Baby Clothing Buying Guide

Babies grow fast, so it’s important to stock up on the right clothes. The best brands have soft fabrics, easy-to-use snaps and zippers, and fun accents like ruffles. They also wash well and aren’t prone to shrinking or wearing out quickly.

The most essential garments are onesies and footie pajamas, or “sleep and plays”—they make it easier to dress your baby at night or during naps. Look for onesies with long sleeves and legs or feet, which keep babies warm. Some have fold over scratch mitts to prevent babies from accidentally scuffing themselves. For daytime, rompers and 2-in-1 convertible styles that swap from dress to romper are great for active babies. In colder weather, layering is key and you’ll want to include a light jacket or zip-up down snowsuit for any time spent outside.

For special occasions, consider getting a few outfits for your baby to wear home from the hospital or when meeting family and friends. The brand Miniclasix has adorable options such as little suspenders and bow ties, rompers with frills that mimic the look of party dresses, and even gowns for newborns. They’re also made from organic cotton, and many are GOTS certified—meaning they’re ethically produced with sustainable materials and no harsh chemicals.

Another option is Burt’s Bees, which has a full line of clothes and pajamas that are GOTS certified and affordable price-wise. They’re also made from organic cotton, which is a lot softer than regular cotton and doesn’t irritate your baby’s skin. The brand is also very eco-friendly and gives back via its Good+ Foundation.

Other good choices for outfits for babies are H&M, which has a large selection of baby clothing in bold prints and more affordable prices than most other brands. They’re a great place to find basics like onesie pajamas and t-shirts, as well as winter coats and other outerwear.

Babyhood

This brand has some of the cutest and softest outfits we’ve seen. Its pieces are designed in Canada, ethically manufactured in India using sustainable materials, and sent to customers via vinyl-free packaging. They also give back through the Good+ Foundation to support low-income families. The brand is known for its quality, especially with their hats and rompers. Their cotton is super soft, and they have a great return policy (which differs by store) so you can try them out without worrying about losing your money. They also have a lot of special occasion outfits, so they’re an excellent choice for weddings or christenings.