Whether you’re stocking up on wardrobe staples for your newborn or shopping for an infant in the toddler years, it’s important to consider a few key factors. You’ll want to think about fabric, sizing and closures as you shop for clothing for baby.
The best baby clothing brands will use a soft, stretchy and comfortable fabric that will withstand lots of wear and washing without pilling. You’ll also want to look for the label “organic” and certifications like GOTS or OEKO-TEX, which mean the clothes have been made with sustainable and safe fibers that don’t contain any harmful chemicals or pesticides.
Closures like snaps, zippers and elastics should be easy to open and close when your baby is wiggling around. You’ll also want to find a style that won’t leave irritating tags against your little one’s skin and has safety tabs (small pieces of fabric that cover closures) that prevent accidental pulls or tugs on sensitive areas.
Newborns and babies in the toddler years will need plenty of layers to keep them warm, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors or in cold temperatures. Opt for clothing that can be layered and pair pants with a long-sleeved top or sweater. You’ll also need to have at least a few outerwear options for colder weather, including a warm fleece or down coat with hood.
Consider how much you want to spend on your baby’s clothing and how often you plan on doing laundry to help you decide on the number of outfits to buy. Generally, you should have at least three to five sets of onesies and leggings/pants, as well as footie pajamas and hats.
Once you’ve decided on the basics, it’s fun to browse brands that offer cute and practical embellishments, like lace trim or embroidery, for special occasions. But for everyday attire, look for simple styles with few bells and whistles, since these will be more comfortable for your baby to wear.
Mom-founded brand Kissy Kissy offers layette sets that are adored by parents and crafted from ultra-soft Peruvian Pima cotton. The collection includes neutral bodysuits with lap shoulders and footie pajamas with easy snap fasteners from head to toe for quick diaper changes. Plus, the company sets aside 10 percent of profits for human trafficking initiatives and donates mitts to preemie babies in the NICU. Other kid-approved picks include the reusable cloth wipes from Seventh Generation and Freshly Picked’s uberpopular moccasins, which feature two snaps to grow with your child and support their healthy feet.