More than ever, we’re seeing a rise in organic baby apparel and natural children’s brands. As parents learn about the health warnings and adverse environmental effects caused by the textile industry, they want cleaner and safer products for their babies; they want organic.
As we began to explore options for organic and natural baby brands, we were thrilled to discover a wide range of labels varying in style, location, and price point. These organic baby collections are not only chic and affordable, but they’re better for your child’s skin and overall health. To further pamper and protect your little one, check out our favourite natural and organic baby care brands as well!
Every new parent goes through a learning curve. You discover new phrases like “four-month sleep regression” and “mastitis,” you come to understand why diapers are sold in bulk and you realize the value of well-designed baby clothes and booties that actually stay on. So where can you find the best baby clothes?
Sure, you can hit up tons of baby boutiques and big-box stores in search of the perfect items, or spend countless hours scrolling through online picks. But to save you time (and stress), we’ve put together a cheat sheet of the best baby clothes brands for different needs, whether you’re looking for organic baby clothes, the perfect preemie outfits or the best bodysuits in town.
Here are the baby wardrobe essentials you’ll want to stock up on—and a few cute options to try.
Whether you’re starting your baby registry, staring down a mountain of shower gifts or looking into the wide eyes of your days-old newborn (who, surprise, just spit up again!), chances are, you may have that nagging sense that you’re missing some infant wardrobe-essentials. And you very well might be—with all the adorable stuff out there, it’s easy to miss the not-so-obvious but oh-so-necessary items. Here, we’ve made a shortlist of the essential baby clothes every new mom should own, along with a few cute options to try.
Bodysuits
They’re a shirt. They’re a complete outfit. They’re whatever you want them to be. Infant bodysuits—aka onesies—are must-haves for your newborn’s wardrobe. They’re a go-to shower gift, but it’s a good idea to have varying sizes on hand, so you can keep pace with your quickly growing baby. Plus, with infants going through as many as four or five clean ones in a day (hello, spit-up and blowouts), you can practically never have enough.
It’s nice to have a selection of solids as well as prints to easily mix and match—but regardless of the pattern, look for ones with envelope-style necks. What’s that, you ask? Those cute little flaps on the shoulders actually serve a vital purpose: After a major diaper leak, they let you pull the bodysuit down over baby’s torso and legs instead of up over the head for a more sanitary outfit change.
Kimono Tops
Besides being super-cute, these loose T-shirts with side snaps or ties minimize contact with a newborn’s still sensitive umbilical cord stump. Plus, while you and baby are still getting used to dressing, having shirts that don’t have to pull over your infant’s face can be a real lifesaver. Kimono-style tops come in short and long sleeve options and can be worn as a top or a thin sweater over a bodysuit.
Beanie Hats
Think you don’t need a hat for your summer baby? Think again. There’s a reason the hospital nurses popped a hat on your brand new baby’s head, even before a diaper: Since newborns get cold easily, a hat is a great way to regulate their body temperature. Throw a beanie hat in your diaper bag and pull it out in a chilly restaurant, car or store to keep your little one comfy regardless of what the weather does. Some styles have a tip that you tie into a knot, letting you easily adjust the size as baby grows.
Baby Socks
Think of infant socks as teeny climate controllers. Regardless of what month your baby was born, having plenty of socks makes it simple to make sure those teeny feet stay warm, whether it’s cold outside or artic inside thanks to blasting AC. Plus, socks can create an outfit out of anything, even if the baby is sporting just a bodysuit. (Think of what a statement your own footwear can make!) Of course, babies are notorious for kicking their socks off, so look for options with sturdy elastic tops. Another shopping tip: Buy several packs of the same colour or pattern, so it won’t be an emergency if one goes missing. After all, those tiny socks are hard to keep track of.
Sleepers
Sleepers, pyjamas, footies—whatever you call them, know that babies can do a whole lot more than sleep in these cozy one-piece looks. A sleeper is great for keeping baby warm and cozy on outings or during playtime at home, and they make for easy diaper changes. Stock up on a few of these, since you’ll likely be going through at least one a night.
Baby Leggings
Soft, stretchy baby leggings are endlessly versatile. They’re great for quick walks in the baby carrier, when the weather turns cool and when baby begins to creep or crawl. And there are endless ways to style them: Pulled up over a bodysuit, paired with a kimono top or under dresses or shorts. Look for ones in comfortable fabrics like cotton that won’t pull or chafe.
Rompers
Also sometimes called a one-piece or bubble, a romper is a top and bottom all in one, usually with snaps at the crotch for easy diaper changes. Not only do rompers mean fewer pieces of clothing to put on a squirmy baby, but they also usually come in fun, fashion-forward styles, making them an ideal option for playdates, family gatherings or photo shoots, or just for a cute warm-weather look.
Bloomers
Sure, you could get away with not having bloomers—but why would you want to? Bloomers, aka diaper covers, can come in handy regardless of whether you have a boy or a girl. While many parents are familiar with a cute, ruffley underpants-like cover peeking out from under a dress, bloomers can also be paired with a bodysuit or kimono top, worn over leggings on chilly days or simply on its own in hot weather. If you have a girl, remember that boomers don’t need to perfectly match a dress; mix and match solid colours for a cool look.
Baby Sunglasses
Not only do babies in sunglasses look oh-so-A-list, but the shades can also help protect their tiny peepers from the sun’s strong rays. Look for lenses that offer 100 per cent UV protection, and pop them on your infant before you head out for a stroll. Remember, sunglasses aren’t just a summertime look—reflections in the winter can be just as glaring.