Clothes are super important when it comes to your baby. They must be high quality and comfortable to avoid skin irritation. In addition, they must keep your baby warm enough. But if this is your first child, then you might be confused about where to start.
So, when is the best time to start buying baby clothes? This is regularly asked by many new mothers. Since I’ve seen this question many times, I’ve decided to help out and dedicate an entire article to this subject.
When Is the Best Time to Start Buying Baby Clothes?
The short answer is right after you have found out the gender of your baby. By this, I refer to the period between 18 and 21 weeks. But, in some cases, parents can find out that information earlier, like 12 weeks of the pregnancy.
Moreover, purchasing clothes based on gender may help you save more money. What do I mean by that? Well, depending on gender, you may want to pick clothes in different colors or designs. This way, you will avoid buying more than you need.
However, this doesn’t need to be a strict rule you should follow. This is because some parents like to keep the baby’s gender as a surprise. In that case, you can always purchase unisex clothes. In addition, they are a great option if you are indecisive about what to pick.
I would also add that you shouldn’t buy more than what you need. Buying more baby clothes than required is just not a smart decision. This is because babies grow fast. In this case, you can buy clothes in different sizes so that they’ll fit your baby while they grow.
Continue to read and learn more about what to buy at the beginning to avoid overspending. Besides, I have included advice on how to dress your baby depending on the weather conditions in the place where you live.
First Clothes You Should Buy for Your Baby
Cotton footed pajamas with long sleeves are excellent for most newborns. However, I would recommend purchasing a layette set first. It’s the best choice that contains all you need. If you don’t know what a layette set is, don’t worry, I got you covered.
So, a layette set is a clothing set with a few bodysuits, pajamas, hats, and pants. In addition, the bodysuits come in matching designs. But, some sets may not contain pants. Therefore, if you want a set with pants, make sure to check it before buying it.
A layette set may also include basic accessories. This usually refers to headbands and mittens. Additionally, it can come with burp clothes and blankets. What’s more, you can purchase a layette set that includes baby shampoo and body wash.
After learning about the right time to go shopping and the types of clothes you should buy at the beginning, continue to read and discover how you can dress your newborn depending on the different weather conditions.
Read more: How to Organize Baby Clothes
How to Dress Your Newborn According to the Weather
The place where you live may influence your choice of baby clothes. This is because different places come with different weather conditions. So based on that, you can decide faster when shopping for clothes. Therefore, if you live in a colder area, then your baby must be dressed in warm clothes. For that matter, I recommend footed bodysuits with long sleeves. In addition, add a hat. If the bodysuit doesn’t come with a footed design, don’t forget to wear socks to the baby.
I must mention that it’s a basic rule that most newborns must be dressed properly so that they can stay warmer. When born, the baby can’t fully regulate their body temperature. That’s why you must choose suitable clothes that will keep them warm enough at the beginning.
On another hand, if you live in a warm city, then you must ensure your newborn is dressed in a way that won’t make them feel hot. For that matter, pick minimal clothing. I recommend a simple onesie without adding socks. This advice also applies to dressing your newborn in summer.
Practical Advice for Dressing Your Newborn for Their Arrival Home
As a new mother, you might worry about the car ride as well. But I am here to tell you that you should pay more attention to the baby’s clothes. If your newborn is appropriately dressed, they will be comfortable. Therefore, they will entirely enjoy the car ride from the hospital.
If you live far from the hospital, then you must prepare for the long ride. In addition, a long ride home might require you to change diapers frequently. Besides more diapers, I would recommend bringing two different outfits.
Consider that having two different outfits is just having an excellent backup plan. By this, I mean that in case the clothes get dirty during the diaper changing, you can dress your newborn in another outfit. Also, make sure that the second outfit is in a different size in case the first one doesn’t fit your baby.
An important thing to remember is to choose clothes that won’t irritate the skin of your newborn. Therefore, the outfits must be super soft and comfortable. For that matter, it’s best to choose clothes made of cotton or bamboo. When it comes to design, onesies with long sleeves and a hat are a perfect choice for cold areas. If you live in a hot area, pick onesies with short sleeves.
Also read: How to Wash Baby Clothes
Conclusion
Now you know when is the best time to start buying baby clothes. To recap, you can start buying clothes for your baby between 18 and 21 weeks of your pregnancy. In addition, as I earlier said in the article, if you want to keep your baby’s gender a surprise, then do not worry.
In that case, you can buy unisex clothing, and you can even start shopping earlier. You must make sure you pick high-quality and comfortable outfits. To avoid buying unnecessary things, simply start with a layette set. Regarding the colors, it’s all up to you.
