Buying Baby Clothing
Baby clothing is not cheap, so it’s a good idea to get an idea of what sizes your baby will need and how many outfits of each size you will need before you start shopping. Many parents find that the best way to figure out what size baby clothes to buy is to look at a clothing brand’s sizing chart and compare it to their infant’s measurements. Keep in mind that different brands tend to run a little smaller, bigger or longer or shorter than others. You will also want to keep in mind that babies grow very quickly, so if the size on the tag is too small, it’s often wise to go up a size. The right baby clothing will be comfortable and easy to take care of. You will want to look for clothes made of cotton, which breathes well and is gentle against your baby’s sensitive skin. You will want to avoid any materials that might irritate your newborn’s skin, such as wool or synthetic fibers, especially in PJs. Look for stretchy jumpsuits that fasten at the front or have envelope necks so they are easier to put on your baby. You will also want to consider whether you will be dressing your baby in PJs or a more dressy outfit during the day. Some families find that they prefer to keep their newborns in pajamas during the day, while other families like to have their babies dressed up in cute outfits for photos or visiting friends and family. A couple of sets of footie PJs are usually a good choice, along with one or two gowns. Some brands even make gowns with snaps, which can be easier to use than zippers on babies. You should also have some “special occasion” outfits on hand, such as a pretty pink or blue floral dress that can be worn to meet grandparents and other relatives for the first time. You may also want a few pajamas that have cute holiday prints to wear to Christmas or Valentine’s Day celebrations with your family and friends. There are many great baby clothing brands to choose from, including Little Sleepies patterns that are fun and colorful, Target’s Cloud Island, Carter’s, Old Navy and a few other favorites. Some brands are even themed with popular kids’ characters, such as Disney and Marvel. It’s also worth considering whether you can find some pre-loved baby clothes to use for your newborn. You can find many gently used pieces online, or you can check out a baby clothing rental service such as Rent-a-Romper that offers a monthly subscription to have clothes delivered to your home. You can even return them once your child outgrows them, which will save you a lot of money and space!