organic baby joggers and organic baby leggings — all GOTS-certified and built for the way toddlers actually move.