BABY CLOTHING BUYING GUIDE
For first time parents, it can be hard to know what items to buy for your baby! Fortunately, you don’t need to stress too much as your baby's essential wardrobe can be condensed into a few basic pieces. Hopefully this guide will give you some useful tips on the essentials that you will need to get for your little one for their early days.
WHAT BABY CLOTHES DO I NEED?
Vest / Bodysuits: They are legless underwear that come in both short and long-sleeved varieties, they can add an extra layer underneath a sleepsuit. These are a great way to keep your baby comfortable and warm while helping to keep nappies in place and contain any leaks. They typically have poppers at the bottom for easy nappy changes., and for added convenience make sure to choose envelope style neck openings which make them easier to slip on and off (in case of a poonami!!).
Sleepsuits: They come with long sleeves and long legs. Sleepsuits are practical for both day and night so there is no need to change your outfit for nap times.
Cardigan/jumper: soft cotton or wool cardigans should be included for cooler days. Chunky knit cardigans are best for winter months, while lighter fabrics are more fitting for summer. When choosing a pattern, pick a design with close-knit stitching to avoid fingers and toes getting stuck in the holes.
Coat: In very cold weather a pram suit with a hood will keep them warm. Remember that these should be removed as soon as you get in doors so that your baby doesn’t overheat, and for safety reasons make sure they are removed before putting in their car seat.
Scratch mits. It is very common for babies to scratch their own face with their nails and can break the skin, and scratch mits can help prevent this. You may find some sleepsuits already have some of these built in.
Hats: Lightweight cotton beanie hats are useful to keep your little one cosy, with many having a knot on the top which can be tightened to fit a smaller baby. Although not necessary indoors, a knitted hat can also be great to keep them warm on the cooler days.
Bibs: These are useful to keep a baby's clothing clean from food and drool, and in some cases, from spit up. They are helpful as they will help to keep you from having to do as much washing.
HOW MANY BABY CLOTHES DO I NEED?
The answer to this will depend on which parent you ask; mums answer will probably differ from dads 😉. Also, when buying baby clothes, it’s not just a matter of how many do I need, it’s how many cute little outfits can I buy?!
The below chart has been put together to show rough numbers. If you are buying in the size newborn, you may want to reduce these number slightly as they will outgrow these very fast. If possible, start buying from size 0-3m as you may find that they fit from day one. If constantly doing the washing is not your thing, you may want to increase these numbers slightly.
|
Vests / Bodysuits |
8 |
|
Sleepsuits |
8 |
|
Cardigan / Jumper |
2 |
|
Coat / Pram-suit |
1 |
|
Scratch mits |
3 |
|
Hats |
2 |
|
Bibs |
10 |
WHAT SIZE BABY CLOTHES DO I NEED
The size of baby clothes will vary based on the weight of your baby at birth. The average birth weight is 7.8lb.
Typically, newborn clothes are categorised as premature (up to 5 lbs), tiny baby (up to 5-7 lbs), newborn/first size (7-8 lbs), or 0-3 months (8-12 lbs). However, these measurements do differ slightly between brands. For an early baby, check out our premature baby range
Unfortunately, you won't know the exact size that fits your baby until they are born. Even midwife estimates and ultrasound predictions can be inaccurate.
As a general guideline, newborns typically fit into 0-3 months clothes, so it's a safe choice to buy baby clothes in this size. They might be baggy on your baby at the start, but it doesn’t matter so much at this stage. If you do choose to buy newborn size, you will only need a small number. You will need more of the 0-3 size clothing as these last much longer up to the baby weighing approx. 12lb.
As all the baby clothing manufacturers vary slightly in terms of sizing, the below chart will be useful as an approximate guide.
|
Size |
Weight |
|
Premature |
Up to 5lbs |
|
Tiny baby |
5lbs-7lbs |
|
Newborn |
7lbs-8lbs |
|
0-3 months |
8-12lbs |
|
3-6 months |
12-16lbs |
|
6-9 months |
16-20lbs |
|
9-12 months |
20-24lbs |
WHERE TO BUY BABY CLOTHES
When it comes to buying baby clothes, there are several options available that cater to every preference, budget, and style. Here's a brief overview of the different places where you can purchase adorable and comfortable clothing for your little ones.
Physical Retail Stores: Local baby boutiques and supermarkets often offer a wide range of baby clothes. They provide the advantage of seeing and feeling the fabrics in person, and you can also seek assistance from sales staff who may offer useful advice and suggestions.
Online Retailers: With the convenience of the internet, online shopping has become increasingly popular. There are numerous websites dedicated to baby clothing, offering a vast range of options. Online stores frequently provide detailed product descriptions, and customer reviews, making it easier to choose the right clothes for your baby.
Second-Hand Stores: If you are looking for more affordable options or prefer sustainable shopping, second hand shops, Facebook and eBay can be a great place to look. You may find gently used clothing in excellent condition at significantly lower prices, allowing you to save money while still dressing your baby stylishly.
THE BENEFITS OF ORGANIC BABY CLOTHING
As environmentally conscious living becomes increasingly popular, more and more parents are shifting towards organic baby clothing, as it not only guarantees comfort and style but also offers numerous benefits that are worth exploring.
Ultra-soft and hypoallergenic fabrics: Organic baby clothing is typically crafted from natural fibres such as organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp. These materials are renowned for their incredible softness, making them ideal for your baby's gentle skin. Unlike clothing made from synthetic fibres, organic fabrics are devoid of harsh chemicals, irritants, or toxic dyes. This minimises the risk of allergic reactions and skin irritations. By providing your baby with hypoallergenic clothing, you ensure their delicate skin remains safe, comfortable, and free from unnecessary exposure to harmful substances.
Chemical-free and non-toxic production: Conventional clothing manufacturing involves the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in growing cotton, which can have adverse effects on your little one's sensitive skin. In stark contrast, organic clothing is produced through environmentally friendly and chemical-free processes. Organic farmers follow strict regulations and avoid using synthetic chemicals, opting for natural methods that maintain soil fertility and biodiversity. By choosing organic baby clothing, you protect your child from the harmful effects of chemical residues that may be present in conventional clothing.
Promotes eco-friendliness and sustainability: Mindful parenting often incorporates an emphasis on sustainable choices. Organic baby clothing is a perfect way to reduce your carbon footprint because it involves utilizing materials that are grown without the use of harmful chemicals. Furthermore, organic farming methods minimize soil erosion, protect water quality, and conserve energy, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations. By prioritising eco-friendly clothing options, you demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices while setting an excellent example for your child.
Durability and longevity: Organic baby clothing is not only gentle on the environment but also built to withstand the test of time. The absence of harsh chemicals in the production process is believed to enhance the overall quality and durability of organic fabrics. This means you can pass down these durable garments to younger siblings or even donate them, prolonging their life cycle and contributing to reducing waste in the textile industry.
Supporting fair trade practices and ethical standards: Another significant benefit of choosing organic baby clothing is supporting fair trade practices and ethical manufacturing standards. Many organic clothing brands prioritize fair wages and safe working conditions for their employees, ensuring that the people behind the production of these garments are treated with dignity and respect. By opting for organic baby clothing, you can feel confident in promoting social responsibility and contributing to a more equitable global apparel industry.
Organic baby clothing offers benefits that go beyond pure aesthetics. From providing comfort and protection for your baby's sensitive skin to reducing environmental impact and supporting ethical production practices. Choosing organic baby clothing not only benefits your child but also benefits the planet and future generations. Yes, organic baby clothes are much more expensive than your 3 pack from Tesco, but they are built to withstand everything a baby throws at them, drool, vomit, bodily fluids - the lot!! We here at Tiny T Clothing believe in the saying ‘buy cheap, buy twice’. When it comes to organic clothing, you really do get what you pay for 😊.