Buying Clothes for Infants
When buying baby clothes, it's a good idea to stick to one color scheme. Bright colors are unisex, more easily seen, and less easily soiled than pastels. They're a really good idea for outerwear, since a bright red jacket worn by a child can be easier to see in a busy shopping mall than a baby wearing light blue.
Be practical. Babies aren't neat, so getting machine-washable clothing will be invaluable. Fancy clothes aren't practical at all. They often interfere with movement and aren't usually comfortable. Clothes made of cotton and other natural fabrics are more comfortable, especially in hot weather.
Obviously, your layette purchases should be influenced by the climate in which you live and the season in which your baby is born. If you?re not sure what you need, you can talk to other parents and get some helpful ideas, or you can start observing how other babies are dressed. Newborn-sizes are only good for most infants until around 2 to 3 weeks. It is important not to overdress your baby, especially when there is hot weather. If you want a guide, put as many layers of clothing on the baby as you are wearing. Also remember that if you're warm, then your baby is, too.
If you need more ideas about putting together your initial layette, here are some suggestions:
Underwear ? Get at least 4 to 6 undershirts for 3 to 6-month old sizes. These are usually made of cotton and has a tendency to shrink to some degree. Undershirts with side snaps are easy to put on babies, so they?re popular with parents. Undershirts typically come in white, prints, and solid colors.
Socks and Booties ? You'll probably want four to six pairs of socks. Make sure they fit the infant's feet snugly. Get cuffed socks and booties made out of stretchy material, since they don?t get kicked off your baby?s feet as easily as other styles.
Sleeping Wear ? Plan on six to ten sleep outfits. Stretchy, footed, or gowns all work great. Blanket sleepers, which are heavier than stretch garments, are good for colder climates. Parents like sleeping gowns because it makes diaper changing easier, and they also allow an older infant more freedom of movement. If you do select sleepwear with feet, do not also put socks on your baby. They will cause the baby's feet to become too warm, and this may cause a condition called sweaty sock dermatitis.
Hats and Caps ? Buying 2 hats or caps should suffice. They come in various styles and fabrics, from lightweight cotton stretchable caps to heavy cotton or acrylic hats. The type you choose depends upon the climate. When buying caps or hats, check to see that they are small enough so they stay on and so you can place them well away from the baby's face, so that he won?t suffocate himself when he turns his head.
Julie Vega is a researcher and writer working for http://www.gobohemian.com, where you can get all your infant and children?s clothing at the best prices. Visit us for all your clothing and bedding needs.
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