A New Mom’s Guide To Shopping For Baby Clothes

If you’re expecting your first child, you’re probably filled with excitement or even anxiety. There’s so much to prepare for, like getting your health up for you and your baby. And there’s also getting your home ready and safe for a newborn. 

Another thing on your list might be shopping for items your baby will need, such as clothes. There are specific clothing items your baby will need, especially during their first weeks. To make things easier, here are some tips that could help shopping easier. 

Make A List 

When you go to the department store or visit online shops, there are many types of clothing like newborn knotted gowns, frogsuits, onesies, and tiesides. There are also accessories and other items for newborns for you to choose from. It can be easy to lose track of what you need because of all the things you could find in the shops.  

One way you could keep track of everything you need is to make a list. This way, you could stay focused and organized while getting all the items in the checklist below. 

  • Jacket
  • Sweater or cardigan
  • Lined cap
  • Going out outfits
  • Sleeping gowns
  • Mittens
  • Comfortable stretchy pants
  • Hooded towels
  • Burp cloths
  • Tights
  • Thin swaddling blankets
  • Socks
  • Onesies
  • Bibs
  • Washcloths
  • Burp cloths


Some of these will have to be ready in your hospital bag, so, make sure to double-check the essentials. Keeping a separate list for this purpose is also another great way to ensure that you’ve got all your bases covered.  

You could always change up this list if you have items you think will be necessary, especially if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Asking other moms in your area for clothing pieces you might need is also a good idea. 

Set A Budget 

While it’s tempting to buy adorable clothing pieces from expensive stores, it’s best to set a budget and stick to it. Staying within a realistic budget will help you avoid overspending. Buying one or two expensive pieces might be okay, but you’ll have to think about whether it’s worth it or not.  

Many brands give solid deals, even for newborn sets. Comparing prices might take some time, but it will help you stay within your budget. You could also check out sales to help you save money. 

Prioritize Ease And Comfort 

There are two primary considerations when dressing an infant—ease and comfort. Newborns are pretty fragile, so look for clothing pieces that you can easily put on them. Avoid ones where you have to put your baby in uncomfortable positions just to get them in a cute outfit.  

It’s also essential that they wear clothes that are comfortable to avoid any fuss. When a baby is uncomfortable, they’ll express this by crying. To keep them happy, make sure you’re dressing them in clothes that are soft, cozy, and appropriate for the temperature. 

Get Pieces For All Kinds Of Weather 

Wherever you live, you most likely already have a good idea of the standard temperature and climate. If you live in an area with a cold climate, getting more sweaters and hats to keep your child warm is necessary. For warmer parts of the world, baby clothes that are more breathable will help your baby stay cool.  

But another thing to consider is the season your child will be born in. If your set date of labor is around wintertime, you’ll have to prepare your baby’s wardrobe accordingly. The same goes for summer and other seasons. 

Get Sizes For The Future 

One thing that new moms and dads seem to forget is that babies grow quickly. It might be necessary to shop for larger sizes every 2-3 months. To ensure that your child always has clothes in proper and comfortable sizes, it’s best to buy for the future. Having clothes for when your child becomes 3-6 months old or 6-12 months old will be needed later on, so buying them in advance will help you stay ready. 

Conclusion 

While expecting your first child, you’re probably thinking of baby names, designing the nursery, and studying how to become a parent. You’ll also be shopping for your first child, so keeping these five pieces of advice would help you make sure you get the necessities at a fair price. But there are also other tips like buying plain pieces if you’re still unsure of your baby’s sex or if you want to make it easier to donate the clothes once your baby has outgrown them. And as a last piece of advice, avoid buying too many clothes for a newborn because they won’t have enough opportunities to wear them.  

Julie Higgins
Author
Julie is a Staff Writer at momooze.com. She has been working in publishing houses before joining the editorial team at momooze. Julie's love and passion are topics around beauty, lifestyle, hair and nails.