Baby clothes or infant clothing is general clothing designed for babies. Baby fashion is a cultural consumerist phenomenon that represents the cultural representation of a complex system characterized by significant differences in gender, social status, wealth, or ethnicity and embeds in children’s attire the generalized expression of numerous individualized traits. The visual language of baby fashion expresses several moods and desires of the infant in a symbolic fashion, influencing how parents and others react to them.
The major categories of baby clothes are newborns’ sizes (necklines) – ranging from newborn size through three months; preemie sizes (fits from birth through about three months); and large or extra-large sizes (upsized sizes from birth through about three months). For babies born before the 3rd month of the pregnancy, most manufacturers allow for sizes from newborn to size through about six months, including some larger-sized preemies. Babies who have remained in the uterus past the third month of development are labeled as preemies. All sizes fall into this category.
Baby clothing generally consists of one-piece bodysuits with snaps around the waist and legs, and two-piece sleeveless tops and bottoms. These suits can be made from a wide variety of materials, from soft fabrics like fleece to stiffer cotton blends. Preemies frequently outgrow their infant’s clothing quickly, and parents prefer to buy new items as soon as possible, but many pediatricians believe that parents should wait until a baby is at least a year old before buying baby clothes. As a general rule, parents should not purchase infant clothing for premature babies or infants with any skin or other deformities. Some pediatricians and others believe that because preemies have such an irregular weight gain and rapid loss of weight that they require special care until they reach the age of three months.
Babies’ bodies are developing rapidly through the first year, and it is common for them to develop a diaper rash or irritations of the skin. To reduce the risk of irritating baby clothes, mothers should always use dedication when handling them, especially if the babies are teething. Babies’ delicate skin and the smaller bodies will take more time to adjust to fabric pressure and frequent washing. It is important to read the labels on baby clothes for recommendations regarding detergents, dyes, and fragrances that may cause irritation and other types of problems.
There are two kinds of baby clothes that are often separated by gender – baby dolls and baby boys (boy clothes). Most baby clothes available today are made from multi-colored cotton blends that have smaller amounts of other fillers and fibers and are seamless or made with seamless tops that have no buttons or snaps. The baby doll line consists of long one-piece bodysuits in colors like pink, yellow, and aqua, among other colors; and baby boy shirts that come in a selection of colors, styles, and patterns. Both the baby dolls and baby boy shirts are made of organic cotton blends that are hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin. They are durable enough to last through multiple items of washing, and most brands are recommended for use for up to 2 years.
Another fabric frequently used to make baby clothes that are environmentally-friendly is bamboo blends. Bamboo has long been used in textiles for its outstanding durability, softness, and natural earthiness. Some babies may be allergic to certain materials, so parents need to choose baby clothes that are made from bamboo but that is not dyed or chemically treated with harsh dyes. Parents can find bamboo garments in baby stores, and babies are likely to enjoy the comfort and warmth of a bamboo outfit, especially when they are out and about or are sleeping in a baby sleeping bag.