Infant Clothing Buying Guide

It can be confusing to find the right clothing for your baby.  Infant clothing  roughly covers the first year and a half of your baby's life.  But what do you do if you've got to dress a tiny preemie  (a term for a child born before 38 weeks and often requiring extra small clothing) or a very tall 9-month-old?  What do you put on your baby in the winter to keep them warm?  What do you really need for the first few weeks after the baby is born (hint:no shoes!)?  Calm down and breathe, clothing is the easy part of taking care of a baby.  We've got you covered with some simple solutions to your questions.

Basic buying tips for infants:

It's usually better to buy things slightly larger. Clothing that is too tight leads to an uncomfortable fit. Also, before buying an outfit that fits perfectly, be aware that babies, especially newborns, will grow out of these very quickly. Look for fabrics that stretch, ensuring a snug fit and room to grow.  Many parents opt for layering their children. You may want to purchase sweaters and jackets a size larger than shirts and onesies.  Infant clothing will need to be washed often, quality clothing will keep its shape and texture after many washes.  Watch out for "dry clean only" labels--it can get very expensive to dry clean children's clothes. Keep in mind cheaper clothes will only last one child, high quality clothing can last generations. Avoid fussy clothes and scratchy fabrics. Also avoid buttons, decorations or drawstrings that can be easily pulled off. Mix and match items are great, but Two-piece sets  prevent dad's from making crazy combinations when dressing the baby.

Infant Wardrobe Essentials:

• Undershirts : Also called onesies  (one-pieces) or bodysuits, undershirts are the first layer of clothing for a baby. These items have snaps (poppers) at the bottom. The snappers make it convenient to change dirty diapers and keep the shirt from riding up keeping that tiny tummy covered. Without any extra layers, onesies also make great summertime outfits.
• Tops:  Look for wide head openings or crossover suits. Narrow neck holes make for challenging dressing sessions in the morning. Crossover tops have snaps on the chest thus avoiding having to pull a top over the baby's fragile neck. Regular T-shirts are pretty hassle free, but ride up easily. 
• Sweaters  and sweatshirts:  Both make a great layering pieces. Avoid metal zippers that may snag or damage little fingers. They are great for outings and keeping babies warm on those cold days.
• Skirts  or pants : These should have plenty of room to accommodate a diaper. Go with solid, basic colors that will go with any top. Pants with snaps in the crotch area are much easier to deal with than pull-on pants. 
• Socks:  Buy these little items by the bundle. They tend to disappear in the wash and are so much fun for babies to pull off! Solid colors, although a little boring, a more sensible than those cute patterns since they can be worn with most outfits.
• Pajamas : Make sure to find pairs that are very soft, warm and cozy for restful sleep. Fastening should be simple for late-night diaper changes and fabric should be flame resistant. Pairs with footsies make sure that those tiny feet stay warm since socks tend to fall off.

Sizing

• On most clothing labels, infant sizes will range from NB (new born) to 24 months. Some clothing lines also offer preemie (for babies born prematurely) sizes.
• A 9-month-old baby can weigh 12 pounds or 24 pounds, and clothing labels vary in their sizing, so the best way to properly size your child is to use the weight and height guidelines.
• Once they outgrow infant sizes, look for the toddler's section (baby's 2 ).
• Toddlers sizes will range from 2T to 4T.

One Piece Options
Bodysuits  These are an essential part of any infant's wardrobe. They can be worn by themselves or as the bottom layer of any outfit.	Overalls  Overalls are always a cute and easy option. They can be pulled on and off easily by you, but also stay securely fastened on your baby.	One-Pieces  One-pieces can be used as a complete outfit, as a t-shirt, or as an undergarment and come in various styles and colors.	Pajamas  The right pajamas can help ensure peaceful sleep. Soft fleece or cotton are comfy choices and come in a variety of cute colors and patterns.

Baby Tops
Shirts  From food spills to spit up, any new infant is in need of lots of extra shirts.	Sweaters  Infants need to be more bundled than anyone. Cute sweaters are an asset in any cold climate.	Jackets  A cozy jacket is a practical gift for any new parent. These are usually thick and fluffy in order to keep that precious body warm.	Sweatshirts  Useful in any season, sweatshirts are a necessary component of any infants wardrobe.	Turtlenecks  Turtlenecks are always good for layering and are warmer than a regular shirt.

Baby Bottoms
Pants  More comfortable than jeans, these come in a variety of cute colors and patterns. From light weight to heavier materials, you can choose pairs that will ensure a snug fit.	Jeans  Everybody always needs a good pair of jeans, even infants. They are durable, warm and versatile.	Shorts  Babies can always stay cool with a comfy pair of shorts. They come on and off pretty effortlessely and all they need is a cute t-shirt to make an adorable outfit.	Skirts  Skirts are always fun and make diaper changes easy. Though more useful in warmer weather, they can always be paired with tights for those colder climates.

Special Events
Swimwear  For those hot summer days, infant swimwear always comes in handy. It is great for covering up and protecting that delicate skin.	Costumes  Whether you baby is an angel or super hero, you can find the perfect costume. Choose one that doesn't have a lot of small parts that could fall off or end up in his or her mouth.	Suits  Is your special little guy planning on going to a fancy event? These suits are everything he needs to look extra handsome.	Dresses  From formal to informal, dresses are great for any little princess. They are usually less fuss and less restrictive than other clothing.

Seasonal Clothing
Coats  These coats generally come in the same material as adult coats and can be luxurious or simple or both.	Snow Suit  While they are more difficult to take on and off, snow suits keep your baby warm and dry. Be sure to choose one that doesn't hinder movement and is large enough to layer underneath.	Swimsuit  You're never too little for a day at the beach or pool. In order for your baby to stay comfortable, choose a swim suit that comfortably fits diapers and is easy to move around in.	Robe  These are always warm and cozy for before and after baths. While they aren't necessary, they come in handy for bath time or just playing around the house.

Accessories
Shoes  Whether your infant is about to start walking or far from it, shoes help those tiny feet stay warm and clean.	Bibs Babies are always making a mess, especially when it comes to eating. Bibs are necessary for keeping shirts at least partially clean.	Socks  Though they may seem insignificant, socks are a must have for any infant. Choose some cute and fuzzy pairs to help keep those itty bitty feet warm and cozy.	Hats, Scarves, and Gloves  These cute accessories always come in handy in cold weather. While these small items are harder to keep track of, they always make a cute and useful addition to any winter outfit.

Additional Information:

• Maternity Products -- A shopwiki buying guide on what to wear before the baby arrives.
• Enfamil-- Offers advice on dressing your new baby.