Choosing Baby Clothing
by Pam Brown
When it comes to wearing
clothing, adults can immediately sense when a
garment is uncomfortable. A man adorned in an ill
fitting shirt and tie, will usually tug at his neckline and
run his finger repeatedly underneath his collar. A woman
wearing an unusually tight and outgrown skirt, can almost
always be seen pulling at her hemline. Once adults have
determined that they have outgrown an item of apparel, it is
usually removed from their wardrobe altogether. The
experience of wearing and uncomfortable and ill fitting
garment is usually enough to deter it from ever being worn
again. Babies, however, do not have such an advantage. They
are strictly at the mercy of their parents ability to
discern when an item of
children's clothing is uncomfortable or ill fitting.
There is a lot a parent can
do to ensure that the baby clothing they purchase for their
little one is comfortable and of good quality. Many times a
parent can be swayed by the appearance of an article of baby
clothing alone. This is a fact that many clothing designers
sometimes depend on. It may seem at times that the
cuter the item, the less the quality of construction and
material. With girls clothing in particular, the more
ruffles and bows, the more synthetic materials involved.
Synthetic materials tend to be rough and scratchy, making
them uncomfortable against the skin. If you are in the
market for a more formal article of clothing such as a suit
party dress, opt for garments that include a soft cotton
underlining. This extra layer of material will serve to
protect your baby's skin from any uncomfortable scratching
or grating.
Infant sleepwear is another
area of concern for the parent who is trying to optimize
their baby's clothing. Young babies and infants will spend
the vast majority of their time in these types of garments.
Newborns and young babies will wear these one piece outfits
throughout the day as well. These usually consist of a one
piece, zippered/buttoned, footed construction. They will be
available in a variety of materials. However, the
jersey cotton styles seem to be the most comfortable choice
for babies. This fabric is usually soft and breathable,
allowing for proper ventilation and fit. Infant sleepwear
should be "Tight fitting" according to the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission or CPSC. Because cotton
materials are flammable, a tight fitting garment will reduce
the risk of having loose pieces that might come in contact
with an open flame or heat source. Parents should equate
"Tight fitting" with a snug, yet comfortable fit. A "Tight
Fitting" garment should not however, be constricting or
cinch your baby.
When choosing any item of
baby clothing, be sure to give careful consideration to the
product label. The label should identify the fabric source,
fabric or thread count, and laundering care. Considering the
garments label will help you to determine if your baby will
be comfortable wearing the item. As stated above, cotton or
organic baby products are by far the most comfortable
for your baby. They retain their shape after laundering, are
breathable, and generally have a good thread count. Thread
count is important because it determines how soft and
durable the garment will be. The higher the thread
count, the softer and more durable the item of baby
clothing. When selecting items with synthetic fibers such as
acrylic, polyester, or nylon, be sure to outfit your baby
with a cotton undershirt. This will reduce or eliminate any
irritation to your baby's skin from the synthetic fabric.
Whenever possible, choose only synthetic materials that have
a cotton/synthetic blend. This will make the item of baby
clothing more comfortable than one comprised of completely
synthetic materials.
By taking the time to
consider closely your options in baby clothing design, you
will go a long way in guaranteeing that your baby is just as
content and comfortable as he is adorable in his cute little
outfit. Making yourself aware of the varying standards
of style and construction of baby and infant clothing, will
ensure that you make the best possible selections throughout
your baby's growing years.
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