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Infant Clothing Buying Guide

Whether your baby is playing in dirt or going to a fancy event, what he or she wears should probably match the activity.  As far as today's baby clothing goes, you can find everything under the sun, so while you are in the store buying those fancy shirt and trouser outfits, don't forget the staple pieces of your baby's wardrobe: the onesie, the pyjamas, socks, and simple cotton shirts

Basic buying tips for infants
  • It's usually better to buy things slightly larger so baby can grow into them..
  • Look for fabrics that stretch, which ensures a snug fit and room to grow.  Cotton is the most popular fabric.
  • Many parents opt for layering their children's clothes. You may want to purchase jumpers and jackets a size larger than shirts and onesies. 
  • Infant clothing will need to be washed often; quality clothing will keep its shape and texture after many washes.
  • Watch out for "dry clean only" labels--it can get very expensive to dry clean children's clothes.
  • Keep in mind cheaper clothes will only last one child, while higher quality clothing can last generations.
  • Avoid fussy clothes and scratchy fabrics.
  • Mix and match items are great, but two-piece sets  prevent dads from making crazy combinations when dressing the baby.

Necessities

It is time to get a grip on reality: having a baby means there is going to be dirt, snot and food all over the place. While this may be a not so pleasing concept, you can make life much easier on yourself by NOT BUYING those fancy dry clean pieces for your baby. I, like so many others, walk by the baby section and think all those cute dresses and suits are adorable, but they are not practical. All your baby needs is something to wear so he or she doesn't get cold. Don't make it complicated, don't get fancy clothes--all babies need are the following pieces, and they will be set for the first year of life

Shirts

It may be easy, in the summer, to leave your infant in a one-piece, however, the cold weather that autumn and winter brings means baby needs more clothing. If you buy your baby's tops  a slightly larger size, they will be easy to slip over a one-piece for layering. Also, when buying shirts  for your baby, you may want to consider where your child will be spending most of his or her time. If your baby will be playing and making a mess all day, it may not be important for you to buy high quality shirts.  Sweatshirts  and jackets  are also good ideas for when the weather gets a little chilly.

Something to think about when buying jumpers,  sweatshirts  and jackets : If the item is supposed to be pulled over your baby's head, make sure to look for how large the neck hole is. If there are no buttons to open the neck wider, make sure it is stretchy, otherwise it will get stuck and your baby will probably not be happy about it.

Bottoms

When your baby is very young, keeping him or her in a one-piece is absolutely acceptable, but when they start to move, they may want to graduate to real trousers.  No matter what type of bottoms your baby wears, it is important to know a couple of things when buying them.

  • Jeans,  even for adults, can be difficult to put on, so make sure to find ones with elastic waists to get over your baby's nappy.
  • Shorts  are super comfortable, especially cotton ones.
  • Skirts  for those little ladies is purely a personal preference. If your baby is starting to get mobile, you might want to get bloomers  or a nappy cover. 

Special Occasions

There are very few occasions in which babies need to be dressed up. However, for those rare occasions (i.e. Halloween or weddings) you may want to splurge on a cute little outfit.

For Halloween, don't forget it can get pretty cold outside. Many baby costumes  have been designed to be warm; however, there are some elaborate costumes that can still leave skin exposed to the wind. If it is necessary for your baby to go out on Halloween, don't forget a hat and mittens--no matter what they will be adorable.

For fancy occasions, you may want to go and get the most adorable suit  or dress  for your baby. DON'T! The simpler the outfit, the better. Many dresses and suits are made out of uncomfortable materials which your baby won't appreciate. To avoid embarrassing temper tantrums, stick to cottons!

For Cold Weather

Cold weather can sometimes be a difficult time to clothe your baby. Coats  and snow suits  may not come in the same flexible sizes as other clothing, and they are also more expensive. It may be difficult to justify buying an expensive snow suit for a baby who cannot yet play in the snow. Don't worry--parents around the world are having these problems too.

One solution may be to put your baby in several layers of clothing, a hat  and mittens,  and place several blankets on top, tucked into their carrier. If you use a sling carrier, keeping baby next to your body warmth will help them brave the cold as well!

For Warm Weather

Swimwear  for the summer is pretty easy to deal with, but make sure you purchase swim nappies  and a suit that can fit over them. You can introduce your baby to pool water as early as six months (for very short periods of time). You may want to start in the bathtub to make sure your baby is comfortable!


Accessories

Shoes 

Shoes aren't important for your baby until he or she is walking outside. Keeping your baby's feet as bare as possible helps him or her learn balance.

Bibs

How can babies go a day without a bib? They probably can't. Good luck to you if you decide to feed your bundle of joy without one!

Socks 

Socks are a staple of your baby's wardrobe. Keeping those little feet warm and comfortable is a key to baby's happiness!

Hats, Scarves, and Gloves 

Hats come in all shapes and sizes now, and all of them look cute on a baby. It is important to keep baby's head warm during the winter.

Related Guides

Accessories

Health and Hygiene

Baby Cots

Baby Carriers

Nappies