If you or a loved one are expecting a baby, then congratulations! With a newborn on the way, you're likely experiencing a whirlwind of emotions right now, from excitement and joy, to perhaps some nervousness about what you’ll need to prepare for their arrival. One of the most important things on your ever-growing ‘baby to-do list’ is likely to be preparing all of the baby essentials for your little one's arrival, and this will inevitably include getting in plenty of baby clothes to keep them comfortable, safe, warm, and snug from day one.
As parents ourselves, we know that finding the right baby clothing can sometimes feel a little overwhelming at first and you might be wondering where to start with so many options out there. This may be especially true if you or your loved one are also going to be parents for the first time. However, there’s no need to worry - we're here to help! This short guide on baby clothes, compiled by our baby products and gift experts here at Bumbles and Boo, will walk you through the main types of baby clothes you’ll want to consider for a newborn, alongside some helpful advice on their uses, and what baby clothes you'll need to get started.
What do I need to consider before buying baby clothes?
When buying baby clothes, it's essential to consider your newborn’s comfort and safety first. While one outfit may look particularly cute, it is also important to ensure you are purchasing a wardrobe for your baby that’s made of fabrics such as cotton that is easy to wash and can help avoid irritation to your baby’s delicate skin.
When it comes to safety, avoid clothing with ‘stuck on’ or detachable decorations that could be easily ripped off by little fingers, as these could be choking hazards. As newborn babies spend a lot of time lying down, avoid clothing with buttons or poppers on the back to make sure they are comfortable. Selecting the right size of baby clothing is also important as well-fitted items will allow for easy movement and help accommodate for playtime and growth spurts. If in doubt, we recommend leaning towards slightly larger sizes as they will quickly grow into the next size.
Baby Clothes Size Guide
- Prem - the baby's weight will determine the correct prem size
- Newborn - normally fits for approximately the first 0-6 weeks
- 0-3 months - suitable for babies from around 4-6 weeks old until 3 months
- 3-6 months - as the size name suggests
- 6-9 months - as the size name suggests
- 9-12 months - as the size name suggests
- 12-18 months - Also look out for clothes in age 1-2 at this time
- 18-24 months - this is the biggest size in months, move on to age 2-3 after this size
What types of baby clothing should I get?
From baby grows and rompers to leggings, tops, trousers, bibs and little booties, there are many options when it comes to baby clothes that you’ll want to consider. Below we have listed some of the most important for you.
When shopping for baby clothes, consider functionality just as much as the ‘aww’ factor. All-in-one clothing options, for example, often offer ease of washing and durability and can save you time and effort day-to-day. You'll also want to consider changes to the season and climate when choosing your newborn’s wardrobe. For the colder months, opt for layers and cosy fabrics like merino wool, while in warmer months, lightweight and breathable fabrics are ideal for keeping your newborn cool.
Sleepsuits, bodysuits and vests
As a general rule of thumb, sleepsuits, rompers, baby grows, and ‘babygros’ (a popular brand name of baby grows) are all similar in that they tend to be a one-piece baby suit, often with long sleeves and legs for warmth and buttons or fasteners between the baby’s legs to allow for easy nappy changes. However, this can be a confusing area for new parents, as while these terms are often used interchangeably, each provides a slightly different function for your newborn. The similarities and differences are detailed in our picture guide below.
Baby bodysuits aka vests can be worn underneath other baby clothing to provide extra layers or can be worn by themselves. Bodysuits can either have an envelope neck as pictured in the blue layette set above or they may have poppers or buttons on the side of the neck to make it easier to dress your baby. Envelope necks have the benefit of allowing for the garment to be removed downwards in the event of a poonami and poppers between the legs allow for diaper changes.
Layettes are a clothing set and usually contain an outfit comprising of a coordinating bodysuit and sleepsuit as well as other items such as a hat, bib and scratch mittens - adorable and practical!
How many baby clothes should I buy?
The NHS recommends at least 6 'all in one' suits and 6 body suits for day and night wear. This may sound like a lot at first but remember that some will be in the wash and others drying before they can be reused. Small babies can find that nappies are sometimes a bit loose around the legs especially if they have wriggled in a particular way so you will need to account for potential leaks until they have grown a bit or you have found the perfect nappy fit.
From regular changes to keep your newborn at the right temperature to spills and accidents, babies have a tendency to get through clothing at record speed!
Layering
As babies can’t regulate their temperature in the same way that adults can, you will need to add or remove clothes dependant on the weather and this is where layering comes in. You’ll need different options for nap time and different layers of clothing that can be added and removed throughout the day depending on where you are going. It is better to have several lighter layers than one think layer for this reason.
Baby hats and mittens
A lot of heat is lost through the head so hats are a must-have for protecting your baby's head from the cold weather. Thinner cotton hats can be worn when out and about in cool weather and on a cold winter day a thicker woolly hat style is good choice. In summer look for lightweight hats with a wide brim for maximum protection. Baby hats can be worn alone or layered under a hood for added warmth.
There are 2 types of baby mittens that you will want to consider getting and they both serve different purposes.
- Thick woolly mittens to keep your baby's hands warm when outside in the colder months.
- Scratch mittens are designed for newborns and young babies to help prevent babies from scratching their face or eyes with their fingernails (particularly during sleep). For this reason, scratch mittens are sometimes found integrated in the cuffs of sleepsuits, however, they can also be purchased separately. Fingernails can be long from birth so pack some scratch mitts in your hospital bag!
Baby footwear
Keeping your newborn’s adorable little feet and toes warm is essential in helping to regulate their temperature, and there are a number of footwear options including socks, knitted booties, and baby slippers.
Socks are an obvious must-have for keeping your baby's feet warm and protected. Socks come in various styles, including ankle and knee-high. Often made out of wool, knitted booties are a cute and cosy option for keeping your baby's feet warm. Depending on the material, they can be worn alone or layered over socks for added warmth. Alternatively, there are also baby slippers, which can be worn alone or layered over socks for added warmth.
Bibs and feeding
Bibs are essential for keeping your baby's clothes clean during mealtime. Look for bibs with adjustable fastenings for a comfortable fit. Bibs come in all sorts of different styles, including bandana and full-coverage options.
You may also want to consider burp cloths to protect your own clothes when feeding or burping your baby. Look for cloths with absorbent fabric and a soft texture such as muslin which is useful for spillages and during breastfeeding.
Bath Time and Bed Time Clothing Layers
Baby blankets are important for keeping your baby warm, especially during the colder months, they are ideal for increasing the layers your baby is wearing during pram or pushchair trips and when they are asleep in bed.
In addition to regular baby blankets, new parents could consider swaddle blankets, which differ from traditional blankets in that they are lighter and can be used to swaddle a baby to help prevent them from waking themselves up.
When it comes to bathtime, dressing gowns are also ideal to keep them warm and cosy. Look for dressing gowns with a soft, absorbent fabric. Dressing gowns come in various colours and styles, including non-hooded and hooded options. They can be worn alone or layered over pyjamas or a sleepsuit for added warmth too.
Looking for new baby clothes?
Navigating the world of baby clothes can be overwhelming at first, however with the right information, you can make informed decisions that are best for your little one. Remember to prioritise comfort, safety, and practicality when choosing baby clothes - not just the ‘aww’ factor! We hope this guide has been helpful and that you feel more confident in your baby’s clothing choices.
If you’re looking to shop for baby clothes, then why not check out our selection of high quality and adorable baby clothes. With options for both girls and boys, as well as gender neutral options, our newborn baby clothes are made with materials that are stylish and adorable, but also practical, comfortable, and kind to babies’ skin!
