When you’re expecting a baby, it can be a little overwhelming to think about all of the clothes you’ll need. From sleepers and rompers to pants and bodysuits, there are so many options. With a little bit of planning and research, however, you can find the perfect baby clothing to suit your child’s style and needs.
Gender Neutral Colors: Pink, blue and neutral colors are all great choices when putting together a newborn baby wardrobe. This keeps your baby looking stylish while also keeping their skin safe and healthy for as long as possible.
Comfortable and Easy to Put On: Newborns change through clothes several times a day, so it’s important that all of their clothing is soft and comfortable. Choose clothes that are made of cotton, breathable fabrics that won’t irritate your baby’s delicate skin, and choose ones that don’t require extra TLC in the laundering process.
Envelope-style Necks: Look for baby bodysuits with envelope-style necks, which make it easier to get them on and off. They’re also good for diaper changes, since they can be pulled down over your baby’s legs instead of up over their head to prevent a messy diaper leak.
Size Up: It’s best to purchase your baby’s first few outfits in a larger size than the age recommendation, because they can grow quickly. If you need to, you can roll up the sleeves or pants of too-large items and resize them later as needed.
Stocking Up on Baby Socks: Having socks on hand will help keep your little one’s feet warm no matter what time of year it is. They can also help create a cute outfit if you pair them with just about anything, from a ruffle-neck baby bodysuit to a dressy hooded sweatshirt.
Wintertime: It’s always nice to have a variety of warm clothes on hand for your baby, but during the colder months it’s especially important. Consider a coat or jacket, a zip-up snowsuit, and a few layers of cozy socks to keep your little one warm.
Fire-Retardant Fabrics: You may not want to go with fire-resistant fabrics if you live in a temperate climate, but it’s good to have them on hand for the rare occasion that your baby might need to spend a night outdoors. Check labels to make sure the sleepwear you choose is flame-resistant and follow the laundry instructions for keeping it that way.
Embroidered Dresses: If you’re expecting a girl, opt for embroidered dresses that don’t chafe her tiny arms. They’re also a fun way to add a touch of interest to your baby’s wardrobe, like this cute dress from Pehr.
Pants: For a more casual look, pair a baby bodysuit with cotton pants from places like Old Navy or Izzie and Owie. These are a nice option because they’re stretchy and will fit your little one until she is about two years old.
You’ll also want to be careful not to purchase too many pants and too few tops, because your baby can easily outgrow the bottom half of an outfit before the top is worn out. So, be sure to buy enough of each type to last your baby for a while.