Tips for Buying Baby Clothes

Babies grow an incredible amount in their first year. Along with impressive changes in your own infant's growth and development, you can expect to see an equally impressive change in his wardrobe. Part of keeping up with an infant during this first year includes staying stocked up on clothes that fit. As you set out to shop for infant clothes, you may want to keep in mind some of these practical clothes-buying tips. 

Don't take sizes at face value. If you haven't figured it out already, you will quickly learn that you can get away with buying big for some items such as onesies, shirts, and jumpsuits. Whenever possible, look ahead: One wash of a 6-9 month outfit can often leave it too small for a 6-month-old to wear, not to mention a 9-month-old. And buying large can get you some extra wear out of your baby's clothes (if only a few months!).

Consider unisex clothes. If you are buying in advance of the big day when you first become a parent, or if you're on a budget and anticipate having more than one child, lime green and pale yellow may serve you better than pastel pink or baby blue.                                   

Buy ahead when you see a sale. The good news is, infants generally aren't picky about what they wear as long as it's comfortable. Buying 9- or even 12-month-old clothes on clearance when your baby is only three months old can save you a lot of money. Just keep in mind that not all babies grow at the same rate, so you may not be able to accurately predict sizes for next winter's coat or next summer's swimsuit. There's little risk, however, to buying your baby's year-round basics, such as onesies, socks, and shoes, whenever you see the price drop. You know they'll fit sooner or later!

Pick practical pajamas. Once you've checked for the manufacturer's label to ensure that the pajamas you are considering are flame-retardant, you may want to make "ease of access" your next consideration. Especially for younger infants, nighttime diaper changes are a fact of life. So, while your baby may look just great in the cute little pajamas with 20 snaps from top to toe, you may find that a zipper saves you from fumbling in the middle of the night. Also consider two-piece pajamas; they allow you to quickly change a diaper or the pants without having to fully undress your little one.

Place function before fashion. Again, safety is first and foremost. Clothes with long ties or adorned with small objects such as buttons or bows may pose risks to your child's safety, such as strangulation or choking. Also remember what your baby will want to accomplish each day before you pick out her clothes. If she spends most of her time crawling around on her belly, a one-piece jumpsuit can help keep her belly covered and her pants on. Front buckles and snaps are likely to be more comfortable for a younger baby who sleeps on her back and sits in a baby swing most of the day. And when it comes to fancy frills and lace, or even just embroidered appliqués make sure that the material isn't scratchy, can't be pulled off or tangle tiny fingers, and that it doesn't get in the way of regular activities.

Remember the feet. For infants young and old, keeping feet covered can be quite a task. If you go the route of using socks, this is not the time to buy in bulk. Even socks with a good amount of elasticity can slide right off. The alternative--especially good for active older infants who either pull off their socks or leave them in the dust--is to get pants or one-piece outfits with footies attached. The only caveat: They aren't well suited for standing up or walking, since they can be slippery on hardwood floors and tile unless they have rubberized soles.

Wash clothes first. As a general rule, you should wash new clothes before dressing your baby in them. Not only does it clean them up after they've been hanging and handled in the stores, but it also makes them softer. And some say that washing first can help prevent skin rashes or irritation for babies with sensitive skin.