Baby Clothes Guide

baby clothes

Now that you’ve welcomed your new baby home, it’s finally time to dress her up in all those cute baby clothes you’ve been eyeing for the months leading up to her birth. Keep these guidelines in mind before you head to the store, and you’ll build the ideal baby wardrobe.

Baby clothes sizing
Shop by the golden rule of baby clothes purchasing: Buy big. Most babies will outgrow newborn sizes in just a few days and three-month sizes within the first month! Unless your baby was born prematurely or at a very small birth weight, concentrating on larger sizes than your baby’s given age is a smart way to save money and keep your new baby comfortable.

When at the store, there are three things to keep in mind. First, stick to the first month listed on the tag’s age range. So, for example, if a label reads 3 to 6 months, an average-size baby is more likely to fit in it around 3 months of age. Second, look for tags that offer weight and height guidelines as well as age ranges. And third, know that sizing varies by brand, so once you find a brand that fits your new baby well, try to stick with it.

Cleaning and care
Baby clothes shouldn’t just fit well -- they should hold up and wash well too. Check the washing instructions in the tags before you buy that too-cute-for-words onesie. Caring for your new baby may not leave much time for hand-washing infant clothes. 

It’s a good idea to wash your new baby’s clothes before she wears them for the first time. Newborns have sensitive skin, and you don’t know what the items came into contact with before they hit the racks. Washing baby clothes separately is another good way to protect her delicate skin.

Ready for shoes
Shoes aren’t necessary until after your baby starts to walk -- either a bit before or after 12 months of age. Soft socks and booties will usually do the trick until then. When she is ready and walking, pick a pair that’s comfortable and flexible with nonskid soles to avoid slips and provide room to grow. It’s often best to have her little feet fit by a professional, who knows what to look for when it comes to infant shoe sizing. Before they become a prized keepsake, her first pair will most likely last two to three months, but it’s good to check on them every few weeks, as your baby is sure to be growing and developing quickly during these early formative months. 

Dressing your new baby is a ton of fun! Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll not only keep your baby comfortable but also dressed to impress!

Photo by Gabriel Tovar on Unsplash

by Caitlin Ultimo