Top 10 Tips on Buying Baby Clothes

A simple guide to shop for baby apparel without wasting money.

by Maria Zain

Shopping for baby clothes can be overwhelming, especially for new parents. Find top 10 tips on dressing up your new bundle of joy without much tension and too much money.

Anticipating the arrival of a new baby can be the most exciting time in expecting parents' lives. Shopping for the new bundle of joy is equally fun with the vast collection of baby goodies that grace shopping malls. Many parents enjoy shopping for baby clothes as they are the most personal items a child will have in the first few months of life. Even more so, baby clothes are so cute to look at.

With so many brands, makes, fabrics, sizes, colours and types to choose from, shopping for baby apparel can be harder done than said. It is easy for new parents to lose themselves in the myriad of shelves and may find difficulty in choosing a simple outfit when there are so many versions to choose from.

Here is a simple guide that will make shopping for baby easier. In fact, it will help parents save money on top of all the other baby expenses new parents have to incur.

(1) Only buy a few pairs of clothes per growth stage.

Healthy babies grow very quickly. All they do for the first few weeks of life is sleep, nurse and dirty their diapers. When shopping therefore, only pick out a few outfits per growth stage. Four to six pieces of apparel that will be able to accomodate baby's growth for every three months should suffice.

(2) Pick out fabrics wisely

Pick out fabircs that are breathable and comfortable. This would mean those that are high in cotton content. It helps baby's skin breathe easier and reduces the risk of skin irritations. Baby's skin has been protected all this while in the womb and the external environment may be harsh for him or her. Wearing the right fabrics will help wean baby into his or her new environment.

(3) Choose one-pieces over two-pieces

After a few days and weeks of continuous feeding, little bellies tend to grow into round bellies. A two-piece suit is made out of a top and trousers with an elastic band around the belly. One-pieces play to an advantage as they do not cause discomfort to baby's tummy or his or her umblical cord, if it is still attached. One-pieces, with buttons at the crotch area, also allow baby to breathe easier and more space to expand through more nursing.

(4) Pick popper buttons over normal buttons

When changing baby, it is easier to change in and out of clothes with metal popper buttons as opposed to normal buttons used in adult or bigger children clothing. They button and unbutton faster. This is advantageous if baby is fretful or cold and keeps frustration at bay when in a hurry.

(5) Differentiate clothes for night and day

The weather is different during the day than it is at night and baby's do not acclimatise as well as parents do. Buy lighter clothes during the day and thicker ones as pyjamas for a doon night's sleep. Babies cry when they are too hot or too cold and when baby cries, especially at night, no one sleeps well.

(6) Buy clothes in packs

Many brands sell clothes in threes or sixes. These packages are usually cheaper and come in different designs. Buying one pack of six onesies, will be sufficient for baby a duration of at least 3 months.

(7) Choose higher-end brands

Not only is better quality clothes better for baby, parents will be able to keep these items for younger siblings. Since babies outgrow their clothes rapidly, better quality clothes will still be in good condition to be handed down to little brother or sister.

(8) Keep colours neutral

If parents are particular for baby girls to be dressed in pink and baby boys in blue, it is best to buy neutral coloured clothing before baby is born. No matter how many sonograms mum has had or how many old wives' tales she has tested, the gender of the baby is determined for certain when he or she is born. Therefore, buy neutral-coloured clothes like white and yellow. Mum and dad can shop slowly for the pinks or blues later.

(9) Look out for bargain items

Shop when there is a sale or stock clearance. Babies do not have to be subjected to fashion statements. As long as baby is comfortable, the hip and happening image for an infant should be the last of a parent's worries.

(10) Be realistic when shopping

Parents, as partners, will be making decisions for their children until they are old enough to think for themselves. Parents should think wisely when shopping and spend in accordance to their means. They should also restrain themselves from overdoing their shopping as this will place unnecessary financial strain on their baby budget. Children do cost money and parents should be mature and rational enough to budget smartly.