If you are a first time parent to-be, there are many tasks that must be accomplished before your new baby's arrival. One important, and fun "labor of love" is purchasing new baby clothes. However, with such a large choice of items, you may be asking yourself which of these are essentials. This is crucial information to know, as well as their proper care.
Onesies
"Onesies" are basically baby t-shirts and are a necessary baby clothing purchase. To keep the onesie from creeping up and exposing your baby's belly, most onesies have snaps in the crotch. They can be worn alone or as an undergarment. Onesies, also known as rompers, come in basic white, colored or patterned varieties. For your basics, you should have between 5 to 10 onesies.
Sleepers
Sleepers are one-piece items with long legs and long or short sleeves. They usually have snaps down the legs for easy accessibility for late night diaper changes.
When preparing your basics, you should have between 5 to 8 baby sleepers. These are necessary as it is recommended that a newborn not sleep with thick blankets. This could inadvertently cause suffocation. The best material for both your baby's warmth and comfort are cotton or fleece sleepers.
Baby Socks
For your baby's requirements, you should purchase between 6 to 8 pairs of baby socks. Although socks are not required in warmer weather, they should be worn if taking your little one outside in chilly temperatures. They are also indispensable at night if your baby is wearing a sleeper without feet.
Baby socks are made of either thick or thin weaves. You should purchase a combination of both, as thin socks are better if your baby is to wear shoes.
Hats
Hats are baby clothing essentials for your little bundle. When taking care of your newborn, it is important to keep them adequately warm. Newborns often have difficulty regulating their body temperature and much of their heat escapes through their head.
It is recommended that your newborn wear a hat through his or her first month of life. After that, it is not as important unless you are taking them outside on a chilly or cold day. For this purpose, you should have 1 or 2 fairly snug, but not too restrictive, hats for your baby.
Proper Care for Baby Clothing
When caring for baby clothing, there are two schools of thought. The first is that your little bundle of joy's clothes should be washed in special detergents to alleviate the risk of skin allergies. There are numerous varieties of mild laundry soaps that are scent and dye-free. Many of these detergents are aimed at the baby market, such as Dreft that boasts "A gentle clean. Just for baby".
The other idea is that "gentle" laundry soaps are required for baby clothing. If your baby's skin does not react adversely to certain detergents, then a special detergent is not necessary.
Stain Removal
Your bundle of pink or blue will not think twice about staining their cutest outfits. Certain formulas, baby food and stains caused by leaking diapers are often difficult to remove from baby clothing. If pretreated before washing, some of the most stubborn stains can be eliminated, leaving the clothing both clean and in pristine condition. One tried and true stain remover is Oxi-Clean. You may want to "audition" or try different stain removers to find the one best suited for your laundry needs.
Wash New Clothes Before Wear
Before dressing your baby in new clothes, it is essential that you wash them first. Although baby clothing may look fresh and clean on department store hangers, many have come into contact with dirt, little four legged creatures and bugs during the shipping and packaging process.
Minor skin irritations may also result from sizing placed on many pieces of baby clothing. Sizing is used to keep items looking nice until they are purchased.
Getting prepared for your little one's new arrival is both a joyous and stressful time. Knowing what baby clothing is essential in your little one's layette and how to properly care for their clothing is one of the many tasks that lay before you. Knowledge is power and being prepared is half the battle.
Like millions of parents to-be, you have probably spent months in thoughtful preparation to assure your little one has the best of everything. The list may appear endless, from choosing the perfect crib, bassinet, stroller, and car seat, to baby clothes.
This can be quite a daunting task to say the least. However, with forethought and proper planning, you can be on top of your game and ready for your new baby's arrival.
When deciding on which baby clothes to purchase, it is essential that the items are not only attractive, but functional as well.
These little ones are notorious for spitting up, leaking through super absorbent diapers, and not thinking twice about getting food (or other unmentionables) on the most expensive designer baby fashions. What is a new parent to do?
Although the "cuteness" factor is important, practicality and functionality should be the deciding factors when purchasing baby clothes
Nothing Says Lovin' (or Comfort) Like Cotton
Anyone who has ever touched a newborn's skin will tell you how incredibly soft and delicate it is.
Your baby's skin has not been subjected to the sun or wind nor has it experienced the unfortunate bruises and cuts that come with age. Therefore, it is crucial that it is protected and cared for as much as possible.
Your newborn's skin is (or will be) quite sensitive and tender.
Although a dress or outfit may look adorable on a hanger, spotlighted from above to show off its intricate stitching and stunning design, if made from the wrong materials could cause discomfort to your baby's delicate skin.
When choosing baby clothes, cotton or cotton blends are best. Cotton is ideal for your baby's skin because it is absorbent, comfortable, breathes easily and is made of natural fibers. 100% cotton is ideal for baby clothes, but they often shrink when washed in hot water. Therefore, purchasing baby clothes made mostly of cotton blended with non-shrinking fibers would be best.
Lose the Non-Essentials
You may be unaware, but I want to warn you, babies are sometimes messy, often cranky little individuals. Picture this scenario; you have just dressed your princess in a lovely little designer number.
You are absolutely certain that she will be the center of attention as you proudly push her stroller down the street or bring her to a large family gathering. However, as with all well laid plans, they have a way of going astray.
At times like these, you can rest assured that your little buttercup will have a moment of internal upset. Regardless of which form this takes, the outfit must come off and a new one must be at the ready to take its place. This is where the accessibility of baby clothes is important to make life easy.
When time is of the essence, do you really want to fool with baby clothes with numerous snaps, buttons, belts and buckles?
Not only that, but some babies despise the dressing ritual. These little ones, in a volume that leaves you in awe that someone so tiny can produce sound waves of this magnitude, will let you know in no uncertain terms that they are "just not having it"!
Purchasing baby clothes that are easy to put on and take off is a must. This will help to insure your sanity and make dressing your pride and joy hassle free.
If you like to shop, buying baby clothes is an enjoyable "labor of love". Envisioning your baby in each outfit you purchase is one of the many pleasures that go hand-in-hand with parenthood.
However, before choosing a particular item, think about its functionality and practicality in conjunction with its visual appeal. This will insure the perfect fit for your messy, sometimes cranky bundle of joy.
Both Paul Easton & Kara Subritzky are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Paul Easton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Engagement Rings, Herbal Supplements and Cosmetic Surgery. Paul Easton Jack and Abby, A store in Auckland, New Zealand. Sign up today for our fr.ee email newsletter, and get first pick on our special offers, plus. Paul Easton's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.
Kara Subritzky has sinced written about articles on various topics from Modelling. Kara Subriksky from Jack and Abby, A store in New Zealand. Quality