Community Operations
Consumer Affairs Tip Sheets
Clothes Shopping for the New Baby
All new parents should know how much and what kind of clothing newborn babies need.
A good time to plan and shop for your baby's first wardrobe is just before the baby is born. You do not need to buy everything beforehand but you may find it more difficult to shop just after your baby arrives.
When selecting baby clothes consider the warmth, washability and comfort of each item. Permanent press, machine-washable clothing in simple styles are easy to take care of.
Infant's clothing should be roomy but not bulky. Baby clothes should be easy to put on and take off. Clothing with snap neck openings, buttons or zippers will make it easier to dress and undress your baby.
Since babies grow very quickly, you need only a few items in each size for starters.
A basic wardrobe for the first six months of your baby's life should include: diapers and plastic pants, (unless you are planning to use disposable diapers), undershirts and sleepers.
There are several types of cloth diapers on the market including gauze, flannelette & terry towel.
- Gauze diapers are soft and easy to fold into sizes for newborns
- Flannelette diapers are more absorbent than gauze and can be used (unfolded) for small blankets or burping cloths
- Terry towel diapers are pre-folded and are more expensive than other cloth diapers. There are new terry towel diapers now on the market that are pre-cut, form fitted and close with Velcro so no pins are needed.
If you have chosen cloth, it is best to have a supply of about three to four dozen diapers on hand so you will not have to wash diapers every day.
Plastic pants are convenient but may contribute to diaper rash. The more expensive, higher quality pants last longer than the cheaper ones.
Disposable diapers are great for emergencies, traveling & holidays, but are expensive to use all the time and can be environmentally unfriendly.
Undershirts made of cotton are the most comfortable and absorbent. Ties or snaps should be easy to open and close. Six to eight undershirts in the six-month size are usually enough for a newborn.
Sleepers are usually popular gift items so you might not have to buy more than about six. Good quality sleepers are often made of terry or cotton blends. Sleepers without collars are most comfortable because babies have short necks. Be sure any elastic at the wrists or ankles is not too tight.
Other clothes your baby might need include one or two sweaters, pants, shirts, dresses, socks, booties, bibs and a hat. Do not spend too much on these items as your baby will soon grow out of them.
If you have most items on this list you should have most of the clothes your newborn baby will need during the first six months.
Don't let anyone talk you into something you are not sure is right for you. Take your time and talk things through with your partner, a friend or a pre-natal public health nurse.
For more information, call collect or e-mail our Consumer Affairs Officer at MACA headquarters in Yellowknife at: (867) 873-7125.