WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I BUY FOR MY BABY BEFORE BIRTH
Start with the bare minimum and buy more later. Although you may know the sex of your baby, you won’t know how big or small she will arrive, and you might get clothes as presents. Most babies grow out of newborn clothes extremely quickly, so it is helpful to be given different-sized items.
COMFORT AND SAFETY
The key factors are comfort, safety, and practicality for your baby.
• Natural fibres are usually more comfortable than synthetic fabrics.
• Avoid clothes with drawstring necks, which can be dangerous. Buttons must be secure; poppers are easier to use.
• Clothes should be washable; non-iron-time is too precious to waste on avoidable chores.
• The best stretch suits have poppers down the front and in the crotch and into the legs so that your baby’s legs can come entirely out of the garment at nappy-changing time.
Summer baby:
• 4 cotton vests.
• 4 stretch suits (consider some without feet).
• 1-2 cardigans or jackets.
• 2 hats with brims.
• Shawl.
• Dresses for girl babies.
• 2 nightgowns.
• Fabric bibs
• Scratch mittens.
• Socks.
Winter baby:
• 4 vests (some may be thermal and long-sleeved)
• 4 stretch-suits
• 2-4 cardigans or jackets
• Warm hat
• Shawl
• Snowsuit with hood
• 2 night-gowns
• Fabric bibs
• Scratch mittens
• Socks
• Boots.