How to Buy Baby Clothes

Let's face it--babies are messy. They spring leaks in all sorts of places. You'll be changing your newborn's clothes several times a day, so put together a basic and inexpensive baby wardrobe, and be ready for anything.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Buy five to seven one-piece outfits. Onesies make dressing and layering a snap. Look for easy-entry head openings with shoulder snaps, and leg and sleeve cuffs that aren't too tight.
2. Buy five to seven pajamas. Soft, cotton-footed pajamas keep your baby toasty. Gowns with drawstring hems keep infant feet covered and allow quick diaper changes, especially for newborns.
3. Buy five to seven undershirts. Shoulder snaps or bateau openings at the neck make it easy to slip on and off. Crotch snaps keep shirts from riding up.
4. Buy one or two sweaters or jackets. One of each is a good start. A button-up or zipper garment is best, as many babies hate anything pulled over their head, especially something tight. Fleece is a great choice for lightweight protection from the elements.
5. Buy two to three caps and one sun hat. Soft caps hug a baby's head to keep warmth in. Wide-brimmed sun hats protect tender skin. Look for hats with neck flaps (FlapHappy.com) for extra protection and a chin tie to keep on when tiny hands discover what they can do.
6. Buy seven pairs of socks. Pick socks with enough of a cuff to keep them on without gripping too tightly. Choose a few heavier pairs (or slipper socks) for colder days. For babies that are pulling up, look for socks with rubberized grips on the soles.
7. Buy at least one pair of crib shoes. Since very young babies' feet hardly touch the ground, they don't really need shoes (and shouldn't have "real" shoes until after they start to walk). Padders, slippers or leather booties with elastic are great for crawlers.
8. Buy one or two special outfits. Indulge yourself--and your child--with an adorable outfit. Don't buy more than a couple of them, since the next growth spurt is right around the corner. Avoid tough-to-manage one-piece outfits that fasten in the back.

Tips & Warnings

• Check that any sleepwear you buy is flame retardant. Do not put your baby to bed in any other type of clothing.