Baby Gear, Clothing and Footwear

Now that you've secured your home, you have to make sure to gather all the necessary baby equipment in order to make your transition into mommyhood a lot smoother. From cribs and strollers, to appropriate clothing and footwear, knowing what to buy and how to choose a particular baby item falls into the category of the highest importance in the area of parenting.

Find out what to look for when buying baby gear in terms of size, materials and safety features. Learn how to choose appropriate clothes and shoes for your child, as well as other accessories that make all the difference.

Let us help you navigate the world of baby must-haves and take you through everything you need to know in order to make the perfect choice for your child.

Baby Gear

Baby strollers, changing tables, baby carriers, playpens, diaper pails, baby monitors... the list of baby equipment is a long one, with new items added almost daily. Maybe you don't need all of them at once, but having them in advance will certainly make things easier in the long run.

The gear you absolutely need includes a crib, a changing table or a changing pad (both discussed in the Nursery section), a stroller or baby carrier and a baby monitor.

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Smiley face Baby Stroller

What kind of a stroller you acquire depends on your needs – will you be jogging, doing quick errands or enjoy some long walks? The area you live in also plays a role. A stroller that's going to be used on city streets will need different features than the one used in a rural area. Also, how much are you willing to pay?

No matter what kind of stroller you get, the stroller you choose has to adhere to certain safety standards. You will probably also want them to be easy to use and lightweight.

Whether you're getting a new stroller, or a used one, it should come with your country’s safety standard seal (just search for safety stroller + your country to find it online). This will prove that the manufacturer respected the safety standards in its production. Still, it's best to check the list of recalled products to make sure the stroller you plan to purchase is not on that list.

There are certain safety measures you can take in order to check if a particular stroller is indeed safe for your child. Check whether the stroller frame locks into position so it doesn’t collapse when you place the baby in. Inspect the stroller for sharp edges and protrusions, or springs and hinges that can easily pinch both a child’s and adult's fingers. Also, check the stroller's harness. Kids can be very wiggly and a five-point harness is the best, as it makes sure they don't wiggle out of the stroller, climb around, or do some other mischief.

Here are some questions that can help you decide whether the stroller you like is safe enough and easy to use:

  • Is the stroller easy to steer?
  • Do you like the position of the handles and the position and the size of the basket?
  • Is the stroller too light or too heavy?
  • Does it have a basket underneath, or will you carry the diaper bag elsewhere?
  • Can you easily fold the stroller and place it into your car trunk?

Always take the strollers for a test ride before you buy them. It helps you answer these questions and see if the strollers you like will really work for you.

Bear in mind that infants have to lie flat for the first six months. Strollers that can recline, all-for-one-travel systems (a combination of a car seat, base and a stroller), or infant stroller frames can be a good option in that case.

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CARRIERS   

BABY MONITOR   
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Smiley face Baby Carriers

Many parents opt for baby carriers instead of strollers. They take up less space than strollers and allow more freedom for the parents to move easily and take care of daily tasks, while at the same time watching over their child. Their greatest advantage, however, lies in providing a feeling of content as the child cuddles against your body, thus creating a strong bond built on physical closeness between you and the child, resulting in your baby being less fussy and less likely to cry.

You can choose between front/back carriers, baby slings or baby wraps, but whatever you choose, make a choice appropriate to your baby's size and weight.

Baby carriers are padded and easy to use. Slings are wrapped around the baby and one of the parent's shoulders. Wraps work like slings, but distribute the weight of the child on both shoulders.

There are concerns about hip and spine health issues when using baby carriers, but if the carrier is positioned properly, there is no need to worry.

When using front carriers, make sure the padded leg holes are loose enough to prevent constricting your baby's thighs, but not so loose that your baby could slip through them. Your child will probably sleep in the carrier, so consider purchasing one with a padded headrest to support his or her head and neck. It's dangerous for the baby's head to drop to his or her chest. Consult the professional who can show you how to correctly place the baby in the carrier.

To ensure the baby carrier is safe, check the carrier for wear and tear before every usage. Make sure the seat and straps will support your baby securely and that all buckles and belts are in working order.

Be careful when choosing a material of your carrier. If you'll be carrying your baby in the summer, choose the one that is made of lighter fabrics and in a light color, to make sure it does not heat up quickly. Also, monitor your baby at all times, as lots of layers combined with the warmth of your body can easily make the baby feel hot.

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STROLLER   

BABY MONITOR   
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Smiley face Baby Monitor

You will not be able to keep an eye on your child at all times. That's where the baby monitor comes in. It offers the parents freedom and flexibility to tackle their household chores while at the same time monitoring their sleeping baby. You can choose between audio, video, sound-and-light audio monitors or intercom ones depending on your needs.

To make sure your baby monitor is working properly, always follow manufacturer's instructions regarding its placement and usage. It is advised that you don't carry monitor by the antenna because it is fragile and easily breakable. Also, you should never place it near a heat source, or anywhere near water, as with all electrical gadgets. It is recommended to place it on a high shelf so your child can't reach it and mistake it for a toy.

Keep in mind that a baby monitor is not a substitution for an adult supervision. You should never leave your child alone while playing or when in a bathroom, because mere seconds are enough for an accident to happen and you may not get to your child on time.

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STROLLER   

CARRIERS   

Baby Clothes

When you start preparing to welcome your baby, shopping for cute baby clothes and shoes will probably be the first thing that pops into your mind. It can all be really fun, but when buying, remember to take factors like size, fabric, maintenance and safety standards into consideration.

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Smiley face Size

You should consider your baby's weight and length when buying baby clothes. Most manufacturers of baby clothing have hangtags that provide all the information you need. You can consult a baby clothes size chart to help you make the right decision, but keep in mind that the chart is based on average baby sizes at certain ages and some children are bigger or smaller than average. You should rely on your baby's measurements the most. Otherwise, you might end up buying clothes that are too tight and uncomfortable for your child.

Consider the season your baby is born in. Summer clothes for the newborn should be loose-fitting and breathable, while winter ones must include a jacket, hats, mittens and boots.

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FABRICS   

SAFETY   

MAINTENANCE   
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Smiley face Fabrics

The clothes you buy for your baby shouldn’t just be cute but also breathable and keep your baby warm.

Cotton is the basic fabric used for baby clothing. Baby's skin is up to 5 times thinner than adult skin, highly susceptible to absorbing toxins and overall more sensitive to the chemicals. Organic cotton baby clothes are manufactured without the use of toxic chemicals, which makes it an ideal fabric for baby clothing.

Not only that, but cotton is very soft on the skin and therefore, more comfortable to wear. The fabric allows for better air circulation, which helps remove body moisture and draw heat away from the skin. As cotton ''breathes'', it will keep your child cool in summer and dry in winter.

You can choose other fabrics as well. Wool helps you keep your baby warm when you’re taking them outside during winter – but you should only use it as a second layer so it doesn’t irritate the gentle baby skin.

Synthetic materials work great in water and wind resistant clothes – the layer you put on when you’re taking the baby out when it’s cold and wet.

Children can have an equal number of layers as the adults, plus an additional one if they’re going out. If your baby’s neck is sweaty, it means the baby is too hot, so feel free to remove one layer of clothes.

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SIZES   

SAFETY   

MAINTENANCE   
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Smiley face Maintenance

Be practical when it comes to maintenance. You want your baby’s clothes to be soft, comfy and easy to take care of. Parents don't have a lot of time on their hands and it is better to avoid buying fabrics that need to be hand washed or ironed.

No matter how cute something is, you want to be able to wash it in your washing machine. Clothes made of cotton and other natural fabrics are durable and easy to wash. Make sure to check the labels of any baby clothes you consider purchasing for the washing procedure.

Wash all purchased baby clothes before putting them on your child. Although it is unlikely your child would be seriously harmed if you didn't, some minor skin irritation or an allergy could occur and make your baby uncomfortable and you don't want that.

When doing laundry, you have two options. You can use baby detergents that are specially designed for infant's clothes, or you can use the regular detergent instead. Health experts claim that using a special kind of detergent isn't necessary as long as your child doesn't have an allergy or a sensitive skin.

If you're concerned about using your regular detergent, do a quick test. Wash a couple of baby items with that detergent. After wearing the clothing, check your child for signs of skin irritation. Also, observe them and note if the child feels uncomfortable.

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SIZES   

FABRICS   

SAFETY   
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Smiley face Safety Standards

When it comes to baby clothes safety, it’s best to keep it simple. Strings and ribbons can look great, but can also pose a threat to your newborn. Luckily for you, baby clothes' manufacturers know that they have to adhere to certain safety standards because safety always comes first.

The general rule is that drawstrings have to be avoided. Also, all clothes should be checked for loose buttons, zipper pulls that threaten to detach or anything your child could chew and pull off and become a hazard.

Soft collars and necklines help babies sleep better and are not likely to irritate their skin. Babies don't like having things pulled over their head. Choose clothing that opens in the front or on the side, or that has a wide neck opening.

Children’s clothes should also be made from materials that are not flammable. Regulations about this depend on the country. Using too much softener when washing the clothes can make the clothes less flame-resistant, so be careful. Usually, there are warnings on the softener packaging, so read them carefully.

When the baby starts crawling, he or she needs some sturdy clothes that won’t rip because of all the rubbing between the knees and the floor. Children who are just learning how to walk often end up on all fours and good clothing can ease the pain of knees hitting hard on the floor.

Comfortable cotton fabrics are a great choice. Stretchy fabrics won’t limit the little explorers, but if you’re going out and you have a baby who’ll be crawling around, jeans might be a better choice because they’re thicker and can protect their little knees better.

For girls, short skirts and tunics are better than long dresses because they won’t make them trip while walking.

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SIZES   

FABRICS   

MAINTENANCE   

Baby Shoes

Baby shoes are simply adorable – who can resist buying them? You don’t have to resist because there are a lot of soft and socks-like varieties of shoes, boots or even flats out there that will keep your baby’s feet warm and protected, so don’t be afraid to go out there and look. There are tons of designs for both boys and girls.

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Smiley face Baby Socks and Shoes

Baby socks are considered a must-have, especially if your child is born in the winter time. As they tend to fall off a lot, it is a good idea to have several pairs on hand.

Also, some parents prefer to put soft crib shoes on to keep baby socks on. Let’s face it, those tiny shoes look absolutely adorable on your child. Not only that, but they also keep their little toes warm. Just make sure baby shoes are soft and have a wide top opening so your baby's feet can easily slip inside.

You can also choose the ones with elastic at the ankle to prevent falling off. Just make sure they're still very flexible around the ankles, so that child's movement isn't restricted.

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THE RIGHT SHOE   

CRAWLERS&WALKERS   
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Smiley faceCrawlers and Walkers

Crawling babies should be as close to barefoot as possible. Same goes for the walkers. However, it is a good idea to protect their little feet with soft-soled shoes. They give enough freedom to baby’s feet when he or she is walking and still offer protection from anything harmful on the floor.

Choose light leather shoes for when your child starts walking. He or she will be less likely to trip. Leather also breathes better, so if your child has a problem with foot perspiration, this is the best choice for them.

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THE RIGHT SHOE   

SOCKS   
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Smiley face Picking the Right Shoe

There are few things to remember when buying shoes for your little walker. Let’s start with shoe's flexibility. Test the shoe yourself. Take it in your hand and try to bend it in half. If it bends, it is flexible enough for your child to wear and it won't compromise his or her foot development. If not, try another pair of shoes.

Remember to choose breathable materials as well, such as leather, cloth and canvas. Also, consider buying shoes with non-skid bottoms to prevent slips and falls.

Contrary to baby clothes where some parents are inclined to buy big, shoes require buying what fits now, not later. Children outgrow their shoes quickly, but if you buy them shoes that are too big, they can fall or trip and even have problems with improper foot development.

When testing the shoe for the right size, check the following:

  • Do the test while your child is standing.
  • Your finger must be able to fit in between the top of your child's foot and inside of your shoe.
  • You should also be able to pull up and down on the back/heel of the shoe without the shoe slipping off.
  • There should be about a half a finger's width of room at the end of the toes.
  • Sides of the shoes need to be low enough not to rub against the ankle bone.

If the shoes are a perfect fit, your child won't even notice wearing them. If he or she cries or whines when you put the shoes on, chances are the shoes don't fit. Maybe there is too much room around the ankle, or the soles are too stiff. Maybe your child's feet are sweaty and swollen because the shoes are made out of a non-breathable material. Maybe they are just too small. In any case, you need to observe your child in order to replace the shoes on time. You don't want them to be stuck in uncomfortable shoes for too long.

As your child grows older, you’ll need comfortable shoes that support his or her feet well. You can find tutorials on how to pick the right shoe size and other cool tips on choosing a great shoe for your child on our site.

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CRAWLERS&WALKERS   

SOCKS   

FINAL NOTE

Statistics always show a large number of accidents happening at home, but those numbers are drawn from a large data pool and over a long period of time. Still, you want to make sure you do everything you can in order to prevent your child from ever becoming a part of the negative side of that statistic.

You can baby proof your house room-by-room, but the one thing you can’t really control in terms of safety are the guests you are bound to have in your home at some point. They don’t intend to harm your baby, but might do so inadvertently. An elderly aunt’s purse could look like a treasure chest for a baby – containing lots of medicine, little scissors, lighters, cigarettes, coins and who knows what else. So, remember to stay alert and keep an eye on your child around guests to prevent any possible mishaps.

When you go visit someone, you can’t expect everyone to baby proof their home just because you occasionally visit them with your child. Because of this, it’s important to teach your children what no means, as well as the practice of not touching other people’s things. This is not only a great step towards your child’s safety, but also an important part of parenting.

It all comes down to this.

As much as you would like to, you cannot create an environment that is 100% safe for your child. Baby proofing can help you eliminate many of the dangers that can harm your child, but it will only be effective when combined with close supervision.

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