Ellie & Melissa:
Look, how cute it is, it comes with shoes – look at this one..a butterfly ... on the tushie! Laughing ...
Ellie:
Baby clothes are so adorable.
Melissa:
But how do you outfit your little one in comfort and style – and stay within budget?
Ellie & Melissa:
Hi, we're Ellie and Melissa, the Baby Planners, and we'll help you build that fabulous wardrobe step by step.
(Charlie Chaplin type music)
Ellie & Melissa:
Factoring in spills and diaper changes – baby will definitely go through more than one outfit a day.
So it's practical to have plenty of the basics – enough to last from one wash to the next.
To start, you are likely to need: at least 4 one piece undershirts – commonly known as onesies; a couple of sleeper gowns; at least two footed body suits;
about 4 t-shirts with side openings and a couple of footed pants to match; around three hats to warm baby's head; a few pairs of booties – but not shoes, not yet!;
and as many bibs, receiving and swaddling blankets as you like.
Depending on the season, you might also add sun hats or swimsuits for summer – or sweaters, snowsuits and mittens for winter.
Melissa:
The French word layette can refer to a baby's entire wardrobe – or clothing sold in a sets – complete with bibs, blankets and booties.
Ellie:
Combos maybe eye catching – but they can be expensive – and impractical – unless you actually use all the articles included.
Melissa:
Of course, you will want a few special occasion outfits – that's gorgeous – there are pictures to take – and albums to fill!
Oh, yeah, learning to put those fingers in your mouth, huh?
Ellie & Melissa:
In the beginning, sleep wear is perfectly fine day and night until there is some semblance of a regular schedule.
Look for clothes with easy access – dressing a baby is simple with snaps, Velcro and zippers. Easy does it though, Always place your hand between the zipper and baby's skin.
Take a close look at the fabric. It should be washable – and durable. 100 percent cotton is a safe choice for sensitive, newborn skin.
There's also eco-friendly organic cotton – though it may come with a higher price tag.
All baby clothes, except for heavy wraps or outerwear, should be washed in gentle detergent before the first wear.
Sizing on baby labels can be more than a bit confusing. Clothing for the first year is marked in three-month increments – so zero to three months – three to six months and so on.
However, sizes differ from one manufacturer to the next – and there's really little to go on aside from a visual check.
It's amazing how fast your little one will outgrow clothing in the first year. If there's any question about what will fit – lean toward the larger size.
If it's too big now, set it aside – you won't have to wait long.
(fussing)
Ellie & Melissa:
Always keep safety in mind. Make sure all clothing: fits correctly and poses no tangling or smothering hazard; is flame resistant; and has no strings, buttons or removable objects.
Ready for a return on your investment? Buying – and selling – gently used clothing is a smart way to go.
Consignment shops – and second hand sales – are growing in popularity and are good both for the economy – and the environment.
Ellie:
Do you think they have this in my size? (We can check! Laugh…) Now that we've got baby all dressed up.
Melissa:
There are places to go, people to see.
Ellie & Melissa:
Just take it step by step. For WebMD, we're Ellie and Melissa The Baby Planners.
