Getting ready for the arrival of a baby can be overwhelming, especially for new parents. Amid the doctor appointments and the changes that a human body goes through, parents also have to be prepared with tons of stuff that a baby needs like strollers, cribs, diapers, and of course, baby clothes. Stepping into a store can feel overwhelming when you’re faced with hundreds of choices for newborn cloths. But fear not, because we have some advice that will get you covered.
Here are 8 tips on how to shop for baby clothes for first-time parents.
1. Go larger instead of bigger
Every pregnancy is different, and parents only have a general idea of how big their baby is before they’re born. If you’re shopping for newborn cloths and you’re totally unsure of the size, go bigger instead of smaller. If they don’t fit your newborn right away, you can always store them and take them out again after a couple of weeks. Also, clothes that are a bit looser are always better than clothes that your baby can’t fit in. This will save you time and effort in returning clothes that are too small for your baby.
2. Stick to plain clothes with less bells and whistles
It’s better to stick with plain newborn clothes during the early years and pass on fabrics with too many things attached to them like frills or buttons. You never know when these might suddenly come off and end up choking your baby.
3. Skip designer clothing
Babies outgrow their clothes really fast. What can fit them today might not necessarily fit them next week. Unless your budget can equal that of the celebrity you’re following on Instagram, designer clothes are not necessary for newborn cloths. Ordinary clothes will do the job just fine and not burn a hole in your wallet. And don’t forget that our little gurgling babies throw up on their clothes all the time anyway.
4. Get stuff that’s easy to put on and take off
New parents hear this: you will probably have to change your baby’s clothes up to 5 times a day. Yep, that much. This means that it’s essential that the newborn cloths you’re gonna get can slip on and off easily. Look for items with easy fast snaps or zippers as opposed to buttons or ribbons.
5. Get different types of clothes
Like adults, babies also need different types of newborn cloths, especially if you live in a place with changing seasons. Besides everyday wear, you will need pajamas or swimsuits if you plan to take them in the water once they hit 6 months. You also need to make sure that they have airy clothes during hot weather, and warm cozy clothes to protect them from the cold.
6. Don’t skip the sale rack
You can save a lot of money if you purchase newborn cloths on sale. If the items aren’t damaged, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t consider getting them. New parents might be shocked at how their expenses may shoot up once a baby arrives, and every little way you can save money will help.
7. Touch the clothes to make sure they’re soft
Softer materials are more comfortable for babies to wear. Don’t forget that your baby’s skin is fragile and rough clothes can scratch them or cause a rash.
8. Don’t forget the baby accessories – When you’re shopping for newborn cloths, don’t forget that they also need socks, mittens, and hats. Other essential accessories are bibs and burping cloths.
