Enthusiastic parents love dressing up their baby and generally go overboard when buying clothes for them. This is a natural tendency, because babies look cute in anything they wear, and parents express their joy in the way they dress their baby.
Points to consider when buying baby clothes
Though it is difficult not to splurge when one goes shopping, it is necessary to make a checklist before stepping out or shopping online. This helps the mother who is on a budget. If budget is not the criterion, then one can throw caution to the winds. However, remember that babies grow rapidly in the first few months and outgrow clothes so take into account sizes for different months and seasons when you begin shopping. Sizes vary and a 0 to 3 months size may be too small for a big baby weighing about 9 lbs. In this case, purchase 3 to 6 month size for your newborn. It is advisable to stock one size bigger at every stage so that baby does not outgrow all of them at one time. Check the quality of the material and make sure you buy material that lets the skin breathe. Finished baby clothing are sprayed with sizing to give them a new look which has to be washed before use. Check if the clothes are machine washable.
Buying clothes for a new born
For the first three months, babies spend most of their time sleeping. They do not require many special event clothes. A layette or two will suffice initially though it is essential to stock on diapers, water-proof pads for diaper changes, at least six to seven sleepers or nightgowns preferably with toes, cold weather sleeper, depending on the weather, a few hooded towels and a couple of rompers. Hand me downs are a safe bet if one has older children or nephews and nieces because used clothes are that much softer on the body and wash well. When a baby first turns over on its stomach and starts crawling around, increase the number of clothes with toes on to protect the toddler as their clothes get dirtier faster and make sure you have enough clean clothes on hand for at least two to three days.
Caution is required when buying certain baby clothes
Drawstrings on baby clothes can be dangerous and lead to accidents, so it is best to avoid such clothes. Avoid big buttons; ungainly buckles etc., for infants who spend most of their time in the crib sleeping. Babies and toddlers have a habit on chewing on almost anything so refrain from using dangling embellishments and removable stickers etc. Choose fabric, which has ultra thin fibers like organic cotton.
Keep stock of essential baby clothes and items
Look for genuine bargains and wholesale discount prices when shopping online or at stores and avail of discount coupons and save when dressing up baby by buying out of season clothes and keeping them in stock.