One of the best parts of getting ready for baby is shopping for baby clothes! Shopping for your baby is very different than shopping for yourself. Babies will quickly move from size to size, so overbuying in any size will leave you with too much. While it is very easy to get carried away by cute baby clothes and accessories, it is important that you keep certain things in mind while shopping for your baby.

Here is a list of the top 10 things you need to pay attention to when shopping for baby.

• Baby clothes don’t have to be expensive: There are often great deals available for even the best quality brands. There are even Facebook deal groups available to help you track the sales! Kidz Steals and Deals(part of the Kidz Buyz blog) is one of the largest premium deals groups. They frequently post sales and promotions on baby and kids clothing as well as anything else you could possibly need for your kids or home. It’s amazing how much you can save!
• Comfort is the key: The most important thing to keep in mind while shopping for infants is comfort. Newborns have extremely sensitive skin and that maybe irritated by rough fabric. Make sure you buy clothes that are soft and breezy. If your baby is born during the colder months, opt for warmer clothes but don’t bundle them up with wool, since wool can be a little rough, instead layer with cotton to build warmth. Cotton, fleece or blended fabrics that are absorbent and gentle on the skin.
• Keep it simple: Don’t get carried away by the variety of clothes and dresses in children’s boutiques and stores. Instead opt for simple and comfortable clothes. Frills, ribbons and other decoration can irritate the child and cause rashes. Keep the clothes as simple and fuss-free as possible. You will need to change your baby’s clothes several times during the course of the day, hence opt for clothes that are easy to take off and on. Avoid clothes with too many buttons and zips; opt for onesies and jumpers instead
• Keep the temperature in mind: Babies often do not regulate body temperature well and can get cold easily. Even during summer make sure your baby is wearing slightly warm yet comfortable clothes. If the weather is very hot your best bet is cotton. During the winter layering will give you the flexibility to add or remove clothing if the baby seems too warm or too cold. The best thing to do is keep checking your baby at regular intervals and adjust accordingly.
• The essentials: While assembling your newborn’s wardrobe make sure you stock up on basics. Onesies are a great base layer no matter what the weather. There are long sleeve for colder months and short sleeve for when it gets warmer. Onesies can also help protect your baby’s nicer clothing from leaks and blow outs.
• Quantity and size: Babies grow very fast. Be careful not to buy too much of one size or you might end up with a pile. It is better to stock up a few items and keep repurchasing as the child grows. Baby clothing is sized by age and most kids will track with the sizes. You should get a good idea how quickly your baby will grow in the early months. If you find that your baby is growing faster or slower than most, you should be able to determine what sizes they will wear in what season, allowing you to buy up when you see items on sale.

1. The dressing area: Dressing up newborns can be very tricky, at least in the first few weeks. Reserve an area for changing. Set up a changing table and/or mat and arrange extra clothing and necessities within arms reach. Be careful never to leave the baby unattended on a changing table, even the smallest babies can unexpectedly roll off.
2. Other Accessories: You will also need some bibs and burp cloths so that you don’t ruin your baby’s clothes while feeding. Always have wipes handy as well, they are multi-purpose and you will find yourself reaching for them often. Wearable blankets and sleep sacks are better to dress your baby in for sleep than regular blankets (which are not recommended for use in cribs). You will also need some socks, booties and caps.
3. Swaddle them right: Learning to swaddle your baby is very important. Not only does swaddling keep them warm and cozy, but it also keeps the baby from being startled by its own reflexes. Use soft, breathable swaddle blankets to wrap your baby in, make sure the fabric is smooth yet warm. Do not swaddle the baby too tightly just make sure the baby is secure yet comfortable. Read more about swaddling
4. Use easy to clean fabrics: Your baby will burp, spit-out and poop often. Make sure you use clothes that are easy to clean. Opt for machine washable, stain resistant fabrics. Many babies are sensitive to regular laundry detergent. There are several baby detergents available to use until you know whether or not your baby will be bothered by your regular detergent.

Shopping for a newborn can be daunting. With a wide range of baby clothes available, plenty of colors and prints will steal your heart! Remember that babies grow very fast and mostly do not need everything in the store. Make wise choices, though it’s okay to indulge a bit. They’re only babies for a short time!