As you look down on your newborn during those first few days, you may wonder at the tiny, precious creature. Then, in what simultaneously feels like days and also decades, your baby is giving you backache and you hope that they won’t stretch their legs out as it reminds you that they need to move up ANOTHER babygro size! The organised amongst you will probably be planning to buy baby clothes in multiple sizes. After all, it’s no secret that babies grow quickly. But if you’re buying in advance, how many baby clothes do you actually need in each size for the first year?
The Basics
A safe number is 8-10 vests per size (or bodysuits, depending on your terminology). This is the first layer, and from the explosive power poo to changing time mishaps, the vest bears the brunt a lot of the time. Add to this a similar number of babygros. Beyond 6 months old, babygros tend to become bedclothes so you won’t get through as many.
Different shapes and sizes
Babies aren’t standard sizes. This means more than just whether you have a 6lb pixie or a 10lb beefcake. Babies’ parts grow at different times. So your baby could have a proportionally long body, legs or arms. Then they’ll fill out. Then they’ll stretch again. This means that different brands might fit your particular baby better at different times. So it’s worth varying where you shop.
The Laundry
Rotation is key to managing baby dressing. There will be days (not many, but they’ll happen) when your baby will finish the day in the same outfit they started in. Most days, however, will involve at least one change of clothes. Leaky nappies, dribbly mouths, and milk sick all take their toll. So expect to be doing laundry every couple of days to avoid running out of spares.
Borrow
If you’re not the first one in your circle to have a baby, then you may be lucky enough to receive a bundle of neutral newborn clothes that’s been doing the rounds. This is ideal as these clothes get worn so little that it makes no sense for everyone to buy new. Nearly new sales or online marketplaces are also ideal for picking up pre-loved bundles of basics for the early months.
Accessories
How about hats, gloves, socks, booties, and bibs? Yes, you’ll need a couple of hats for warmth, a sun hat for bright months and footwear for when they’re not in a full babygro. But it’s really up to you how much you want to accessorise your baby. Just remember that this stuff has a habit of getting lost!
Fashion Statements
How trendy you dress your baby is really a matter of preference. Sticking to babygros can relieve the mental load for some, and dressing up can offer mental stimulation to others. You’ll be gifted outfits you love, ones you hate, and you’ll probably see stuff in the shops that you can’t resist. Wherever you fall on the fashion front, just try not to sweat it – anyone who judges you by your baby’s garb is not worth it!
Practical Life
Yes, dresses and dungarees are really cute on babies. But there’s a period between about 6 months to a year (depending on the baby – remember they’re all different) when they start to crawl and their knees shuffle up and get stuck inside the outfit. If you’re not keen on the sound of frustrated screaming then maybe leggings / joggers are a good bet for this stage…
It can be easy to get caught in the whirlwind of baby clothes sizes. Even to worry that your baby doesn’t fit the ‘standard’ high street sized clothes for their age. If you have real concerns then there is always a health professional who you can check in with. But remember that babies are little human beings who are all different and grow at different rates. You’ll have good clothes days and bad clothes days. In fact, some of these outfits will come to represent precious memories, so embrace that, and enjoy the ride!
In Search of the Perfect Maternity Jean
