Choosing Baby Clothes

Look, how cute it is, it comes with shoes – look at this one..a butterfly ... on the tushie! Laughing ...

Baby clothes are so adorable.

But how do you outfit your little one in comfort and style – and stay within budget?

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)

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. 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.

The French word layette can refer to a baby's entire wardrobe – or clothing sold in a sets – complete with bibs, blankets and booties.

Combos maybe eye catching – but they can be expensive – and impractical – unless you actually use all the articles included.

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?

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)

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.

Do you think they have this in my size? (We can check! Laugh…) Now that we've got baby all dressed up.

There are places to go, people to see.

Just take it step by step. For WebMD, we're Ellie and Melissa The Baby Planners.