When shopping for itty bitty clothes, it can be tempting to go all-out with lots of prints and colors. But unless you’re planning a gender reveal party, a baby shower or simply have a big appetite for adorable, it’s best to focus on simple styles that allow for easy movement and nappy changes. You’ll also want to consider what material will be most comfortable for your little one (and their delicate skin). Organic cotton, bamboo viscose, and other fabrics with sustainable fibers are great choices.
Baby clothing is typically worn in sets or as separates, depending on the season and your baby’s preference. During the warmer months baby rompers and 2-in-1 dresses (a dress top with a romper under section) are popular options that provide flexibility and ease of movement for young babies. In colder weather infants wear fleece or wool coats or snowsuits. Baby clothes can be accessorized with hats, mittens and bibs. Many baby outfits have full back and leg openings for easy nappy changing, and some even include fold over scratch mitts to help prevent babies from accidentally scratching themselves.
Babies grow quickly, so when shopping for baby clothes it’s best to buy larger sizes from the start. Newborns top out at about eight pounds, so if yours is on the smaller side they may only fit into newborn clothes for a few weeks before moving on to 0-3 month sizes.
While the price tag can be a big drawback, it’s worth investing in a few quality pieces to get you through the first few weeks of your baby’s life. Many high-end brands, such as Oeuf and Mini Rodini, offer beautiful yet durable styles in neutral colors and prints that will blend right into your nursery decor. The eco-friendly brands use sustainable and third-party tested materials and are often GOTS or Oeko-Tex certified.
If you’re looking for affordable basics, Carter’s has an array of functional designs that will become the workhorses of your newborn’s wardrobe. Their baby sleepers in a variety of sweet patterns are an excellent value and they come with two packs so you can stock up.
Other affordable brands to check out include Luvable Friends, which offers versatile pants and leggings in a variety of textures and thicknesses to meet your baby’s needs. Also look for the mom-founded brand Monica and Andy, which uses soft GOTS-certified organic cotton in mix-and-match pieces.
If you’re shopping on a budget, keep an eye out for sales and shop your local discount stores. Old Navy has a good selection of basic clothing in a range of sizes, while Target is a one-stop-shop for basically everything baby-related. Their Cat & Jack line offers brightly colored options in quirky and fresh prints, while their coordinating outfits and swimsuits are especially good choices. Target’s baby clothes are also available on clearance, making it a great place to find a variety of looks at a much more manageable price point.