| Is it me, or are babies now the best-dressed people on | | | | bleaches, pesticides and heavy dyes. |
| the planet? From Baby Phat to Baby Gap, it seems | | | | 2. Ease of use - make sure it's easy to put on and |
| that no little person now can now be seen in anything | | | | take off and that your child can move around |
| but the latest designer gear - even Gucci now has a | | | | comfortably when wearing it. Snap crotches are great |
| range for 2-year-olds! | | | | for ease of diaper changes and necklines are usually |
| It's probably just the natural consequence of the | | | | best when stretchy or with a snap or two to widen |
| self-obsessed times in which we live; the The New | | | | the opening around your baby's head. |
| York Times once offered an explanation for women's | | | | 3. Size - buy something that your baby will grow into. If |
| obsession with baby fashions, in an article titled | | | | not, you will be shocked at how quickly they will |
| "Dressing Up Mini-Me." It blamed rivalry and narcissism | | | | outgrow their duds. |
| run amok and showcased society babes in nothing | | | | 4. Season - you need to buy clothes relevant to the |
| less than Gucci booties and DKNY cashmere | | | | current and upcoming seasons, but also try to keep |
| sweaters. | | | | your purchases season-neutral as much as possible. |
| The explanation usually given is "Why not - it looks | | | | For young babies and toddlers' daily summer wear, |
| really cute," followed by a more defensive rationale | | | | onesies made of lightweight cotton are a great |
| such as, "I want my child to have the best and if I can | | | | alternative to pants and shirts. For winter wear, |
| afford it, why not?" Well, call me old-fashioned, but it | | | | bundling babies in layers is a good way to combat the |
| seems we are getting priorities a little out of place | | | | difference between heated buildings and the outside. |
| here. After all, can anyone explain the sense in buying | | | | Warm socks, mittens, and hats are also essential for |
| an expensive biker jacket for a 2-year-old, who will | | | | keeping in most of the baby's body heat. |
| grow out of it in a couple of months? | | | | One final tip - don't be afraid or ashamed of |
| Fashion has its place and - yes - it's nice to see cute | | | | hand-me-downs. Babies grow fast - real fast! This |
| little kids running around in pretty outfits, but c'mon! Let's | | | | means that you can usually get you can usually get |
| remember that the MOST important criteria when it | | | | several babies worth of use out of an outfit and if you |
| comes to buying baby clothes have nothing to do with | | | | really do want your baby to look like a fashion model |
| how nice they look - they are comfort, safety and | | | | mini-me, this is probably the most sensible and |
| functionality. Here are a few of the issues you really | | | | cost-effective way to do it. |
| should be thinking about when you are buying baby | | | | But however much money you want to spend on your |
| clothes: | | | | little one - or however cute you want him/her to look - |
| 1. Fabric - organic fabrics are best. Babies have | | | | remember that when it comes to buying baby clothes, |
| extremely sensitive skin, so make sure the material is | | | | "cute" is no substitute for safe and comfortable. |
| soft. It should also be flame-retardant and free of | | | | |