You dress your toddler in a precious red smocked Christmas dress with a black velvet collar and velvet trim at the sleeves. When it comes time to take holiday photographs, you won't want your toddler's beautiful outfit covered up by a bulky nylon coat.

Susan Stevens, the owner of Abigail's Children's Boutique in Wellesley, Mass., says her traditional boutique sells classic winter coats for the holidays. She says wool dress coats are especially popular and they come in colors like pink, blue and red. Some of the jackets have hoods, but for the holidays people opt for matching hats.

"Around the holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, they usually buy a dress coat for the holiday outfit," Stevens says. "If they are going to The Nutcracker or to a teddy bear tea or to Radio City Music Hall, they will dress up a little more, especially the girls."

Since all of the clothing manufacturers size their coats differently, it's difficult to know how long a coat will last. Stevenssaysdress coats usually last two years because the sleeves are longer or may have fur trim at the end.

When it comes to layering clothes for the holiday, it's always best to have options. Bring a large pocketbook to carry your toddler's extra sweater. Also, bring a change of clothes if you are planning a holiday photo opportunity, as well as a portable stain spot remover.

"Holiday dresses look better with short sleeves rather than long sleeves," Stevens says. "Many times[parents] will buy a sweater and a dress coat to wear during the holidays."