For parents expecting their first child, shopping for baby clothes may seem rather like a task filled with uncertainty. There is no starter kit for newborn babies (at least none that will fit every baby) and there isn’t really a set of rules as to what a baby’s wardrobe should consist of, so the best preparation advice you can listen to is to prepare to be adapt. Each baby is different and though they have the same basic needs, parents should expect a period of adjustment before settling into habits that fit their own individual lifestyle.

Size Wise

Baby clothes are measured in age instead of physical measurements so even getting a plain t-shirt for your newborn can be tricky. There is a size called “newborns” but whether your child fits in to these clothes depends more on his of her weight. My niece was born premature and when her mum and dad were finally able to take her home, she was still tinier than full term babies. She wore bodysuits that were size “premature” until she packed on a bit more weight. My nephew on the other hand, was born a big baby and grew out of newborn clothes rather quickly. My nephew practically skipped the newborn stage and moved on to the 0-3 months clothes size. Many baby products keep this size inconstancy and rapid growth in mind and make clothes with adjustable fasteners and buttons so that parents don’t have to buy new clothes as often. Just keep track of the size and growth of your baby and it will become obvious which clothing size is the best for him or her.

Essential Items

As far as what clothes a newborn should be wearing is pretty simple. Since they will be spending most of their time eating, sleeping and having their nappies changed, its easy to just put them in a baby bodysuit. Bodysuits have convenient buttons at the bottom and lack pant legs to aid in constant changing. Bodysuits are basically just leotards for babies and they can be pared with pants or a little skirt. Its good to start with at least five to eight body suits because aside from changing, babies spit up or drool. Its always useful to pack a few extra body suits in all your changing bags for when the baby makes a mess of him or herself.

Stylish Baby clothes

As for special occasions or dressing up for visiting relatives, there are many outfits a baby can wear. Babies have all the clothes that adults have, but in a smaller size. For Easter, my niece wore a peach coloured dress with bows and pleats. For his cousins christening, my nephew was dressed in a tiny dress shirt and a clip-on baby tie. You will be able to develop your son or daughters own personal style until they are old enough to chose for his or herself.

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