Whether you’re shopping for baby shower gifts, preparing for a new arrival in the family or building your newborn or infant wardrobe, you’ll find lots of cute and comfortable options. From simple cotton bodysuits and onesies to long-sleeve kimono-style shirts and footie PJ’s, you can find a wide array of styles and colors. Some garments have fasteners between the crotch that allow for diaper changes without exposing baby’s back or legs, while others are designed with fold-over scratch mitts to protect against accidentally scratching their delicate skin.
In warmer weather rompers and 2-in-1 dresses (dress top half with a romper bottom section) are popular, providing baby with a comfortable outfit that allows them to move about easily. In wintertime, warm jackets and snowsuits will keep baby cozy while outside.
A basic newborn wardrobe should have plenty of these basics to cover the first few weeks to months, with a few special outfits for outings like coming home from the hospital and meeting extended family and friends. Look for outfits that are easy to get on and off, as baby will need frequent changes due to the frequency of feedings and eliminations.
Most newborn and infant clothing is made from natural, soft fabrics including cotton, muslin, linen and rayon. Look for fabric that’s brushed or made from pima cotton for an extra-soft feel and added durability. Look for fabric that is hypoallergenic or contains no synthetic fibers, as these materials tend to irritate sensitive infant skin.
Baby footwear includes socks and booties that help keep tiny feet warm, and shoes that are designed to be worn as a shoe and as a slipper for babies who aren’t yet crawling or walking. Some brands of baby shoes feature a shoe that snaps over the feet, while others have open toes so the little one can move their feet freely.
In addition to clothes, there are a number of essential baby items that you’ll need, such as diapers and nappies, diaper covers, training pants, swim diapers and baby wipes. Some parents opt for cloth nappies to cut down on disposable costs, while others use reusable cloths or wipes with a water-based solution.
When it comes to baby laundry, stick with a mild detergent that’s free from dyes and fragrances to prevent irritation on the baby’s sensitive skin. You should also choose a high-efficiency washer to conserve energy and save on utility bills.
It’s a good idea to buy a couple of sizes larger than what baby will wear at first, to ensure that the garment will last through many washes. For example, a size 0-3 month outfit will fit a baby up to 8 pounds, but it’s better to go with a 3-6 months size. If necessary, you can roll up sleeves and pant legs to accommodate an increasing baby.