# Mum Designs Fake Tattoo Sleeves For Babies And Toddlers

- Link: https://stayathomemum.com.au/family/parenting/mum-designs-fake-tattoo-sleeves-for-babies-and-toddlers/
- Published: 2016-03-09T17:00:22+11:00
- Author: Clare Whitfield

## _Helping your children take steps in life is a part of parenting, but helping them take steps towards tattoos? Well that might not be on every parent’s list._

But one mum who is certainly embracing the idea of tattoos on toddlers, decoratively
and temporarily at least, is North Dakota parent Tera Christianson. Mother of four
daughters the professional photographer decided she wanted to embark on a new career
path, one motivated by her children.

According to Christianson when she struggled to find “unique, hip and fun” clothing
for kids�that she “had not seen a million times’ she was coming up empty.

So she started her own kids’ fashion label, calling it TotTude.

[⌊Breastfeeding memes⌉⌊Breastfeeding memes⌉[

[⌊Baby with temporary tattoo sleeves on arms sitting on the floor⌉⌊Baby with temporary tattoo sleeves on arms sitting on the floor⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/577a992426cb97113cb59e5d7417c289.jpeg?quality=89&ssl=1)

## **TotTude**

On the TotTude website and online store, Christianson describes what she is aiming
to provide for parents with her clothing line:

“Do you wish that there were more clothing options for your baby, toddler, or child
that are hip, edgy, trendy, and that reflect their personality? Are you tired of
dressing your son in boring polos, button downs, and sweater vests? Are you looking
for styles for your daughter that are cute and fun without being too “grown up” 
looking? You’re not alone! Many of the apparel options for children are so limited
and that’s why TotTude exists.”

The line includes something that has drawn quite a lot of attention, and not necessarily
for the right reasons: fake tattoo sleeves. The sleeves are a part of t-shirt and
romper designs, and are worn in a similar way to a long-sleeved shirt. They feature
designs like hearts, skills, flames, barbed wire and tribal motifs. Basically the
full bikie design booklet.

Despite some backlash over her choice of designs and clothing options, Christianson
is holding true to her original intention. She explained that while working as a
photographer she was constantly seeing kids wearing the same outfits, ones that 
didn’t really show off their personalities. She wanted to create some “rocking” 
clothes for the kids in her life, starting with petti dresses and eventually moving
into tattoo sleeve shirts.

[⌊Adorable young girl wearing creative fake tattoo sleeves showcasing playful baby fashion⌉⌊Adorable young girl wearing creative fake tattoo sleeves showcasing playful baby fashion⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/rexfeatures_5611130k.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)

via [http://www.reveal.co.uk](http://www.reveal.co.uk)

## **Expanding Her Line**

As Christianson and TotTude have been gaining attention in an international market
thanks to her tattoo sleeves, so she has been expanding her line. The TotTude line
now includes bodysuits with tattoo sleeves, embroidered tattoo tees, a punk princess
line with lots of tattoos and fishnet, and a range for older kids that includes 
punk hoodies, faux leather biker vests and more. Along with her clothing options,
Christianson has also expanded into a range of kids accessories like do rags, suspenders,
leg warmers, fingerless gloves, hats and more.

[⌊Child wearing pink mesh tattoo sleeves and a fun hat for dress up play⌉⌊Child wearing pink mesh tattoo sleeves and a fun hat for dress up play⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/il_fullxfull.436690196_hr4z_original.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)

via tottude.storenvy.com

## **What Do You Think?**

While some parents are overjoyed at the range of clothing options from TotTude, 
and have encouraged Christianson for creating something so unique, others aren’t
so sure. They say that encouraging children to dress in such a way, embracing rock
and punk, without really understanding it isn’t doing anybody any favours. TotTude
haters, particularly in Australia, have also accused Christianson of creating the
world’s ultimate bogan fashion line… We aren’t sure.

## _What do you think?_

![author avatar](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/
12/clare_whitfield_profile.webp?quality=80&ssl=1)

 Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

 Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical
home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney,
she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school 
age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience
in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

 [See Full Bio](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/) [  ](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/)