When you have a baby on the way, you will want to buy them everything and anything that they will ever need. If this is your first child, it is easy to become overwhelmed with choice when shopping for clothes and accessories. What do you truly need, and what is a luxury? With nesting instincts kicking in, it can be hard to differentiate.
It is important to remember that your baby will grow a lot in the first few months of their life. This can present a challenge when choosing clothes that will last and be worth the money. You want your baby to look cute, but you also don’t want to break the bank. It is also important that your baby is comfortable as they grow.
To make buying baby clothes and accessories easier, here is a list of things to consider. This will make shopping more fun and ensure that the items you buy last for as long as possible.
Material
When your baby joins your family, it is tempting to dress them up in trendy, bright clothes. You may even want to splurge on that expensive outfit for added cuteness value.
While you mean well, it may not only be your budget that suffers if you do this. Cute and trendy outfits can also bring about rashes and skin irritations. Remember, your baby’s skin is very sensitive and can be easily irritated. If you notice rashes or marks, the material of your baby’s clothing is the most likely culprit. It may also be worth checking your washing powder or detergent.
To alleviate this issue, it is always best to stick with natural materials. For your newborn’s wardrobe, aim for cotton and bamboo clothes. There are even clothes available made from azlon, a byproduct of soy. Avoid brightly coloured clothes, as these contain dyes that can also be irritating.
Safety
With a newborn, safety is key.
How do you choose safe baby clothes? Avoid options that have buttons, bows, or hooks. These are choking hazards. If a piece of clothing does have decorations, be sure they are firmly attached.
Avoid clothes that have drawstrings as these are also problematic.
Aim for flame-resistant fabrics too. While this may not seem important initially, as your baby grows, it will begin to move around. So be sure their clothes are safeguarded.
Size
Some baby essentials rarely have a maximum or minimum size. Sandstone’s newborn swaddles are a perfect example of this.
However, when it comes to buying clothes, they should fit your baby correctly and allow them to wriggle and move. Of course, before your baby arrives, be sure to have a range of different clothing sizes. If you aren’t sure about which size to buy, it is best to go for the larger size. That way, your baby can grow into it, and you won’t need to return it.
If possible, aim to get adjustable clothes with rows of poppers, so you can alter them as your baby grows.
Function and Style
Newborns will spend the majority of their time asleep, so many parents opt for onesies, sleepsuits, and baby footsies. These are easy to put on and take off.
You will also want clothes that are easy to wash. Babies get through many clothes, and you don’t want the hassle of specialised washes.
If your baby is a boy or a girl, it is too easy to opt for colourful clothes. Remember that these may contain dyes that can irritate your baby’s skin. Also, that bright pink top is likely to fade in the wash. So keep it simple and stick to lighter hues!
Cost
It can be tempting to go too high or too low with cost when it comes to purchasing baby clothes. Frugal clothes are often poor quality and won’t last long enough to be of any use, and expensive clothes are likely to be outgrown quickly.
Aim for clothes that you can afford from reputable brands. Choose quality over quantity. If shopping online, look for reviews on the clothing from other parents. If you are shopping in-store, ask the shop staff questions about the clothing.
It also goes without saying to follow the somewhat golden rule of shopping; if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Season
When buying baby clothes, always buy season-appropriate options. This is especially important when planning for a newborn wardrobe. This can span many months and has to account for seasonal changes. Note if the materials are lighter or heavier. Also, look at the clothing descriptions for advice on suitable wearing advice.
