Shopping for a newborn is always fun and exciting, but can also get overwhelming and confusing at times. Clothes are baby essentials which you’ll need to stock up since babies outgrow outfits really quickly. Here’s our mini guide on must-have baby clothes to not only get your little one all dressed up for those cute baby pics, but also to keep them snug and comfy. Keep reading to know practical tips on building a baby wardrobe that will also save you money.
What to Consider When Buying Baby Clothes?
Read below what you need to keep in mind to ensure you’re buying safe, practical and comfortable clothes for your bundle of joy.
Sizing
If you’re shopping before the baby arrives, you’ll not really know how big your baby is. At this time, it’s best to buy clothes in the 0-3M size. Babies grow really quickly, so it never hurts to invest in a couple of pieces in the next size. If you’re unsure of the size, we recommend buying a bigger size that will also compensate for rapid growth spurts. A roomy outfit will also give your baby plenty of space to wiggle and move, helping her develop her fine motor skills as she explores the world around her.
Fabric
An infant’s skin is delicate and very sensitive, which requires tender care. Buy clothes made of natural materials such as cotton that’s soft and breathable. Organic baby clothing that’s free of harmful chemicals and dyes is a great choice for your newborn’s soft skin. Baby clothes will go through several washing cycles and must durable to stand up to frequent washing, without tearing or fading out. Synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester may irritate the baby’s soft skin, resulting in rashes or bumps, and are best avoided.
Safety
Your baby’s safety is a top priority when picking out clothes, gear, and accessories. Stay away from outfits that have small decorations such as buttons and hooks that can easily fall off, resulting in a serious choking hazard. Avoid clothes with a drawstring around the neck because they pose strangulation hazards.
Wardrobe Essentials
Though you may be tempted to buy all sorts of cute outfits for your newborn, remember that baby clothes don’t last too long. Be practical when it comes to your baby’s wardrobe, which will help you save money in the long term (though we totally endorse splurging on a few adorable outfits for those precious photo ops).
Onesies or Bodysuits
A baby essential for the first year, onesies are super comfy a newborn, thanks to the expandable envelope neckline and snaps at the crotch. Onesies will make it easy to go through the innumerable diaper changes without having to undress your baby fully. Plus, the stretchy neckline means you can gently slide down the outfit over your baby’s head.
Onesies come in many cute styles and colors that’ll make your bundle of joy look absolutely adorable. Affordable and super sung, your baby can wear these outfits practically all day. We recommend having at least 10-12 onesies in different sizes to comfortably make it past the first year mark. These can comfortably hang on your valentinos baby hangers in the closet and become one of your go to outfits for your baby.
Sleepers or Pajamas
Considering your baby will be sleeping and napping a lot during the first few months, he/she will need cozy sleepers or pajamas. We love sleepers with a full-zipper design, making it easy and quick to change baby’s diapers, especially at night. The long sleeves and covered toes mean your baby will feel cozy and sheltered as he/she sleeps or naps. A cute sleeper can double up as a nice daytime or play outfit, so it’s smart to buy sleepers in nice colors and patterns for maximum value.
Pants or Leggings
Purchasing a few pants or leggings is a great idea that’ll enable you to mix and match outfits to create a stylish wardrobe for your newborn. Opt for a comfy fit in a roomy size with an elastic no-roll waistband that doesn’t rub against the baby’s belly or skin.
Hats
A soft beanie is perfect to keep your newborn baby warm and snug during the first few weeks of her life. As you and your baby explore the outdoors, you’ll need winter caps that cover the head and ears keeping your baby warm during the colder months. When summer arrives, give your baby a trendy look while protecting her from the sun with a broad-brimmed hat.
Dressy Outfits
A special outfit or two is not a necessity, but a nice-to-have option, especially for special occasions or photo sessions. Depending on your budget and taste, there are tons of elegant dresses available, for both boys and girls. Soft fabrics and comfy fits should be your primary consideration when buying special occasion dresses for your little one. Think a pretty dress in cotton with matching accessories to make your baby girl look cute as a button. For boys, a pair of pants and a matching hooded sweater, shirt or onesie will be a great choice.
Outer Layers
As you and your baby begin enjoying the outdoors together, layering will become the key to ensuring your little one stays warm and snug. Invest in a couple of outer layers such as fleece jackets, zip-up sweaters, hoodies, sweatshirts, etc. Opt for a slightly bigger size that’ll make it easy to wear the outer layer and remove it. Dress your little baby in an onesie or bodysuit and then add on the outer layer if the weather gets chilly.
Socks
Infants love the cozy feeling of snug socks on their feet, which may encourage them to sleep or nap longer. A couple of sock pairs are an absolute must for babies at any age. But, it’s incredibly easy to lose them, so buy inexpensive ones!
Designing a cute wardrobe for your infant is all about mixing and matching charming pieces. Above all, it’s important to choose soft and lightweight clothes to keep your baby comfortable and ensure the material is gentle on the baby’s delicate skin. With our handy list, you can navigate the complex maze of building a newborn baby’s wardrobe that’s fun and practical, saving you from the pitfalls of unnecessary purchases. A specialty baby shop such as Bitsy Bug is a great place to check out cool baby clothes that are designed keeping your baby’s comfort and safety in mind.
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