Babies grow very quickly, so it’s best to buy clothing in a size that is likely to fit your child through many growth spurts. You’ll want to consider the type of fabric you choose, too: fabrics like cotton can shrink when worn by babies. That’s why you should stick with easy-care options, which are a lot less hassle to wash and dry than clothes made from more delicate materials.
The best baby clothing is soft and comfortable, but it also looks great. Often, brands create cute designs that are a fun mix of colors and prints. And they often offer a variety of sizes to fit babies of all shapes and sizes.
Look for items with snaps and zippers in the front and back, so they are easier to put on and take off and less likely to catch on things when your little one moves. Clothes that feature crotch zippers are also handy for diaper changes and can prevent the need to pull on the entire outfit every time.
Try on your new clothes before you buy them to make sure they fit right. It’s hard to know whether a piece will fit or not until you put it on, so you should do this in person to find out what the garment will actually look like on your baby.
Keep an eye out for clothes that are breathable and made from natural fibers, such as wool or cotton, since it’s important for your baby to breathe well while wearing them. It’s also important that the fabrics are washable and won’t cause allergic reactions when your child grows out of them.
A newborn will often have a small umbilical cord stump for the first 10 or 20 days, so it’s important to get hats and other coverings that won’t rub or irritate it. Some brands sell baby hats that are designed specifically for this purpose.
Another helpful item is scratch mitts, which protect your little one’s skin from scratches and abrasions from everyday objects. Scratches can be painful and uncomfortable for your baby, so it’s smart to invest in some scratch mitts as soon as you can.
Some baby brands even donate a portion of their profits to charitable organizations, so you can feel good about what you’re buying. For example, Goumi boots won a spot on ABC’s Shark Tank because they don’t fall off and are made with a special material blend that is 70% viscose from bamboo and 30% organic cotton.
The same goes for Freshly Picked moccasins, which are made from a soft fabric blend and offer a secure footbed that’s gentle on your baby’s feet. They’re available in preemie and infant sizes and come in a variety of styles and colors, including soft earth tones and metallics.
Some other essentials to include in your baby’s closet are newborn washcloths and bibs, which are designed to be used to clean your baby’s face and body after meals. They’re also helpful for keeping your baby’s head and body warm while sleeping, as they help to reduce the likelihood of cold air settling in.