Of all the stressful elements of becoming a parent—the late nights, the diaper changes, the convoluted feeding schedules, the plethora of body fluids that will eventually end up all over you, clothing for newborns is probably not an aspect of baby care that you have put a significant amount of thought into.
As your child grows from newborn to toddler, you may feel like they’re outgrowing clothes faster than you can keep up with But, with a few basic steps, you may be confident that you’re ready for any challenges that parenting may throw your way.
What to Look for in Baby Clothes?
Comfort, convenience, and safety are the three most important components of newborn baby clothes. Therefore, you should opt for soft and breathable pieces of clothing for newborn babies that will not chafe or impede the child’s breathing while also allowing you to change diapers and clean up messes quickly and simply. Here’s a quick look at all your options throughout each season:
Summer Season
This part of the year is marked by one of the most celebrated holidays – Christmas! This time of year is a real flurry of wrapping presents, baking and barbecues, and visiting relatives all across the country. The Aussie summer season is the perfect time to get all your festive activities in before it gets too hot.
But, how do you keep your little one comfortable and stylish while still being able to participate in all the holiday fun? As the sun is beating down and the humidity is rising, you may be questioning whether your baby needs to wear anything other than a nappy.
The answer is yes! While they may not be able to tell you if they’re too hot or cold, there are some definite signs that you can look for. If your baby is sweaty, has red cheeks, or is breathing quickly, they may be overheated. On the other hand, if they’re shivering, have blue lips, or appear very sleepy, they may be too cold.
While summertime in Australia may pose some challenges when it comes to keeping your baby comfortable, there are some easy solutions. Dressing your baby in layers is always a good idea, that way you can easily add or remove clothing as needed. If it gets too hot for comfort, you can always take a layer off. A cotton bodysuit or long-sleeved shirt paired with leggings or trousers are a great base to start with.
Autumn Season
When the leaves change colours it’s time to replace the cotton shorts and vibrant summer outfits with thicker fall clothing that will keep your infant warm but not overheated. Combine a short-sleeved shirt or dress with leggings and a sweatshirt for a casual look.
Sweatpants and jeans are timeless options for boys. Pull-on pants and leggings are essential items for any baby’s fall wardrobe because they are easy to put on and take off while also being comfortable enough for movement.
To get into the spirit of the season, look for jeans with a lovely fall-themed pattern. Woollen sweaters and cardigans are another great way to keep your kid warm and stylish—you could even find them something similar to something you own so you can match!
Natural fibres such as wool and bamboo are ideal for the fall and winter months since they retain heat while allowing the skin to breathe and aren’t overly heavy. Suspenders are another wonderful fall fashion option for your little boy—not only are they functional, but they’re also quite chic and comfy.
Winter Season
The chilly temperatures of winter may be a shock after the long, hot days of summer, but there’s no need to worry – with a few simple wardrobe adjustments, you can keep your baby comfortable all season long.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember when dressing your baby for winter is that they will need warm fabrics to protect them from the cold. Natural fibres like cotton and wool are some of the most common choices, but there are also synthetic fabrics like polyester that can be effective. Look for newborn clothes that are specifically labelled as being “warm” or “thermal”.
Another thing to keep in mind is that babies lose a lot of heat through their heads, so it’s important to make sure they’re wearing a hat when they go outside. A hood on their jacket or coat can also help to keep them warm.
When you’re shopping for winter clothes for your baby, look for items that are easy to put on and take off. Zippers and buttons can be difficult to use when you’re dealing with tiny fingers, so snaps or Velcro may be a better option.
Spring Season
One of the most enjoyable aspects of spring is saying goodbye to drab, heavy winter attire and welcoming lighter clothes, floral patterns, and vibrant colours. Denim is a seasonally acceptable and fashionable material for spring, and your infant can wear a denim jacket, overalls, or pants. Not only will it look fashionable, but it will also keep your kid warm if the unexpected spring weather turns frigid.
When choosing which garments to layer, choose items that are simple to put on and take off—the last thing you want to be doing while dealing with an uncomfortable, crying infant is fumbling with buttons and zippers. Blankets are a simple layer that may be simply added and removed.
Also, when preparing for your first baby, make sure your newborn’s spring outfit includes light cotton hats, cosy sweaters, and thick socks. If you’re concerned about your infant being too hot, simply observe them for symptoms of discomfort—squirming, crying, flushed skin and heavy sweating are all signs that a layer or two should be removed.
Spring is known for its wet days and strong winds, but that doesn’t mean your infant needs to stay inside. Look for rubber or plastic clothing for newborn babies that will provide a nice layer of waterproof protection for their outfits. A waterproof puddle suit is a terrific investment for newborns and crawlers since it allows them to enjoy the rain without getting wet and unhappy.