Newborn Baby Clothes: What To Expect When Buying and Receiving Newborn Clothes
The first six weeks of a baby’s life requires a few key pieces of newborn baby clothes. While it’s tempting to buy everything piece of clothing you see and love, it’s entirely unnecessary.
In addition, you probably have friends and parents that are bombarding you with baby clothes to help get you started.
First things are first – you need to get organized. Storing all these new baby clothes can get overwhelming really quick if you don’t have a game plan in place when you start.
Don’t feel as though you have to use – or accept – every hand-me-down item that is given to you. While you will save a significant amount of money by using hand-me-down baby clothes, it will only serve to make you more anxious if you run out of room to store all the baby clothes.
If you just can’t say ‘no,’ don’t hesitate to take the clothes you don’t want or can’t use, and set them aside to be donated to a local charity.
Next, expect bigger sizes. If you don’t get them, expect to be exchanging what you do get for clothes, in favor of larger sizes. Babies grow really fast and way too often you end up with a closet full of clothes that they never get to wear. A baby clothes size chart can be very helpful when it comes to determining what size to purchase; it does you no good to have a closet full of newborn boysuits if your baby is expected to weigh in at 10 pounds. And don’t be shy to remind people if you are expecting a bigger baby.
Use a checklist of newborn clothing essentials to help get you through the first 8 weeks of your new baby’s life. While the list I’ve created seems small, I have recommended that you purchase duplicates of the items, thus reducing the amount of time you will spend doing baby laundry in those first precious (and sleep-deprived!) weeks.
Breastfeeding Techniques
When to start
Immediately after birth, your baby is eager, alert and ready to breastfeed. Place your baby skin-to-skin immediately after birth and as often as possible during the first days of life. This will help your baby adjust to life outside of your body and to breastfeed better. Full-term infants display many different suckling behaviors or feeding cues, such as bringing their hands to their mouth, rooting, suckling, licking and nuzzling the nipple (a normal behavior). Your baby’s suckling reflex is greatest from 45 minutes to 2 hours after birth. The first several feedings have a lasting effect and are a positive and satisfying experience for you and your baby.
Your baby’s initial alertness and eagerness is followed by an increasingly deeper sleep. About 20 – 24 hours of age, your baby will be awake more often and more interested in nursing. When awake, your baby may want to feed often and alternate between light sleep and quiet wakefulness. Your baby may nurse several times close together (cluster feedings) and sleep several hours without nursing. Normal, full-term, healthy newborns may breastfeed every hour or several times in one hour, usually in the evening, late night or early morning hours. Responding to your baby’s needs for cluster feedings should help your baby feel satisfied.
Breastfeeding after a cearean birth
A Cesarean birth does not directly affect the breastfeeding process. However, discomfort, fatigue, and the medications used in surgery may present more of a challenge when you begin breastfeeding. Nurse your baby as soon after delivery as possible (8 to 12 times per 24 hour period). Once you begin regular feedings, your milk supply will increase.
Your partner or support person can be very valuable in helping you lift and position your baby. You may be more comfortable using the football hold,side-lying, or cradle hold while cushioning your abdomen with a pillow.
The first few days of breastfeeding
Research shows that the critical days for breastfeeding success are the first six to seven days after delivery, and later near the baby’s sixth week. It is important to get the help you need during these times. Fatigue may play a large role in any doubts about continuing breastfeeding. If possible, get help with the household chores and infant care, allowing time for rest and comfort. Do not hesitate to accept help when offered. Simplify the chores as much as possible, such as using paper plates/cups or a grocery delivery service.
- Create a peaceful comfortable “nursing station” and allow yourself to relax.
- Find a comfortable position, such as in a chair with ample room on the sides and back for pillows to support your baby and your arms. Sitting with your legs up on a bed or using a footstool when in a chair will help you feel more comfortable.
- Unwrap your baby and check if his/her diaper needs to be changed. This will help arouse and stimulate your baby to nurse, especially if your baby is sleepy. If your baby is awake and ready to nurse, wait until after your baby finishes nursing on the first breast to change your baby’s diapers.
- After the initial quiet alert state following birth, it is normal for babies to be sleepy for the next 24 hours. Breastfeed 8 to 12 times per 24 hour period.
Let Your Baby’s Weight Determine the Size He Should Wear
Baby clothing comes in very standard sizes, but just like adult clothing, every brand has a different opinion on what constitutes a specific size. That’s why it’s so important to consult a baby clothes size chart and consider your baby’s weight when trying to figure out the right baby clothing size to purchase. If you don’t you run the risk of your baby wearing clothing that is too tight and uncomfortable for him or her.
Here’s a prime example: my daughter was 7lbs 7ozs when she was born and fit pretty well into the 0-3 months sizes that corresponded with her age when she was first born. But, as with all babies, she grew very quickly, her torso getting long while her legs stayed a little shorter. The end result? By 8 weeks old, I needed to purchase 3-6 month clothing so it would fit her little belly that started peeking out all the time.
On the other hand, there are some babies that are just born big. I have a friend that has 3 children; all weighed more than 10lbs at birth. Her kids have never worn a 0-3 month size.
So what’s a parent to do? For starters, buy according to weight and length. Most major manufacturers of baby clothing have hangtags which now include both weight and length information. If you’re shopping online, be sure to use the websites sizing chart if they have one available.
You can also buy big, which I highly recommend -unless you’re purchasing baby sleepwear. It sounds silly to buy clothes that aren’t going to fit the baby, but they grow so fast that, what might not fit this week, could very well be perfect in a few weeks.
These rules also ring true if you are buying baby clothes as gifts, or if you are registering for your shower.
Remember, babies come in all shapes and sizes; considering your baby’s weight when buying baby clothes is a smart thing to do and can ultimately save you from spending hundreds of dollars on baby clothing that may not fit.
Baby Clothes Size and Age Chart
Buying baby clothes is a lot like playing the lottery; you hedge your bets on a number, and hope it’s the right one.But it doesn’t have to be that way. While it’s true that babies grow really fast, it is possible to buy clothes for them that will fit – at least for now. Use our size and age chart to help determine what size you should buy.
Remember: when in doubt, make your purchase based on weight and height rather than age! It’s always safe to go one size bigger.
US Size and Age Chart
| Age/Size | Weight | Length | Bootie/Shoe Size | Sock Size |
| Newborn | Up to 7 lbs | Up to 17″ | N/A | N/A |
| Up to 3 Months | 7-12 lbs | 17-23″ | 3 | Up to 6 Months |
| 3-6 Months | 12-17 lbs | 23-27″ | 4 | Up to 6 Months |
| 6-12 Months | 17-22 lbs | 27-29″ | 5 | 6-12 Months |
| 12-18 Months | 22-27 lbs | 29-31″ | 6 | 12-24 Months |
| 18-24 Months | 27-30 lbs | 31-33″ | 7 | 12-24 Months |
Baby Lotion – Keeping Your Baby’s Skin Baby Soft
Our little babies have such beautiful soft skin. It is beautiful to look at and soft to the touch. Choosing the proper baby lotion helps to keep their skin beautiful and soft. Choosing the wrong lotion for their skin can cause rashes, irritation, and a very unhappy baby.
You may have always assumed all baby lotion is safe, and in most respects it is. The variable is not the lotion as much as your baby. Every baby has a unique set of sensitivities and a lotion you may think of as very safe could be the lotion which causes them to break out. You must use caution and common sense in choosing the lotions for your baby’s skin.
Probably the most popular baby lotion of all time is from Johnson’s. The cute little pink bottle has been a part of American families for generations. It is gentle, smells great, and has historical proof of being very safe. While it may be your favorite choice before your baby is born, make sure you test it on a small part of their body first. You may discover the ingredients used for scents, coloring, or moisturizing could be the exact chemicals which creates a rash or hives on your baby’s skin.
An even safer option is Aveeno’s Fragrance Free Daily Moisture Baby Lotion. By removing the ingredients for the fragrance they limit the number of items which can cause irritation.
If you have tried a couple different lotions and your baby’s skin still has a tendency to get a rash, then you can either stop using baby lotion or switch to one specifically designed for sensitive skin like California Baby’s Super Sensitive Everyday Lotion. This lotion was designed to be as gentle as possible.
You may have one other requirement you have chosen for yourself. You may have committed to going all organic for your baby. This can extend into your baby lotion choice, too. Avalon Organic’s Nourishing Baby Lotion includes extracts from several different organics including aloe, chamomile, sunflower, and flax. The organics are very gentle, but still should be tested on a small portion of your baby’s skin first.
When you visit with your pediatrician you may be surprised. Many baby doctors recommend not using baby lotions unless you see dry skin. They claim it can actually lead to drier skin. Mothers worldwide are quick to disagree with these doctors. They know their baby’s skin stays beautiful, soft, and silky when they use a good quality baby lotion.
The most important thing is to always choose quality for your baby’s skin. Test every baby lotion before you start using it on their entire body. It is unlikely they will have any adverse reaction, but you would be very unhappy if your baby developed a rash just because you elected not to test first. Baby lotion adds to the softness, pleasant scent, and is an enjoyable way to touch your baby’s body. Choose a great lotion and you will both love it.
Our little babies have such beautiful soft skin. It is beautiful to look at and soft to the touch. Choosing the proper baby lotion helps to keep their skin beautiful and soft. Choosing the wrong lotion for their skin can cause rashes, irritation, and a very unhappy baby.
You may have always assumed all baby lotion is safe, and in most respects it is. The variable is not the lotion as much as your baby. Every baby has a unique set of sensitivities and a lotion you may think of as very safe could be the lotion which causes them to break out. You must use caution and common sense in choosing the lotions for your baby’s skin.
Probably the most popular baby lotion of all time is from Johnson’s. The cute little pink bottle has been a part of American families for generations. It is gentle, smells great, and has historical proof of being very safe. While it may be your favorite choice before your baby is born, make sure you test it on a small part of their body first. You may discover the ingredients used for scents, coloring, or moisturizing could be the exact chemicals which creates a rash or hives on your baby’s skin.
An even safer option is Aveeno’s Fragrance Free Daily Moisture Baby Lotion. By removing the ingredients for the fragrance they limit the number of items which can cause irritation.
If you have tried a couple different lotions and your baby’s skin still has a tendency to get a rash, then you can either stop using baby lotion or switch to one specifically designed for sensitive skin like California Baby’s Super Sensitive Everyday Lotion. This lotion was designed to be as gentle as possible.
You may have one other requirement you have chosen for yourself. You may have committed to going all organic for your baby. This can extend into your baby lotion choice, too. Avalon Organic’s Nourishing Baby Lotion includes extracts from several different organics including aloe, chamomile, sunflower, and flax. The organics are very gentle, but still should be tested on a small portion of your baby’s skin first.
When you visit with your pediatrician you may be surprised. Many baby doctors recommend not using baby lotions unless you see dry skin. They claim it can actually lead to drier skin. Mothers worldwide are quick to disagree with these doctors. They know their baby’s skin stays beautiful, soft, and silky when they use a good quality baby lotion.
The most important thing is to always choose quality for your baby’s skin. Test every baby lotion before you start using it on their entire body. It is unlikely they will have any adverse reaction, but you would be very unhappy if your baby developed a rash just because you elected not to test first. Baby lotion adds to the softness, pleasant scent, and is an enjoyable way to touch your baby’s body. Choose a great lotion and you will both love it.
Weaning Off Breastfeeding – Time To Change Your Baby’s Feeding Method
Making the choice of when to start weaning off breastfeeding your infant is a struggle for many mothers. They are caught up in the mixed emotions of what is right for their baby, their own needs, and what everyone is telling them.
Weaning off breastfeeding can never be defined as a certain age, or certain developmental stage in your child’s life. The proper time comes down to only a couple simple items.
The first portion of the decision may come down to a lifestyle choice. Advocates of breastfeeding may hate to hear this, but sometimes our lives dictate change. If you have been breastfeeding through the first six months of your baby’s life and it is beginning to interfere with work and life you can make a choice to start weaning your baby. Plan on it being a gradual process.
The second portion of the decision comes down to your baby. Every baby has an internal clock which is going to be their own time to start the weaning process. If you are comfortable with continuing to breastfeed then watch your baby for clues. You will see them gradually decreasing the frequency they want the breast, and are more interested in solid food. This process can begin between 6 to 12 months, and sometimes as late as 18 months. As the process begins you can start offering more alternatives to speed the process if your desire.
One concern with weaning off breastfeeding is with the speed of the weaning. You can do it cold turkey but unless it is for a medical reason this produces major distress for both of you. The sudden removal of the breast will cause an unhappy baby, probably cause you to experience painful breast engorgement, and can lead to feelings of separation or depression in mothers.
The best method is to slowly reduce the frequency of breastfeeding and start offering more alternative choices. This can be in the form of more solid foods, formula in a glass, or even formula in a bottle. By reducing the frequency over several weeks it removes the stress on both of you making the transition easy and healthy.
If you are choosing to start weaning from breastfeeding because you are experiencing breast or nipple problems, but would really prefer to keep nursing, then you need to ask a few more questions. Many hospitals, pediatricians, and obstetricians can refer you to a lactation expert. This expert may be a nurse, doctor, or physicians assistant. They can give you great advice on how to overcome most problems and may delay your need for weaning.
When you have made the choice it is time to start weaning off breastfeeding it is always a good idea to replace the lost contact time with your baby with other activity. Start spending the same amount of time holding them reading books. Get down on the floor and play with them. Take them for a walk. Many times the greatest stress is not the change in diet, but the loss of attention. This is one problem you can remedy with ease. Weaning can be easy, if you just take time, and give it the proper thought.
Points to Consider for Baby Bathing and Body Care
Body care is quite essential and when it comes to your baby it becomes more intensive. Your gentle baby needs more precaution and care while bathing. We all know that a baby’s skin is 6 times more sensitive and delicate than us. Therefore, keeping that tender skin alive is also important. With the availability of numerous gentle baby care products, you can easily take care of your little one’s skin. But despite of their availability, it is imperative to know the procedure for its application to avoid any mishap.
Things to keep in mind while bathing a baby
Your new born baby is far more sensitive to any reaction whether it concerns with bathing or applying any product. At the time of bathing your baby, make sure that the water is adequately warm. A baby is accustomed to the body temperature as s/he spends 9 months in a womb. As a result of which, contact with the normal temperature water might give him/her some chill. Therefore, it is advisable to bath your baby in lukewarm water even if you are residing in hot regions. You can follow the procedure given below.
- Nowadays you can find many useful bath tubs of different shape. It is wise to choose a tub that gives a sitting- recline posture to your new born baby. Since you cannot lie down your baby in a bath tub and it is rather dangerous, the sitting posture will give support to your baby.
- Try to judge the temperature of water by dipping your elbow in water. In this way you will be able to conclude whether your child shall be comfortable with that water or not.
- If you don’t have a skill to hold a baby while bathing, you can also lay down your baby in a dry surface and wipe her/him with a drenched cloth. It will prevent the water to enter in his nose or ear of your baby.
- And if you can hold your new born baby, you can place his/her head in your palm. Then close the ears from both sides with your thumb and middle finger. You can prevent water getting entered in the ears.
- Always use tear- free body shampoo for your baby. You can also use moisturized soaps recommended by a doctor.
- Always take care of the head of a baby while bathing. Since a baby does not have ability to hold her head, it is important to hold her head gently.
After bathing, wipe your baby with soft cotton towels or cloth. Many mothers complain that their baby’s skin gets reacted with synthetic cloth. So, it is better to use cotton which tends to be skin friendly.
Body care and body products
Baby massage- A baby’s skin is likely to loose more moisture everyday. Therefore, keep your baby shielded by applying the baby lotions and crèmes. Moreover a gentle massage of herbal oils before bathing is a common procedure. Since a baby stays rolled up inside a womb for quite some time, a massage helps in stretching those muscles and limbs of a baby. You need to make sure that these products are medically attested for the safe usage of babies.
Nail trim- It is also important to trim your baby’s nails. Although their nails are soft and brittle but they are sharper than yours. And sometimes they result in scratching themselves as they have little or no control over their limbs. Hence the best time to trim them is when they are sleeping. If you trim them while they are awake, it might cause some cuts to them because of their erratic movements.
Umbilical stumps- It is equally important to take care of umbilical stump caused by the cutting of umbilical chord at the time of delivery. You must keep it clean and dry. Try to tuck the diapers below the stumps and dress your baby with loose t- shirts. In this way it helps air to circulate and will keep it dry. The stump gets dry up in 10-20 days and drop off. If it gives any problem, you can swab the stump with some antiseptic recommended by a doctor. Those solutions not only heal the umbilical cut but also help in drying.
A proper body care can help in the development of your baby in less time. A baby is more prone to frequent illness and upset stomach; you can prevent such sickness by taking proper care of your baby.