Must-Have Baby Clothes for New Parents

New parents often find themselves in a quandary when trying to choose the best baby clothes. Climate often dictates the breadth of their choices and also divides up fashion by season, meaning that in some parts of the country, every baby will need basically three wardrobes per year – hot weather, cold weather and warm weather (this actually gets worse when they get into school, as the new clothes they got in the fall may not fit anymore by the following spring).

Strength in Simplicity (and Numbers)

For infants and toddlers, though, the options are pretty clear. Whatever designer duds you might receive as presents, when budgeting for baby clothes, there are essentially only a few things you’ll actually need on a daily basis (and you’ll need them in numbers, since babies have a way of making instant messes throughout the day and night). Foremost, body suits are a must, especially since neutral colors allow you to use them on a baby boy or a baby girl. Magnificent Baby has suits featuring magnetic snap-connectors for ease of late night, bleary-eyed use.

The Basic Essentials

Booties, socks and shoes should be comfortable yet durable and protective. Outerwear, which could be a coat or a pair of coveralls (Oshkosh still makes the best ones), are essential, as is a hat since most body warmth escapes through the top of the head. Pajamas should also be on hand at all times. On those hot days, or in those instances when everything just happens to be in the wash, the old diaper and tee-shirt combination is still appropriate. You can never have too many of any of these items.

As they get older and become more active, your toddlers can be outfitted in excellent fashion to go along with the protection and durability you’ll want. L.L. Bean’s ‘Double L’ blue jeans come lined with fleece for extra warmth and cushioning, and Baby Gap’s pull-on jeans are perfect for young children still working their way through the potty-training days.