Choosing my baby's clothes
Your newborn baby won't be very active, but that does not mean that he's going to stay scrupulously clean. There will inevitably be accidents and leaks from nappies, and he's bound to posset and dribble sometimes - all of which will mean fairly frequent changes of clothing.
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Before your baby is born, make sure that you have enough clothes to keep up with his needs. Make sure too that everything is machine washable and colourfast.
Initially, there is no need to make a distinction between day- and nightwear, and by far the most suitable nightclothes are stretch suits. As your baby gets older, sleep suits make a cosy alternative. If you buy vests or body suits, buy wide-necked ones so that they go on over his head easily - babies hate having their faces covered. Body suits are useful as they can be fastened under the baby's nappy. Buy brightly patterned suits that can be used as T-shirts if it's warm.
Additional clothing for a baby
The kind of clothes you buy on top of the basics will be determined by finance and personal taste. There is no one essential piece of clothing, but there are some items that are more practical than others.
In summer, for example, cotton T-shirts and shorts or cotton dresses are the most suitable because they're cool and leave the baby's limbs free; in winter, mini tracksuits and dungarees are practical alternatives to all-in-one stretch suits. Once your baby is mobile he'll need clothing that gives adequate knee protection. As when your baby is very young, stick to clothes that give you easy access to his nappy, because by the time he's crawling he's not going to want to lie still for very long.
Check if clothes fit regularly
Keep an eye on how tight the legs, neck and wrists are on all clothes and buy the next size up accordingly. Bear in mind that clothes with poppers at the neck quite often last longer. Babies often outgrow clothes because their heads can no longer go through the neck opening; with poppers you can just leave them undone to accommodate your baby's head.
You'll probably learn how to gauge your baby's size quite accurately, but if you're at all worried always go by the height and weight charts given in shops, not by age. Unfortunately, different countries and manufacturers use varying size notations so if you're confused about sizes, ask the sales assistant's advice. If in doubt, buy the larger size: looser-fitting clothes are much more comfortable than tight-fitting clothes and your baby will soon grow into them.
Basics clothings for a new baby
- 6-8 T-shirt/vests or body suits
- 6-8 stretch suits
- 2 cardigans/sweaters (4 for winter babies)
- 2-3 pairs of socks and padders
- 2 pairs of scratch mittens
- 2 nightgowns (choose those with drawstring bottoms to keep feet warm)
- 1 blanket or shawl
- Protective clothing and sunhat for sun protection
- All-in-one outdoor suit (for winter)
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 03.11.2010
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