5 Baby Clothing Items Every New Parent Should Have

This seems like a no-brainer. But because it's so obvious, many people forget to pick baby bodysuits up. And don't get overwhelmed by the available styles and prints; plain white works just fine for your first weeks at home, though I do recommend the kimono style bodysuit because it's great for umbilical cord care.

Oh, and a small disclaimer here. I recommend purchasing your bodysuits in 3-6 months because very few babies fit into 0-3 months for more than a few weeks. If it makes you more comfortable, you can buy a few in the smaller size and then the rest in the larger.

 

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• What to Look for When You Buy a Bodysuit

 

Regardless of the season your baby is born, they will sleep, on average, 18 hours per day. It's essential that they're comfortable.

For warmer weather: choose thin cotton, one-piece sleepers, or bag sleepers; these are like nightgowns, but they have a closure across the bottom.

For colder weather: opt for heavier-weight footy pajamas, also called blanket sleepers.

With pajamas, I recommend anything that buttons as opposed to those that zip; it's far too easy to accidentally zip-up sensitive areas when you're doing a midnight diaper change.

• What is a Bag Sleeper?
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• Definition of Flame Resistant Fabric

When you go out, you want those little feet warm, and their heads protected from any kind of weather, be it warm or cold.

Robeez are great first shoes because they're soft-soled, they slip-on, and they're warm; they can be worn with or without socks. When choosing socks, opt for cotton; it's a natural product and soft on their skin.

Warm weather head protection should include baseball caps, sun hats, or cotton beanies, while colder weather wear should have ear flaps and tie or button closures to make sure they stay put and provide maximum protection from the elements.

• Robeez: Soft Leather Slip Ons for Babies
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• Buying First Pair of Baby Shoes

Outerwear is one of the most difficult areas of baby clothing to figure out. Remember that outerwear is a learning experience, and don't be too hard on yourself if you don't get it right the very first time.

Layers are important when it comes to outerwear; a degree or two is often the difference between a very happy baby, and a very frustrated baby. There is a variety of styles of baby outerwear to choose from.

For warmer weather, zip-up, hooded sweatshirts or thin cotton jackets are easily layered, so your baby can stay comfortable all day long. And in the summer, swimwear, sunglasses, and hats with UPF are a must.

Simplicity is key here; look for items that will give you easy access for diaper changes, like slip-on pants, side snap shirts, and coveralls. These make cleaning your baby easy, without constantly having to pull clothes over their heads.

For basic, everyday items like bodysuits, sleepwear, and everyday wear, purchase 7-10. Babies can get messy in a hurry; you don't want to spend a lot of time doing laundry in those first few weeks at home. And if you can't bring yourself to go out and shop right now, shop online and let a delivery service do the heavy lifting.

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