The world of baby clothing can seem overwhelming at first but with the right knowledge you can make well-informed choices. It’s important to prioritise functionality and practicality when shopping for newborn clothes and beyond, as well as considering seasonal weather changes. From rompers and sleepsuits to pants, trousers and bibs, you’ll want to stock up on everything that your baby needs to stay comfortable, warm and dry.
Babies go through a lot of clothing. From spit ups to blowouts, your baby may need new outfits several times a day and even if you choose soft, breathable fabrics, the constant washing can quickly add up. To help ease the load on your washing machine, we recommend sticking with garments that are easy to wash and that you buy in bulk.
Rompers and sleepsuits: also known as PJs, baby grows or ‘babygros’ are similar in that they are one-piece suits that can be worn for comfort and convenience during the day and night. They usually have long sleeves and legs for warmth and buttons or fasteners between the legs for easy diapering. You can find them in various colours and designs. For example, some have an envelope neck as pictured in our blue layette set or you can choose a vest with poppers up and down the front for easier dressing. Some are hooded and some have zip-up or button-up feet so they can be worn over pyjamas or a bodysuit for extra warmth.
Pants and trousers: also known as bottoms or underpants, they cover the lower part of the body from the waist to the ankles and can be made in a variety of materials such as wool. You’ll need to choose warm fabrics that will keep your baby comfortable in cold temperatures.
Leggings: made of stretchy fabric to provide flexibility and comfort; they’re a great alternative to tights as they don’t constrict your baby’s legs but still offer the same thermal protection. Capris and joggers are pants that are slightly longer than shorts but shorter than trousers, often reaching just to the knee or thigh.
Socks: a must for keeping your little one’s feet warm and cosy. Usually made of wool or other warm material, you’ll want to have a good stock for both the winter and summer months. Booties: cute and cosy footwear for your newborn that’s usually knitted. They can be worn over socks or on their own.
Bibs: essential for keeping your baby clean, especially during mealtimes. They come in a range of styles, including bandana bibs and full-coverage bibs.
When choosing clothing for your baby, it’s best to do a little trial and error with different brands as different manufacturers’ sizes can vary. Look for a size chart online or in-store and check that the clothing you’re buying is within your child’s percentile range for weight and height. Remember, infants grow quickly so it’s better to size up than down. It’s also a good idea to shop in person so you can try out the clothes and see how they fit.