Shopping your child’s clothes, especially newborn clothes, is an exciting experience for any new parent. There are many new motifs and designs that will make parents pay a lot of money. However, not all children’s clothes have been examined, but these clothes still get to sell in the market. Kids usually have sensitive skin so parents have to consider many aspects to avoid irritation. So, if you have any concerns or fears about this situation, we recommend you keep reading and this article may help you solve your problem.

Material and fabric

Material is the most important factor to consider when buying clothes for your kids. Fabrics that contain harmful chemicals or dyes may cause allergies and skin issues. According to Fashion Institute of Technology professor Ajoy K. Sarkar, cotton, linen, cashmere, silk, hemp, and wood pulp-based fabrics are the most popular skin-friendly materials.

Here are some characteristics of these fabrics:

• Cotton: softness, breathable, chemically organic, made from the fibers that wrap the seeds of cotton plants.
• Linen: natural wrinkles, not very elastic, natural color like pale yellowish-gray, beige, taupe,… 
• Cashmere: soft, light feel, warm, and breathable
• Silk: smooth to the touch, waxy feel, and make crunching noise when you scrunch it up
• Hemp: similar to soft canvas or tough cotton
• Wood pulp-based: soft, breathable, nature feel

Children’s clothes should not contain polyester, acrylics, rayon and nylon. These fibers are hydrophobic and tend to hold on to moisture, which might irritate kids’ skin. Children may have rashes and blisters after wearing these types of fabric. Knowing what fabrics are skin-friendly will help you save money, time and secure your child’s health and safety.

Safety

To prevent accidents and injuries, parents should choose clothes that are designed with safety. Many cases have been reported that children could be hurt due to their clothing.

Children’s clothing with small parts, such as buttons, beads, and other accessories could lead to choking if these things come loose. Choking is one of the most common causes leading to death in toddler. Strings, straps, and threads around the neck area can be entangled around a child’s neck. Additionally, the zippers are the most common cause of injuries in children, at 15.1% of the cases. 

Parents should also look for clothes that are made from flame-resistant materials. This material is treated with flame-retardant chemicals, these chemicals will add a layer of protection, which can limit the spread of flames.  Parents can look at the label of clothes to know if it is made from these fabrics.

Wearability and functionality

In the development periods, children have rapid physical changes, like growth in height, weight and other skills like crawl, walk, and hold. Children need to feel comfortable in their clothes so they can move freely. This also allows them to play, explore, and learn without any inconvenience. 

When shopping for baby clothes, parents should choose clothes that are designed for easy dressing and undressing, such as elastic waistbands, and snap closures. These features are not only convenient for parents when changing their baby’s clothes but also changing diapers. 

Babies grow so fast, so clothes with adjustable features like fold-over cuffs, adjustable straps help parents save a lot of money. These types of clothes will “grow” with your kids.

Size

Parents can take the baby’s measurement and look for a size chart of the brand to choose a perfect fit for your baby. There are also sizes that are based on age, but every baby grows differently, so the age-based size can not be exactly accurate. 

Parents should choose a comfortable size so the baby can move easily. On the other hand, too tight clothing can lead to skin irritation or breathing restriction.

Easy to care

Clothes of babies or children can very easily be dirty and messy due to eating, playing,… so parents should look for clothes that are also easy to take care of. Clothes with high durability and machine washable save so much laundry time for parents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing clothing for babies, there are five important factors to consider. However, as parents, you should pay attention to safety, avoiding any clothing with small parts or potential hazards. By considering these factors, you can make informed choices and provide your baby with comfortable, safe, and suitable clothing.