Are you getting ready to welcome a new bundle of joy into your household? Whether you’re having a biological child, you’re fostering, or you’re adopting, this is an exciting (albeit stressful) time! Are you ready?
One of the most fun parts of preparing for your new arrival is baby clothes shopping. You get to browse through tiny socks, pint-sized sweaters, and miniature pants. They’re all so cute; how can you choose what’s right for your baby?
We’re here to help. Read on for our top tips for buying clothes for babies.
1. Know Where to Save and Where to Spend
The first and most important tip that we can offer new parents who are buying clothes for babies is to know where you should spend money and where you should save money. Comparing clothing prices is key when it comes to essentials.
There’s nothing wrong with buying the occasional luxury-style piece of clothing for your infant. Cute and fashionable clothes are great for events and baby photoshoots. That said, you want to keep your spending in check when you’re shopping for your baby.
Babies go through clothes quickly. They’re messy and they grow so fast that your clothes will change month to month for the first year of your child’s life. Keep this in mind when you’re shopping.
We recommend saving money on things like onesies and socks (which you’ll need plenty of). You’ll likely have an overabundance of these things in your baby’s closet and you’ll use every single one. They’ll end up on the washer every day.
Clothes for events? Don’t be afraid to spend a bit more money. You can always save these clothes for future children or friends with children when your baby no longer needs them.
2. Function Over Form
Never prioritize form over function when it comes to baby basics. Again, having cute (and less functional) outfits is fine for special occasions, but for most situations, you want to make it as easy as possible to remove and replace clothing throughout the day.
Newborns need diaper changes every two to three hours (sometimes more). This means that you’re going to spend a lot of time dressing and undressing your baby.
To make it easier on yourself and your baby (especially in public), prioritize clothing with easy-to-open snaps and velcro.
3. Comfort Is Crucial
Accessibility isn’t the only thing to consider when it comes to functional clothing. You also want to make sure that you’re considering your child’s comfort.
Many fashionable baby clothes are itchy and uncomfortable due to rough tulle or seams. Non-breathable fabric can cause babies to overheat, even in cold weather. An uncomfortable baby is an unhappy baby, and no one wants an unhappy baby.
Look for clothing that’s made of breathable and soft fabrics such as organic cotton. Baby clothing brands like Hanna Andersson aim to keep babies comfortable and fashionable at the same time.
After you buy new clothing, make sure to observe your baby to make sure that they’re comfortable. Look for signs of overheating or fussiness and determine if the clothing is the culprit.
4. Read Online Reviews
Online reviews are a lifesaver for new parents who are looking for the right clothes for their babies. Parents are often happy to share when something was great or terrible.
Not all reviews are going to apply to every situation, so use your best judgment when you’re reading.
You’re going to want to look for comments about sizing, material, and overall comfort level. If a comment says that the clothing runs small, you know to size down when you’re buying clothes for the baby.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Size Up
Speaking of sizing, there’s nothing wrong with sizing up from time to time when you’re shopping for baby clothing. While you want most of the clothing to fit the baby well enough, it’s better for it to be too big than too small.
Small clothing can be restrictive for the baby, and the baby will grow out of it faster. Clothing that’s a size or two up will be useable for longer. Just make sure that the extra fabric doesn’t make the baby uncomfortable.
6. Don’t Over-Buy
We get it. You get to the store and you see so many cute pieces of clothing for your baby. How can you resist buying it all?
Remember that your baby is constantly growing. A onesie that fit the baby two weeks ago is too small already! Why buy more than you have to if you’re never going to use it?
This is particularly important for seasonal clothing. Your baby won’t need an overabundance of thick winter jackets because they’ll only be this size for a single winter. Buying a baby bathing suit in autumn won’t make sense because you don’t know how large your baby will be when summer rolls around.
Resist the temptation to buy all of the baby clothes that you love.
7. Shop Around
Don’t stick with a single shop when you’re buying clothes. Even if you’re buying clothes online, check a variety of retailers to assemble the best wardrobe for your baby.
Often, one retailer will be best for affordable basics while another will be ideal for higher-end fashionable baby clothing. Both of these things are important!
Baby Clothes Shopping? No Problem!
Next time you’re shopping for baby clothes, keep these tips in mind to make your life easier.
Remember: prioritize function and comfort, don’t over-spend or over-buy, shop around, and read reviews. It’s time to start baby clothes shopping so you can fill your new baby’s wardrobe!
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