As beginners in the art of parenting, young moms and dads have to navigate through fundamentals, such as selecting their child’s clothes either fresh from the racks or from an online catalog of kids clothing. However, choosing baby clothes from RTW stores is easier done than selecting the right size and fit through an online shop’s catalog. This is why first-time parents should take note of the following tips in selecting their baby’s clothes and other accessories.

Select the Size and Fit Based on Weight Rather than Your Baby’s Age

Some babies grow up too fast for their age. Some infants also have bigger bodies than others of the same age. Because of the disparity in the physical development of babies, young mothers and fathers are better off choosing children’s clothes based on the child’s current height (or length) and body weight. Naturally, this means that larger kids are meant for clothes that are one size bigger than those recommended for their age.

Websites that sell infant and kids clothing generally include a size and length chart for their shoppers. Different brands have different standards in how large their clothes are going to be for a certain age range. For example, your child may fit well into sleepwear made for babies 3 to 6 months old, but actually needs shirts or dresses fit for infants six months old and above.

Choose Kids Clothing Based on the Fabric and Other Materials Used

To accommodate the speediness of growth among little children, a good measure for buying clothes is to choose those made from stretchable fabric. Moreover, first-time moms or dads should check the label for additional info, such as the percentage of cotton to polymer. Spandex is fine for adults, but it can be too hot to wear for infants. This fabric retains body heat because it’s made especially for exercise clothing, which should prevent dehydration in the wearer.

Always choose cotton or some other natural fiber over synthetic types because they won’t harm your baby’s skin and keep the child comfortably warm. Most baby clothes today are made from hypoallergenic materials and manufacturers make sure their labels explicitly states that. If the labels have foreign text, then learn to read the symbols instead. Full-body suits for infants or baby blankets made of cotton normally have tags with an image of a cotton bud and its portion of the textile.

Finally, first-time parents should choose baby clothes that are easy to put on or take off during diaper changes. Also, these clothes should be wash-and-dry types. Current generations of couples have it easier with Velcro openings and zippered fronts in kids clothing. Our grandparents had to deal with wooden or pearl buttons that easily came off once their babies got too big for their clothes.