Choosing the right baby clothing may seem like a simple task, but it goes far beyond picking out cute outfits. While it’s true that when we shop for baby clothing, we’re tempted to buy everything because it’s so “adorable,” factors like comfort, safety, practicality, and durability must also be considered.
Let’s explore the most important aspects to ensure your baby is always comfortable, safe, and absolutely adorable!
As we’ve seen, choosing the best baby clothing involves much more than aesthetic concerns. Babies need clothing that is comfortable, safe, and suitable for their size and the climate. Parents, on the other hand, need baby clothing that is practical, making nappy changes easier and ensuring easy care.
When selecting baby clothing, consider the following points:
Newborn skin is extremely sensitive, so it’s essential to choose soft baby clothing that doesn’t cause irritation. Avoid garments with internal labels that might scratch or cause discomfort. Also, ensure that baby clothing is made from hypoallergenic materials and free from harsh chemicals. For example, at Owono Baby, our baby clothing is certified Oeko-Tex Class 1 (which guarantees the absence of harmful substances) and GOTS (awarded to socially responsible and environmentally sustainable products).
In the first months of life, babies need frequent clothing changes, so choose baby clothing that’s easy to put on and take off, like bodysuits with snap buttons at the bottom, smooth zippers, and wide openings.
Depending on the climate in your region and the season, baby clothing should be chosen accordingly. Especially in the first months, when babies grow quickly, it’s better to have fewer items and buy more as the baby grows and as the weather changes. In summer, opt for lightweight and breathable baby clothing, like cotton. In colder seasons, choose warmer materials, such as flannel and wool, and dress your baby in layers.
The baby’s size and weight are crucial factors when choosing baby clothing. Since babies grow rapidly in the first months, it’s better to buy slightly larger baby clothing to accommodate growth and ensure it lasts longer.
This is the most fun part for parents! While comfort and safety should be the priority, who doesn’t love seeing their baby dressed in style, with taste and creativity? If you explore our shop, you’ll find a wide range of baby clothing that combines practicality with attractive design.
It’s clear that comfort is a priority when choosing baby clothing. But how can you ensure you’re selecting the right items? Try creating a checklist with the following questions:
Opt for natural fabrics, such as cotton, as they are softer and less likely to cause irritation on the baby’s sensitive skin. Organic cotton is a particularly good option, as it is grown without pesticides and chemicals.
As mentioned earlier, internal labels can cause discomfort to the baby. The same goes for rough or protruding seams. To prevent any discomfort, check the softness of the seams and, if necessary, remove the labels.
It may seem insignificant, but small buttons, ribbons, or other decorations can pose a choking hazard. To avoid this concern, opt for simple baby clothing without small parts that could come loose.
Elasticity and fit are key when looking for baby clothing! Only clothes with good elasticity and a proper fit to the body ensure that the baby can move freely and feel comfortable all day long.
When the weather is cold, it’s important to consider baby clothing that can be layered. This way, you can adjust the number of layers as the temperature changes, whether because of moving between different environments or the natural variation during the day. A multi-layer system ensures that the baby is always comfortable.
Choosing the correct size of baby clothing is essential for ensuring comfort and safety. Although sizes are typically labelled by age, there are other important factors to consider.
Usually, baby clothing is labelled by age (0-3 months; 6-12 months; etc.), but it’s important to remember that each child grows at a different rate, so these labels should only be used as a general guide.
In addition to age, weight and height are more precise measurements for choosing the right size of baby clothing. For example, if a six-month-old baby is taller or heavier than average, it’s better to buy the next size up (9 months).
With this in mind, parents and family members who like to buy baby clothing before the baby is born should consider purchasing a larger size to ensure it fits and can accommodate the baby’s growth during the first few weeks.
As the baby grows, regularly compare their measurements to the size guidelines provided by manufacturers. This will help you understand the baby’s growth pattern and determine which sizes are best at each stage.
Choosing the fabric is one of the most important aspects when it comes to baby clothing. The quality of the fibres in contact with the baby’s sensitive skin - and often with their mouth - is crucial for ensuring comfort, safety, and health. To avoid irritation and allergies, the priority should be given to natural, soft-to-the-touch, hypoallergenic, and breathable fabrics. Let’s look at some options:
The most common of the recommended fabrics for baby clothing, cotton is soft, breathable, and absorbs moisture well, keeping the baby comfortable in different climates and environments. In the case of organic cotton, like the one we use at Owono Baby, these qualities are enhanced by its cultivation without pesticides and chemicals, further reducing the risk of allergies.
Renewable and fast-growing, using very little water, bamboo helps capture carbon from the atmosphere. Fabrics made from this plant are naturally antibacterial, breathable, and incredibly soft, which is why it’s becoming increasingly popular in baby clothing. In some cases, the manufacturing process can be chemically intensive, so always look for Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or FSC certifications to ensure the products are eco-friendly.
Merino wool is an excellent choice, and it’s a mistake to think it’s only for winter use. Merino sheep, living in regions with wide temperature ranges, such as the Iberian Peninsula, have developed the ability to adapt to both heat and cold. Similarly, their wool has natural temperature-regulating properties, providing warmth in cold weather and ventilation in hot weather. In addition to regulating body temperature and moisture, this type of wool has finer fibres, making it more flexible, extremely soft, and perfect for a baby’s sensitive skin. To ensure it comes from ethically treated animals, choose wool certified by RWS or GOTS.
Flannel is an excellent option for winter baby clothing. Soft, warm, and cosy, it’s ideal for pyjamas and warm sleepwear. Since it can be made from cotton or wool, follow the recommendations for these two fibres.
Linen is a good choice for warmer months. Lightweight, breathable, and moisture-absorbent, linen is ideal for keeping babies cool in the summer. Although slightly more expensive, linen is durable and becomes softer with each wash.
With all this in mind, you’ll be ready to put together a comfortable, safe, and environmentally responsible wardrobe for your baby. And of course, it will be beautiful and charming!
Now, “lose yourself” exploring the wonderful baby clothes available in our shop...
