Whether you’re building your registry, staring down a mountain of baby shower gifts or just wanting to make sure you have a few infant-wear essentials ready, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of tiny clothes on offer. But like buying clothes for adults, it’s best to focus on a few key staples that you know will go with other items in your bub’s wardrobe. From soft-as-silk bodysuits to breathable cotton pyjamas, there are a few essential pieces every new parent needs.
Ideally, you want clothing that is simple and easy to wear. Aside from being comfortable and a good fit, you’ll also want to think about material, as newborns tend to get irritated easily by certain fabrics. Look for organic materials, such as cotton and terry, which are unlikely to irritate your newborn’s sensitive skin. If your little one has a lot of hair (and we’re talking oodles here), look for fabrics that are hair-resistant as well, such as fleece and polar fleece.
The all-purpose bodysuit (otherwise known as a ‘onesie’) will be the backbone of your newborn’s wardrobe. They’re usually made from a soft fabric that’s low-irritant, and they have a flap at the crotch that unsnaps for quick diaper changes. Look for a few of these in both solid colours and prints to mix and match, and opt for those with envelope-style necklines. These handy features are great after a massive diaper blowout, as they allow you to slip the onesie off over their shoulders instead of having to pull it up over their head.
You’ll be changing your baby a lot throughout the day, so you want clothing that makes this as easy on you as possible. Opt for a few basic singlets and sleepers in different colours to mix and match, but also look for ones with built-in knee pads to help with your wriggly baby’s transition from crawling to walking.
As for PJs, you’ll want to go for something that’s 100% organic cotton (or at least Standard 100 Oeko-Tex certified) to ensure your baby’s skin is as gentle as possible. Plus, many of these pyjamas will have been designed with a native Australian flora and fauna print in collaboration with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy. Which means you can feel extra good about purchasing them – $1 from each purchase will go toward protecting native species, both now and into the future.
Another brand that offers a more unique range of clothing is Huxbaby, which comes in bright colours and cool designs you won’t find anywhere else. Their range includes striped rompers and a cherry frill zip romper that are perfect for your little one. They’re also made from certified organic cotton and eco-friendly terry fabric, making them the best choice for your baby’s sensitive skin.