Blanket Sleeper Fan Club: September 2015

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Newborn Clothes: A Checklist of Newborn Clothes for the First 8 Weeks

Newborn Babies are Messy, but Their Clothing Needs are Minimal.

By Stacie McClintock

The first eight weeks of a baby's life requires a few key pieces of newborn clothes. New babies are messy, so multiples of each item are recommended. But don't fret, the list is short; your newborn's clothes needs are very minimal.
This list was designed with you in mind. I suggest purchasing multiples of each item to reduce the amount of time you will spend doing baby laundry in those first precious (and sleep-deprived!) weeks.

Gerber Basic Onesie - PriceGrabber — Gerber Basic Onesie. PriceGrabber

10 Baby Bodysuits

Baby bodysuits are the foundation for every baby outfit. They provide an easy way to give your baby an extra layer of warmth, and with snaps between the legs, they stay put and keep your baby's other clothing from rubbing up against their new and delicate skin.
There are a variety of baby bodysuits on the market. Some are basic, solid colors. Others have witty sayings written across them.
Whichever you choose, there are certain things that you should always look for when registering for or buying baby bodysuits.

Hatley Nature Girl's Coverall - Hatley — Hatley Nature Girl's Coverall. Hatley

7 Sets of Baby Sleepwear

Baby sleepwear comes in a variety of styles, from one-pieces that snap or zip from the leg to the chin, two-piece outfits that include pants and a top to gowns and bag sleepers or wearable blankets, like Halo SleepSacks, have become very popular.
What's important is fit as it's directly related to the risk of accidental suffocation.
Related Baby Sleepwear Information:

Gymboree Truck Cargo One-Piece Outfit - Gymboree — Gymboree Truck Cargo One-Piece Outfit. Gymboree

7 One-Piece Outfits

One-piece outfits, also known as rompers and/or coveralls, will simplify those first weeks of dressing your newborn baby. No worrying about finding pants that match a shirt - you just slip on one outfit and call it good.
You will have no problem finding one-piece outfits for babies as they are all over the market. Organic, conventional, with embroidery, solid colors; you name it, it's out there somewhere.
To make life a little easier for you, and more comfortable for your baby, look for these key things when shopping for one-piece baby outfits.

Hand Knit Cardigan Sweater by Mor Mor - Estella-NYC — Hand Knit Cardigan Sweater by Mor Mor. Estella-NYC

1 Sweater or Jacket

Depending on what season your baby is born, a sweater or jacket may be necessary for proper cool-weather dressing. Anything that buttons or zips up will do the trick. Again, you really just want to avoid pulling a sweater or jacket over your baby's head, and you want to be sure that the weight of the jacket is appropriate for the season. And remember, it's not safe to put a heavy jacket on your baby when buckling them in to the carseat; opt instead for a car seat bunting that covers - and encloses - the infant car seat.

Crib Shoes

Baby socks will serve to keep little toes warm, but they are often ill-fitting and fall off. Crib shoes, like Robeez, will stay on and keep toes warm. Opt for crib shoes with elastic at the ankle. Handmade crib shoes with buttons and embellishments are very cute, but if they un-attach themselves, they pose a choking hazard. Traditional shoes are not necessary for newborn babies.

(Compare Prices) on soft soled baby shoes
(Compare Prices) on Robeez Crib Shoes
(Compare Prices) on infant and baby socks

GAP Cozy Bear Hat - GAP — GAP Cozy Bear Hat. GAP

Hats or Caps

Whether your baby is born during warm weather or cold, he or she will need a hat to protect them from the elements and to help them maintain their body temperature. Whether they're going to be outside or not, the need is still there.
Summer Babies Need Sun Hats. A wide brim and a Velcro or snap closure under the chin is just one option. Many companies now also offer a baseball style cap with fabric that drapes down the back of the neck. Opt for a summer hat with UPF from a retailer specializing in UPF clothing.
Winter Babies Need a Warm Knit Cap. A winter hat that covers their ears is perfect for cold weather. It doesn't have to be the heaviest-weight hat that you can find; a mid-weight knit cap in a cotton or wool blend is perfectly suitable.

UGG Baby Bunting - UGG Australia — UGG Baby Bunting. UGG Australia

Infant Bunting

This is non-negotiable for winter babies and they come in a variety of styles. Even if the only time your baby will be outside is to go from the house to the car and back again, a bunting is necessary. A full snowsuit is not needed at this stage and a bunting fits securely over the car seat, keeping your baby dry and warm from the elements. More »

What is a Baby Sleeper (or Blanket Sleeper)?

By Heather Corley

Baby Products Expert

Infant Sleepers - Baby Clothing FAQ - Nature Baby Ltd. Used with permission. — An infant sleeper is a one-piece garment designed to keep babies warm at night without blankets. Nature Baby Ltd. Used with permission.

Question: What is a Baby Sleeper (or Blanket Sleeper)?
Answer: An infant or baby sleeper is a one-piece outfit for night-time that helps keep baby warm and comfortable without blankets. Infant sleepers may also be called stretch-suits, and thicker versions may be called blanket sleepers. Thick blankets and bedding are not recommended for babies because of the risk of suffocation, but newborn babies still need to be protected from chilly night air.

That's where the infant sleeper comes in handy. These garments usually have long sleeves and long legs to chase away chills. Often, sleepers even cover a baby's feet, and many feature snaps at the legs to make diaper changes easier. Sleepers come in a variety of materials, from airy cotton to thick fleece, which means there is an infant sleeper for any season. Sleepers are a good choice for older babies and toddlers, too, especially those who move around a lot and kick off their sheets or covers.

How to Buy Designer Discount Baby Clothes on eBay

By Stacie McClintock

Baby Clothes Expert

Mid section of a pregnant lady shopping online on laptop - laflor/E+/Getty Images — laflor/E+/Getty Images

Want to dress your baby in designer baby clothes, but don't think you have the budget to do so? Think again.
Getting your hands on designer baby clothes at a reasonable price is relatively easy thanks in part to eBay - the world's largest online auction site. Often turned to for the possibility of replacing that broken piece from your grandmother's china set, or finding an obscure birthday gift, eBay is also a great place to find baby clothes.
Most people that use the Internet are familiar with eBay and how to use it. But if this is your first time venturing in to the world of online auction sites, I encourage you to take a look at eBay 101. A plethora of beginners tools put together by our Guide to eBay, Aron Hsiao.

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7 Must-Follow Women's Style Instagram Accounts

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Before you start searching for baby clothes, it's a good idea to have some idea of what you're looking for, and how much you're willing to spend. For some of us, myself included, competitive nature can take over when the bidding war begins, and in my experience, it never ends well. Before you know it, you've spent more for the clothes than you would have if you had just bought them at the store.
Next, search by what you're looking for. Is it any boy clothing in a certain size? Or are you looking specifically for Small Paul clothes? You'll often find that the best deals are found in "lots" of clothing.
Lots are usually a result of another mom cleaning out her baby's closet. Another advantage to purchasing a "lot" of baby clothes is that you may end up with clothes that will fit for the next several seasons - that's a deal you can't beat. Not to mention the fact that given how fast babies grow, many of these clothes still have the tags on them!
When you're browsing the listings, you'll also notice eBay store that have baby clothes for sale.

Ads

Many of these are set up like online consignment stores and have a great selection. If you have specific ones that you really like, drop their names over on the message board that talks about eBay baby clothes shops.

Overall, eBay is a great place to shop to find designer discount baby clothes - both new and used. Plus, once your comfortable with it, you might decide to take the plunge and list some of your own stuff on there; it never hurts to make a little money back when it comes to cleaning out the closet.

Baby Sleepwear: What to Look for When Buying Baby Sleepwear

Keep Them Comfortable During Their Slumber.

By Stacie McClintock

Baby Clothes Expert

Baby sleepwear is an essential part of any baby wardrobe. While it may seem simple to choose some pajamas, there are some very specific things you should keep in mind when buying.
When purchasing baby sleepwear, consider the following:

The Weight of the Material. Just like adults, babies can get overheated very easily. Be sure to purchase baby sleepwear in a season-appropriate fabric.
Synthetic Fabrics vs. Natural Fabric. While it can be tempting to wrap your baby up in fleece because it's cold outside, opt for a more natural fabric like wool or bamboo. Both fabrics are sustainable and naturally thermal regulating; that means your baby will stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Do Not Purchase One Size Up. Every bit of advice you're getting is to "buy big." Baby sleepwear is the exception to this rule. If there is too much excess fabric around your baby, you increase the risk of SIDS. Buying just one size up will allow you to get a little extra wear out of the baby sleepwear, but won't leave your baby swimming in his sleepers either.

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Purchase One-Piece Baby Sleepwear. Even if you opt out of purchasing bag sleepers or wearable blankets, avoid purchasing two-piece baby sleepwear. When your baby is a newborn, he or she will have little patience for the constant tugging necessary to remove pajama pants.
Choose Baby Sleepwear with Hand Covers. Newborn babies have sharp fingernails, and if there hands aren't covered while they're sleeping, they can easily scratch themselves.

All these little details add up when you're purchasing baby sleepwear. Just looking for these few things can ensure a more comfortable nights sleep for both you and your baby.