Baby Clothing: A Friendly Guide
Drying
Tumble dry low or air dry. Over-drying will make cotton feel stiff.
Quick 6-step laundry routine
- Sort by color & material
- Pre-treat stains
- Use gentle cycle
- Rinse well
- Dry according to label
- Fold and store in a seprate bin for newborn-size
Where to shop & budget strategies
Options range from big-box stores to small indie brands. Which is best depends on your priorities.
Budget picks
- Basic cotton bodysuits in multipacks
- Machine-washable sleep sacks
- Neutral-colour pieces that mix-and-match
Speciality & boutique
Higher-quality fabrics and unique designs. Good for gifts or staples you plan to pass down.
Secondhand — yay or nay?
Secondhand is excellent for some items (jackets, outerwear, wooden toys), but avoid used sleepwear with unknown flame-retardant treatments. Always wash before first use.
Top picks & reccomended items (my short list)
These are things I personally reach for when buying for a newborn.
- Soft cotton bodysuit — breathable, easy snaps
- Zip pajama — two-way zips are lifesavers for midnight changes
- Swaddle blanket — stretchy, not too tight
- Muslin burp cloths — multi-use and quick-dry
Links: (placeholder) buy basics • shop swaddles
FAQ — quick answers
Q: How many outfits do I need?
A: Start small. 6–8 bodysuits, 4–6 sleep outfits, and a few play outfits is fine for the first months. You'll probably do laundry often.
Q: How do I handle fast growth?
A: Keep one size ready up from what fits now. Use gift cards and registry to fill in pieces you actually need.
Q: Should I buy "cute" outfits?
A: Sure — but limit them. If you buy too many single-use outfits you'll be doing more laundry and spending more.
