An Essential Guide To Buying Baby Clothes

Every parent wants the very best for their little ones, including high-quality, comfortable clothes. Selecting clothes for your baby can be a fun and exciting experience, but how do you know if you’re spending your money wisely? As much as we all love a bargain, in terms of clothing, you often get what you pay for. Furthermore, choosing suitable fabric is vital for protecting your baby’s soft, delicate skin. Read on to discover more about buying baby clothes.

What Does Your Baby Need?

You can avoid overspending on baby clothes by considering what your little one actually needs. Forking out large sums on baby clothing hauls can be all too tempting, particularly considering the extensive range of adorable garments available. However, keep in mind that babies grow rapidly, so it is only worth buying what you know your little one will wear. Consider creating a baby capsule wardrobe - a limited number of interchangeable garments perfect for modest budgets.

Sizing

As a general rule, it is advisable to purchase new baby clothes in one size up from your baby’s current size - chances are they’ll grow into these new garments in a matter of weeks. Additionally, clothes that are slightly too large are always better than clothes that are too small, allowing your baby to move around freely and comfortably. However, one clothing item that should fit correctly is your baby’s first pair of shoes, allowing between one and two centimetres - about a thumb's width - from the longest toe to the front of the shoe.

Gender-Neutral Clothing

Many modern parents are leaning more towards gender-neutral clothing, allowing their children to express themselves outside arbitrary gender norms as they grow. The outdated notion of ‘pink is for girls, and blue is for boys’ is largely considered dated and even problematic. Fortunately, most major brands and small businesses offer adorable gender-neutral infant clothing. Once your little one is old enough, why not offer them the freedom to select their own outfits?

Money-Saving Options

As mentioned, you usually get what you pay for with clothes, but there are methods of saving money without sacrificing quality. For instance, it is always worth scouring the sales rack for bargains, even if you discover something a few sizes too large. You could also take advantage of second-hand clothing groups on social media - many parents sell high-quality garments that have only been worn once or twice for a fraction of their original retail price.

Consider Fabrics

The majority of baby clothes in UK stores are made from cotton, bamboo, linen and jersey; however, organic cotton is, by and large, the most popular choice. Lightweight, breathable and durable, organic cotton is arguably the best fabric for children’s clothing as it is kind to sensitive skin and environmentally sustainable. In contrast, synthetic fibre clothing made from polyester and nylon may lead to skin irritation and poor temperature regulation. While you can expect to pay slightly more for 100% organic cotton garments, it is well worth the investment. You can read more about organic cotton here.

Weather Appropriate Clothing

Keeping your baby warm in the winter and cool in the summer can often feel like a challenge. Overheating can be profoundly dangerous for babies, particularly at night, and may contribute to an increased risk of SIDS. As such, dressing your baby in lightweight, breathable nightclothes during the warmer months is crucial. Similarly, wrap them up in plenty of insulating layers during winter so they can enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably.

Practicality

Practicality should be your main priority when selecting baby clothes. For instance, dungarees may look adorable, but unless they feature poppers for easy nappy access, changing your little one will be a nightmare. Furthermore, consider how well your baby can move around and play. Not only are restrictive outfits uncomfortable, but they may hinder your little one’s learning and development - after all, babies learn through play and exploration. Ensure your baby’s clothes are soft, stretchy and loose enough for maximum freedom of movement.

It is also worth considering the practicality of your baby's nursery clothes - i.e. can you afford for outfits to become potentially ruined with stains from food and messy play ingredients? Don’t be tempted to send your little one to nursery or daycare in their best clothes. Instead, opt for outfits you don’t mind getting a little dirty.