Newborn babies go through many clothes quickly as they spit-up, drool and make a mess of themselves frequently. Choose breathable fabrics that can be quickly laundered.
Search for clothes with easy fasteners that make dressing your baby effortless, such as snap fasteners at the shoulders and waist. One-piece outfits may also make life simpler!
Gender
No matter whether it’s for a boy, girl or neutral infants, finding appropriate baby clothes can be challenging. Gender considerations play a large part here; many parents don’t know the sex of their newborn until birth so having clothes of both genders available will likely give you plenty of options as you stock up. You might also purchase more newborn-sized outfits if variety is key.
Gender-neutral options may be hard to come by for those unfamiliar with online shopping or who don’t understand sizing discrepancies between brands. When considering what you will use the clothes for – such as newborn sleep sacks and kimono bodysuits which may only get one or two wears per wear – consider their intended purpose before purchasing anything specific – this way your purchase won’t just go to waste!
Opt for fabrics that launder easily. Babies will change into new clothing several times daily – most commonly for feedings and diaper changes – so having clothing that can endure repeated washes will save money in the long run. Also keep in mind that babies grow very rapidly – buy several sizes so you can replace any outgrown outfits more easily.
Size
Parents tend to be drawn in by eye-catching prints and vivid hues when shopping for baby clothing, but when selecting outfits for our little ones it’s important to prioritize comfort, safety, and practicality. The ideal outfits should be easy for our child(ren) to put on and take off themselves as well as adapt as they grow older.
One of the hardest aspects of shopping for babies’ clothing is selecting an appropriate size. Baby apparel sizes typically correspond with age: preemie, newborn (ages 0-3), 6-9 months etc. However, this method of sizing may be inaccurate as each baby varies in their height, weight and length, so clothing labeled newborn may actually be too small.
To avoid this issue, look for styles with flexible sizing capabilities, such as kimono bodysuits, onesies, sleep sacks and baby footies with adjustable straps that allow length expansion as your child grows. Dresses that offer adjustable shoulder straps or multiple button holes on their shoulders allow for further custom fitting according to each child’s unique size can also help.
Style
Babies cannot tell us how they feel, so it is crucial that their clothing is comfortable. Opt for fabrics which are soft, breathable and easy to wash. Additionally, consider investing in several sets of bibs as babies tend to get messy easily.
As soon as you know when your baby will be due, it is wise to buy clothes appropriate to the season he/she will be born in. For instance, if the birth occurs in summer don’t purchase long pants and sweaters as they won’t get worn until later!
As newborns can quickly outgrow their clothes, keeping a variety of sizes on hand is important when shopping for newborn clothing. Body suits, rompers, sleepers, footie pajamas and gowns are great choices that allow parents to prepare ahead for diaper changes and outfit rotations.
Fabric
Fabric choice in baby clothing is of vital importance, especially as infants’ delicate skin needs soft fabrics that won’t cause discomfort. Clothing composed of rough or scratchy materials could potentially lead to skin rashes; so you should steer clear. Furthermore, ensure the clothing can breathe to keep baby cool and comfortable.
Fabric selection should also match the climate where your baby lives; for instance, newborns need warmer clothes in winter than lighter fabrics in summer. Also avoid any decorations on their outfit that could come loose and pose potential choking hazards for their safety.
When buying baby clothing for someone else, don’t be shy to ask how their child is progressing and which size they wear. Your recipient will appreciate being aware of their sizing needs so you can plan to give them an ideal fit – not to mention showing you care for their wellbeing as a parent.
Budget
Establish a budget before shopping. Baby clothes can be extremely cute, yet expensive. Pay attention to how you spend and shop around for the best prices; consider investing in versatile pieces such as basic onesie outfits and sleepsuits, as well as hats and socks, in order to maximize usage.
Select clothing that makes diaper changes easily accessible; these will likely become regular. Select shirts and onesies with wide neck openings and snap buttons at the shoulder as well as onesies with snap or zipper closures at the crotch; also ensure sleepwear and PJs do not contain drawstrings that could strangulation hazards.
Finally, be open to trying different brands and sizes until you find ones that perfectly suit your baby. As they grow quickly, having several size-up options on hand is always useful. Shopping nearly-new sales or consignment stores is another cost-cutting measure – often these stores stock outfits worn once or twice before becoming obsolete.
