It’s hard to know what sizes you need to keep a baby properly clothed. Maybe you’re a new parent who doesn’t know, well, anything; maybe you’ve had a bit of a gap since the last kid and you need a refresher. Or you’re a childless person who is about to go to a baby shower with half a dozen newborn-sized ball gowns. Put them down and read these tips for picking out baby clothes first.
A Reddit thread from r/LifeProTips started by rock_fact is a bounty of important things to remember when you’re buying clothes for a tiny human who will grow at an astronomical rate. If you’ve had a few kids, your collection of hand-me-downs will likely cover most needs. For a starter set, here are some things to consider.
Up-Size
The thread’s initiator started the conversation by suggesting, “If you’re going to a baby shower, consider bringing clothes in sizes that aren’t newborn or 0-3 months. A lot of people receive clothes in these sizes and don’t have as many options when their baby grows out of them.”
They added that 3-6 months and 6-9 months are great options and should apply to nappies as well. That newborn will soon be a solid loaf of a baby, and eventually a toddler. Look at how narrow the size/age range is to get an idea of how quickly that happens.
Some babies are too big even at birth for newborn clothes, as koolman2 writes:
My 10:4 (4.65 kg) son went straight to 3 mo clothing. My 8:13 (4.0 kg) daughter wore 0-3 for a month, but newborn size didn’t fit at all.
It’s easier for a baby to grow into clothing than it is to squeeze a squirming infant into a onesie that doesn’t fit. Go big or go home (with your thoughtful gift).
Consider The Season
When is this baby going to be born? As qOJOb wrote, “Do the maths and buy season-appropriate clothing.”
If the due date is in late summer, a jumper for a newborn won’t be much use. Buy something that child will fit into in July. Maybe you’re in a place without much seasonal change, but if things get hot and cold, consider how old the child will be during the most extreme temperatures of the year.
Be Practical
Boo, I hate practicality. So do many people, which is why we so easily get sucked into buying what’s cute instead of what will actually fit or protect a baby from the elements. It’s hard to resist getting adorable sailor outfits when what’s needed is a stack of indestructible onesies. But do it — for the wee babe. dns12999 writes:
I’m a dad of two girls my advise is of going to a shower for a girl especially if she’s going to be born in colder months buy her some pants! Yes all the frilly dresses are adorable but my girl had almost no pants because all the women wanted to buy cute dresses.
How dare you blame the women, sir! Especially when we’re the ones most often suckered into going to these events. He is right that you should put pants on your baby registry list, because yes, you will need them no matter the weather.
This tip for what to get for both baby and mum comes from someone I’m willing to bet is a veteran baby shower attendee, vivagypsy:
For baby showers I usually give bulk onesies in multiple colours/patterns and sizes, the boon “grass” drying rack, a bulk pack of cloth diapers to use as burp cloths, and the basket to put pacifiers and bottle parts in to put everything in the dishwasher. I get rave fucking reviews for my baby shower gifts lol, it’s always so practical and useful. Your baby will live in onesies all the time anyway and you will need a million burp cloths. Not to mention handwashing 8 million bottle parts gets old FAST so the basket makes your life so much easier.
When baby is born, that’s when you hit mum with the gift. Baby doesn’t need any more shit, but a baby has exited the mum – give her the goods. For this I usually do her favourite snacks, 1 or 2 pairs of very comfortable but cute PJs, some skincare items for showering and after since that kind of self care makes you feel like a person and not just a cow/human napkin, and a few “coupons” for free babysitting, meals, or cleaning by me.
Practical and kind. Other practical issues that came up were picking clothes with zippers or Velcro instead of buttons, because sleep deprivation makes those buttons way too much of a challenge. Noted.
Show The Receipts
Some commenters said they just give a gift card at this point, and leave it to the parents to decide what they need. If you must pick something, kittifish wrote to include a receipt in the gift:
It takes 2 seconds to ask for a gift receipt.
2 days ago I received a set of newborn sleepers for my 6 day old infant. I couldn’t even get them over her head. But without a receipt I didn’t even know where the sleepers were from. It’s sad because I REALLY liked them. So thanks for the gift, dear friend, but it’s getting donated. Seems like a waste of money no matter how clearanced the item is.
Have SOME Fun
Hey, if you’re gonna buy something impractical, make it entertaining for yourself. naigung wrote:
My wife also gets goofy costume outfits as gifts for people (for whichever holiday is close) because she wants to see if they get uploaded online. 7/7 have been uploaded so far.
They’re only tiny and unable to protest being dressed up as a pumpkin this once.
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