Baby Clothes
Theme Your Gift : Baby Clothes Gift Theme
Pink and blue are hardly the only option for babies these days. Adorable little outfits now come in a full range of designer options. Give the new baby in your life the basics or choose something fancy…you really can’t go wrong with clothes since babies grow so fast they always need new ones! Just remember to choose something machine washable since new parents don’t have time to hand wash or iron…and most clothing is by age and weight rather then size. Also, simple is usually best. Anything too complicated to take on and off will gather dust in the closet since babies get their clothes changed frequently due to spills, stains, and overflows.
Layettes are like starter kits for babies, often coming with a onesie, a sleep and play outfit, a hat and a bib. They are usually available primarily for newborns and help frazzled new parents have clothes on hand when baby comes home. Often they come in pink, blue, or a neutral (in case you don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl).
Onesies are an essential element of every baby’s wardrobe. They can be layered under other outfits or worn by themselves over diapers and come in every size and color imaginable. You can get them in sets of three or more so there is always a clean one around. The cutest onesies come with designs or playful phrases and all cost just a few dollars.
Although it may seem silly to spend much on an outfit that will only be worn once or twice, every baby needs a few dress-up outfits. Whether it’s a white christening gown, a little red velvet holiday dress, a cute little Halloween costume, or something special for pictures, it can be great fun to choose a few fancier outfits! If you find a perfect little dress or pant suit for baby to wear in a few months or even next year, make sure that the age and season are appropriate. For example, don’t get that little sundress for a 6 month old if baby will be 6 months old in January…she’ll have outgrown it before it is warm enough outside to wear it.
Babies sleep far more then eight hours a day (although sadly seldom all in a row). Sleepwear includes little footed suits, pajamas, and sleep sacks to keep baby warm and cozy. Many are designed for sleep or play and can be worn all day. The softest fleece sleep sack and matching hat make a great gift for newborns. Footed suits usually snap up the front and between the legs, making them easy to open for diaper changes and often become a favorite for parents.
Mix it up with a whole variety of tops and bottoms. Little pants can easily go over onesies or under little dresses and shirts and come in almost every color. Sweaters, jackets, and sweatshirts come in similar styles to adult clothes…you can get a jacket declaring dad’s favorite sports team or a sweet little cardigan with embroidered flowers.
Although baby probably won’t be walking until almost a year old, those tiny little feet and toes definitely need to be kept warm in cooler weather. Shopping for socks and shoes can be great fun…baby footwear can be especially playful. Socks usually come in sets of three or more and come in a rainbow of colors. Since they get kicked off easily and often lost, it never hurts to have a good selection. Little pink slippers, patent leather shoes, miniature boots, shoes in the shape of animals…or socks that look like shoes with painted on buckles are all available.
Whether born with a full head of hair or bald as an egg, babies can’t regulate their temperature for several months. Those tiny little fingers have razor sharp nails and since baby can’t really control them yet, scratches are common. This is where hats and accessories come in! Get a fuzzy little hat with teddy bear ears to keep baby warm in the car or on walks. Soft cotton hats often come in sets for baby to sleep in. Little cotton mittens can be slipped over hands to protect that silky soft skin from scratches.
Keeping baby dressed will be an ongoing adventure for new parents. It’s amazing how fast babies grow…they are soon far too big for those newborn outfits. When giving baby clothes, consider outfits for 6 months or later in addition to the little layette sets or packs of onesies. Don’t be afraid to take a risk on colors and patterns…think outside the box and choose purple or red instead of pink for girls or shades of green for boys instead of the classic blue. Baby clothes can cost as little as $10 dollars, so it’s easy to afford a couple of cute things. Feel like splurging a bit? Buy a soft sleep sack and something fancy like a little suit or holiday dress or get a plush organic layette set.
TIP: GiftStashers, create a registry called Baby Clothes Gift Theme and save choices there until you're ready to buy.