Selecting Babies First Clothes

Fri, August 13, 2004


Part of the excitement of planning for a new baby is gathering the tiny clothes. As you select the clothing, your baby's comfort should be uppermost in your mind. If your child feels comfortable and secure, it doesn't matter if clothes are pink or blue, purchased or inherited.

A large selection of infant apparel is available today, and you may be tempted to buy impractical items or more than your baby needs. The information in this publication may help you decide about clothes for your infant, but the final decision is yours-based on your family needs, income, life style, and available time.

Infants grow very fast. You don't need many items in the smallest sizes because your baby will soon need the next size larger. If there are other children in the family or if friends and relatives have hand-me-downs, you'll need to purchase fewer clothes.

Basic Layette
Clothes help you keep your baby comfortable, warm, and healthy. You adjust the number of layers of clothing your baby wears according to the surrounding environmental temperature. If you are a new parent and are unsure how to dress your baby, you can ask for advice from someone who is more experienced in child care.

As you prepare for baby, keep in mind the most important needs. (See table 1.) Hooded baby bath towels (two or three) and special washcloths, a sleeping bag or bunting for outings, and bibs are optional items. Even if you plan to use disposable diapers, some flat cloth diapers are handy to use folded as protection for your shoulder while burping your baby or for placing under baby when he or she is not in a bassinet or crib.

Table 1. Basic layette

3 to 6 gowns, kimonos, or one-piece sleepers
4 to 6 undershirts (cotton knit)
3 to 6 receiving blankets (flannelette)
2 to 3 crib sheets
1 to 2 crib blankets (waffle weave, fleece or quilted)
1 sweater and cap
booties or socks
waterproof pads of assorted size
3 to 4 dozen diapers and 3 to 6 pairs of waterproof pants (unless using disposables)

Choosing Baby Clothes
Infant clothing is designed to appeal to adults. Unfortunately, comfort and appeal don't always go together. Read labels and examine clothing features carefully.


  • Fabrics
    Soft, lightweight fabrics are best for baby's clothing, but not all fabrics are equally comfortable. A fabric must have "breathability" so body moisture can evaporate. This is particularly important in summer months when baby will be uncomfortable and perhaps develop a rash if perspiration can't evaporate.

    Cotton is an absorbent, breathable fiber. Baby will be most comfortable in clothes that are cotton or blends with a high percentage of cotton. In nylon or polyester/cotton blends, the cotton helps provide absorbency and breathability. If a garment is made entirely of synthetic fiber, such as nylon or polyester, use a cotton undershirt next to baby's skin.

    Knit fabrics are a good choice for babies. Good quality knits usually retain their shape, do not shrink, and do not need ironing. Some labels may mention that they are shrink resistant.

    Look for care information on labels. Infant clothes should be machine washable in hot water. Dryer drying may cause shrinkage of some untreated cotton knits.

  • Design
    Comfortable fit and allowance for rapid infant growth come through the design of a garment- not by buying it several sizes too large. In children's clothing, simplicity is usually associated with good design. Some features to look for are:

  • garments that hang from the shoulders;
  • raglan or kimono sleeves (if set-in sleeves, make sure armholes are large);
  • a minimum of seams, non-bulky seams;
  • large neck openings, full-length openings, and a minimum number of easy-to-manipulate fasteners, to make dressing and undressing baby easy;
  • easy access to diaper so outfit does not have to be removed to change diaper;
  • either no collar or a collar that lies flat and does not add bulk;
  • smooth, flat seams that are flexible; and
  • finished edges and trims that are not bulky or irritating to the skin.
    Avoid clothing that has tight bands or cuffs; tight elastic that goes all the way around arms, legs, or body; and exposed zippers near the neckline.

  • Size
    Children's sizes vary from one brand to another, but labels may indicate the weight and height the manufacturer had in mind. There is no standard sizing in the children's wear industry. Manufacturers may voluntarily use the standard size tables, issued by the American Society for Testing and Materials, that are based on nude height and weight as well as numerous other measurements. (See table 2.) When buying for a new baby, three-to six-month sizes are recommended since babies grow so quickly.

    Table 2. Size standards issued by the American Society for Testing and Materials

    Age in months
    0-3 3-6 6-9 9-12 12-18
    Height (in.) Up to 23.5 24-26.5 27-28.5 29-30.5 31-32.5
    Weight (lbs.) Up to 12 12.5-16 16.5-18 18.5-20 20.5-24

    Diapers and Health
    Infants wear diapers all of the time. Most parents today use single-use disposable diapers, but you may decide to use cloth diapers for your baby. Babies can be equally healthy with either cloth or disposable diapers. Most child care providers cannot accept children unless they have disposable diapers. Studies have established that disposables tend to keep babies dryer and maintain normal skin pH. With cloth diapers, babies must be changed more frequently to avoid conditions that lead to diaper rash. Sometimes the older generation and grandparents have strong opinions about diapering, but parents today have different time constraints. You must decide what fits your life style.

  • Disposable Diapers
    Single-use diapers are made with plastic (polyethylene) covers, cellulosic fluff, liquid-absorbing materials that form gels in the middle layer, and polypropylene liners next to the baby's skin. The diapers are shaped to fit and hold urine; they keep baby's skin dryer than do cotton diapers. Single-use diapers leak less than cloth diapers with rubber pants and are considered more sanitary in child care settings.

    Studies show families use an average of seven disposable diapers per day. The cost per diaper of the various sizes (newborn through toddler) has decreased over time as nationwide use of disposables has increased. Today, if all the costs associated with doing the laundry are considered, there is little difference between the cost of using disposable diapers and the cost of using cloth diapers.

    Caring for Disposables
    Proper care of disposables will help maintain a germ-free environment for your baby. Empty feces in the toilet. Fold diapers with soiled area inside. Wrap in a recycled shopping bag or newspaper and put with garbage for disposal. Do not leave soiled disposable diapers on diaper tables in public restrooms or other public areas such as park benches.

  • Cloth Diapers
    Reusable diapers are almost always made of cotton because of its absorbency. You can find birds eye, flannelette, knit, or gauze diapers if you shop around and consider mail-order sources. Gauze diapers usually are 21-by-40- inch rectangles of fabric that must be folded differently to fit as the baby grows during the diapering period. Cloth diapers can be doubled up for extra absorbency as needed.

    Form-fitted, prefolded, or preshaped multi-layered diapers also are available. They are convenient and some styles have attached waterproof covers with adjustable snaps. If you opt for these, remember that they will be outgrown and you'll need to get a supply of the larger size for the toddler years. Fitted diapers are more expensive than regular cloth diapers and take longer to dry in the dryer, adding to utility bills.

    Caring for Cloth Diapers
    Proper laundering of cloth diapers is essential to baby's health. Follow these steps:

    1. Rinse soiled diapers in the toilet bowl to remove solid waste, being careful not to flush the diaper and clog the drain.

    2. Collect the day's soiled diapers in a pail containing a soak solution of cold water mixed with either borax and detergent; all-fabric bleach and detergent; diaper soak product; or one or two tablespoons of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water.

    3. Launder diapers daily for better sanitation and odor control. Pour diapers and soaking solution into the washer and spin.

    4. Use detergent and warm water in the washer presoak cycle; spin again.

    5. Wash in hot water with detergent and diluted chlorine bleach to sanitize. It probably will not be necessary to bleach with every wash.

    6. Rinse thoroughly in cold water to remove all detergent residues. Avoid using too much fabric softener too often because it can reduce absorbency of diapers.

    7. Use regular dryer setting or line dry.


    The type of detergent probably is not critical, but carbonate-based detergents tend to build up in fabrics if wash water is hard. This will make diapers feel harsh. Fabric softeners will not help this. You can avoid this problem by using heavy-duty liquid detergents, phosphate detergents, or soaps advertised for diaper laundering.

  • Diaper Service
    In some locations a diaper service may be available, but few exist in Iowa now that single-use disposable diapers have become so popular. Diaper service costs more than home laundering or using disposables. Nevertheless, if you have strong convictions that cloth diapers are your choice and time is limited, a diaper service might be just what you want.

    Waterproof Diaper Covers and Pants
    With disposable diapers that fit closely around the waist and legs, waterproof pants may be unnecessary. Diaper covers are needed for cloth diapers.

    Covers may open out flat for changing and have Velcro(R), gripper, or snap fasteners. Plastic pants may look big, but they need to be roomy to cover the diaper. As the baby grows, larger sizes will be needed because with cloth diapers, two diapers may be used at the same time for extra absorbency. Be sure that elasticized waists and legs don't get too tight so that they "cut" or leave red marks on the baby's skin.

    Plastic pants can be washed with diapers to prevent odor and staining. Do not put plastic pants in the dryer because they could melt or catch fire.

    Sleepwear
    Baby spends most of the time sleeping. Sleepwear ranges from gowns that open partway down the front and tie at the bottom, or kimonos that open all the way down the front, to sacques (short kimonos sometimes called diaper shirts) and one- and two-piece pajamas.

    Lightweight jersey knit fabrics are the most popular for sleepwear, but some woven fabrics also are used. Terry, napped, and plain textures are available in a variety of fibers. Federal law requires that all children's sleepwear in sizes 0-6X and 7-14 meet specific standards for flame resistance.

    Flame resistance or flame retardance means that fabrics resist catching fire, burn slowly in contact with a flame source, and may self-extinguish or be easily extinguished by slapping or smothering when the flame is removed. Flame resistance and flame retardance mean the same thing.

    Sleepwear may be advertised as "chem-free." This means that flame retardancy or flame resistance is accomplished by changing the fiber so it is inherently flame resistant. Flame retardant fibers found in children's sleepwear are vinyon, modacrylic, and some polyesters. These fabrics do not have an extra chemical treatment to pass the children's sleepwear flammability standard.

    Look for sleepwear with large neck openings, fasteners that are easy to manipulate, and reinforced, durable flat seams. Any trim should be simple, non-bulky and non-irritating. Pay special attention to pajamas with feet-there should be ample room for baby's feet to wiggle and grow.

    Undershirts
    In cool temperatures, baby may need an undershirt under the sleepwear. Undershirts of 100 percent cotton knit may be most comfortable for baby and will be outgrown before they wear out. Cotton blends may hold their shape better and may be more durable. Wrap-style undershirts may make dressing baby easier than those that pull on over the head. The double-breasted wrap styles either tie or close in front with grippers. Grippers tend to pull out of the fabric easily unless reinforced. Pull-on shirts are easier to manage if they have expandable neck openings (overlapping at front and back shoulders). In hot weather, sleeveless shirts with wide shoulder straps may be enough; a high-back neck will help keep straps from slipping off shoulders.

    Receiving Blankets
    Receiving blankets usually are made of flannel, but knits and terry are other popular fabrics. They are available in several sizes or weights. They may serve as towels, light-weight wraps, or blankets.

    Crib deaths are very rare, but you should be aware that placing babies on their tummies with lots of blankets around them increases the risk of smothering.

    Crib Blankets, Buntings, and Sleeping Bags
    All three are not really necessary. Look for maximum warmth and minimum weight- several lightweight layers are preferable to one bulky layer. Look for growth features in buntings and bags - raglan sleeves and bottoms that can be let out, for example. Zippers should have an underlay of fabric to protect baby's skin. Avoid slippery or slick fabrics that make it difficult to hold onto the baby.

    Sweaters and Caps
    Cardigan style sweaters are best; they should be closely knit of soft, fine yarns. Look for raglan sleeves, no collar or very flat collar, and cuffs that are not too tight. Fiber content may be acrylic, cotton, or lambs wool. A cap should fit snugly but not tightly over the child's head, cover the ears, and fasten comfortably under the chin. Caps that come in a set with sweaters often are too small; if possible check the fit before buying.

    Infant Footwear
    Footed pajamas, slipper socks, socks or booties are adequate protection for baby's feet. Shoes really aren't necessary until baby begins to stand/walk and they are only needed then for protection, not support. Make sure anything that goes on baby's feet is roomy and does not bind or pinch. Cotton socks are best because they are absorbent.

    Dress-up Clothing
    Thin cotton/linen blend voiles with embroidery designs in tiny dresses and diaper sets are almost irresistible. Before you buy, consider how often these clothes will be worn, how soon they will be outgrown, and that dress-up outfits are favorite gift items. As you select dress-up clothes, avoid tight bands, tight elastic, bulky or scratchy trims, fabrics that don't "breathe" and designs that make dressing and undressing a chore. Keep in mind that comfort and safety are most important for baby's clothing.


    Reprinted with permission from National Network for Child Care -NNCC. Stone, J. (1994).
    Consumer choices series, Selecting baby's first clothes. [Pm 1582]. Ames, IA: Iowa State University Extension.
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