| When a new baby arrives it's common for the proud | | | | need to be changed several times a day so to avoid |
| parents to be given lots of baby clothes as a gift but | | | | excess hassle, choose clothes with easily removable |
| it is difficult to know which items are best for your | | | | studs or buttons. Woollen tights might look adorable |
| baby when you first start shopping for an infant | | | | on a baby girl but once you've had to remove them |
| yourself. There's no shortage of advice from medical | | | | to change a few nappies they quickly start to |
| staff, friends and family on the healthcare aspects of | | | | become less appealing. |
| caring for a newborn but seemingly simple things like | | | | Colours |
| buying clothes can be completely baffling. | | | | Many clothes shops still seem to stick to the |
| Babies and children get through an astounding amount | | | | traditional colour schemes of pastel pink for baby girls |
| of clothing as they outgrow outfits so quickly. A | | | | and light blue for boys but the range of clothing |
| great way to save a bit of money is to pick up | | | | colours around today is much more extensive. Bold, |
| some inexpensive garments from second hand | | | | bright colours are fantastic for babies as they will not |
| stores or from friends or relatives with older children. | | | | show up stains as easily as pastel hues. Moreover, if |
| Remember to wash and dry any clothes thoroughly, | | | | you are likely to have any more children in the future, |
| whether second hand or brand new, before putting | | | | bright clothing is great for passing down to younger |
| them on your baby. You will want to make sure that | | | | siblings as it looks great on babies of either gender. |
| all the baby clothing you buy is machine washable as, | | | | As new babies grow so quickly, it is worth keeping |
| realistically, it's all going to get dirty sooner or later. | | | | this in mind to get maximum use out of your |
| Sizes and Styles | | | | purchases. |
| You will find that almost all childrens' clothing is clearly | | | | Blankets and Shawls |
| labelled with age ranges to assist you in choosing the | | | | Newborns in particular enjoy the comfort and safety |
| right size. However, these serve as a guide only, as | | | | of being wrapped tightly in a blanket or shawl when |
| not all babies grow at the same rate, so don't be | | | | sleeping so you will want to have around 4 or 5 |
| afraid to use your own judgement. It's a good idea | | | | coverlets. Blankets should be machine washable and |
| to take some of your baby's current wardrobe with | | | | made from cotton or flannel as this will feel soft |
| you when you go shopping for new items to | | | | against baby's skin. Try to have one or two heavier |
| compare the sizes with what fits well now. | | | | blankets on standby too to place over a sleeping |
| When choosing clothes for your baby it is sometimes | | | | baby on colder nights. |
| tempting to pick up a posh dress or tiny designer | | | | Choosing clothes for your baby can seem daunting at |
| jeans but it's worth bearing in mind that more | | | | first but there are plenty of people around to turn to |
| expensive clothes are not always better and are in | | | | for advice. Talk to other parents and exchange tips |
| fact often impractical as they can impede your | | | | on what works well and what doesn't. |
| baby's movement. Also remember that baby will | | | | |