Buying clothes for a baby is exciting and fun, but it can be confusing too. Knowing some basic terms helps you understand what’s available and how it’s designed. You’ll also have a better idea of the kind of sizes to look for in each brand. Size discrepancies between brands are common and sometimes frustrating. The key to minimizing them is to shop in person and learn which brands fit your baby well, so you can move up to the next size as they grow.
Body clothes are the foundation of any newborn wardrobe. These include rompers, sleepers and gowns. Rompers are one-piece suits that cover the top and bottom of the body for easy dressing and undressing. They’re great for going out, as they are more stylish than a plain T-shirt and pants. Sleepers are similar to rompers, but they have feet attached. These are ideal for bedtime and playtime, as they allow for easy diaper access. Gowns are long, loose garments that open at the front for easy dressing and have snap or button closures.
Other clothing options include a winter jacket or zip-up down snowsuit and a warm hat. A raincoat, which is designed to protect against very wet weather, is also important. These outfits are especially essential if you live in a rainy or snowy climate.
Parents-approved brands for newborns include Little Me, which offers sweet essentials made from soft 100 percent cotton, including neutral bodysuits with lap shoulders and footie pajamas that boast easy snap fasteners from head to toe. The brand’s GOTS and OEKO-TEX certifications help ensure that the entire manufacturing process, from harvesting to finishing fibers, is organic and free of harmful chemicals.
Another great option is the coveted Kissy Kissy collection, which uses the most luxurious Peruvian Pima cotton. These outfits are sure to be loved by new parents and come in coordinating sets for an easier laundry day. The brand’s preemie collection is small but mighty (just like your little bundle of joy), with gowns and hats that snap up the front and in-seam for quick diaper changes and preemie sleeper gowns with peek-a-paw cuffs to prevent self-scratching during sleep.
Target-owned Cat & Jack will outfit your child from newborn to 5T with cute, comfortable pieces. Its tees feature graphic prints that your baby will love, from dinosaurs and unicorns to trucks and flowers, while its leggings are super soft and come in a range of colors and patterns to match the shirts. You can buy them individually or in a handy three-pack to save time and money. You can also find other cute outfits and accessories, like hats and socks, for a complete wardrobe at a wallet-friendly price. For even more savings, consider shopping during sales and stocking up on items your baby won’t outgrow so quickly. Then, you can resell them for cash on sites like Poshmark or ThredUP, or hand them down to siblings when they’re outgrown. This is a great way to minimize the amount of disposable clothes your family throws away.