Planning a wardrobe for a new baby? Parents should make sure not only to purchase the essentials, but also to plan for some of the surprises that will come as their child grows.
Newborn Clothing Essentials
The essential clothes for a newborn baby include bodysuits or onesies, pajamas or sleep sacks, hats, and baby booties or warm socks. Parents should make sure to get a variety of fabrics (ranging from thin cotton to thick fleece) so the baby has different temperature options, as babies are not always good at regulating their own body temperature. How many garments to buy depends on how often the parents are prepared to do laundry. At least one week's worth of newborn clothing is a good idea, but more than three weeks' worth is probably too much. The baby may grow out of newborn clothing faster than expected.
Plan for the Changes Ahead
Parents should also make sure to purchase clothing for the baby to grow into. Some babies are born so large that they never even fit into true newborn clothing. When planning ahead, parents should consider seasonal temperature changes. If a baby is born in late summer, she will probably be needing some winter sweaters by the time she reaches the 3 to 6-month size.
Clothing Essentials for Older Babies
Babies older than a few weeks will continue to need bodysuits, hats, booties, socks, and sleepwear, and they will also start to need warm outerwear, special occasion clothing, shirts or dresses, and pants or leggings. (Shoes are usually not necessary until a child is walking.) Keep in mind that a baby is going to be spending a lot of time with his or her feet in the air. Parents should purchase matching bloomers or leggings to go with short skirts or dresses, as skirts will end up climbing around the baby's waist as she kicks up her feet.
Wait Until the Baby Shower, Then Fill in the Gaps
It is a good idea to wait until after the baby shower to do most clothes shopping for the baby. Friends will often give new parents a mix of simple necessities and fancy, fun outfits. Parents should then try to fill in the gaps what they have not received, both in terms of missing sizes and various types of clothing. It is also worthwhile to make an effort to complete outfits. For example, if a friend gives the baby a cute shirt in a 3-month size, it is wise to invest in a pair of 3-month size pants that go with the shirt. Otherwise, the shirt may never get worn.
Surprisingly Useful Necessities
Parents should consider buying the following to help complete the baby's wardrobe:
- Identical matching socks in bulk. A baby will often kick off (and lose) only one sock, which can then be replaced from an identical pair.
- Leg warmers. Leg warmers (from brands such as Babylegs) help turn a simple bodysuit into a complete outfit, and they do not interfere with quick diaper changes.
- Plain white bodysuits in long and short sleeves. These can provide an additional layer of clothing to keep the baby warm, and they go with everything.
- Pink and blue basics. Even if parents plan to avoid the traditional pink or light blue for their baby, they will probably receive some items in these colors as gifts. It is worthwhile to have a few basic pants, bodysuits, or leggings that match these colors.
Have Fun Shopping and Dressing the Baby
Parents should keep in mind that their child is only a baby for a little while, and he will soon have his own opinions about what to wear. It is worthwhile to budget for some fun, silly, or fancy outfits. Likewise, parents should not wait for the perfect occasion to put their baby in a great outfit, or he may grow out of it before the moment arises. Parents should dress the baby in favorite outfits as often as possible, and then get out the camera when they do.
In summary, when shopping for baby clothes, the two most important principles to keep in mind are variety and completion. Parents should vary the sizes, seasons, and styles of the clothing, and they should remember that it is better to have a handful of complete outfits that match, rather than lots of items of clothing that do not work together.
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