Baby clothes are a necessity more than anything else, but there are a couple of special occasions that make the baby the center of attention. It is moments like this that the mother’s keen sense of fashion gets to shine. Here, the fact that the baby will undoubtedly grow out of the outfit quickly is of little to no concern, and style is of the utmost importance. In most cases, so is tradition.
Perhaps the most obvious of these occasions is baby’s homecoming. Almost any mother can tell you what they brought their baby home in. Depending on the time of year, this special outfit can range from a fruit print romper to a pair of footsie pajamas. In this case, it is the sentiment attached to the moment that makes the outfit so special. It is a good idea to save this outfit in a memory box for when your child has children of their own, or make it into a treasured stuffed animal. Any way that you think is fitting to preserve the memory works, but doing something to set this outfit aside is important.
The next big day is the baby’s introduction to family. What is your baby going to be wearing the first time they meet their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close friends? If this is a small secular gathering, then something informal is an easy out. However, you may want to dress the new family member up for the multitude of pictures that will inevitably be taken. Of course, there is also the weather to take into account. If the baby is going to be in a hot crowded home, then keeping them cool is they key factor in choosing appropriate attire. A thin cotton dress for a girl, or a onesie works great. Think of the day as an excuse to let others change the diapers for a little while.
There is of course the more common baby coming out, either christenings or a bris. The traditional christening attire is, of course a white garment. This can take many forms, from a gown to a suit, and a whole host of materials. The important thing to remember is that the baby is going to be passed around a lot on a day like today, so make sure that he or she is comfortable no matter how angelic they look.
For a bris, the attire is clearly gender specific. Therefore, baby tuxedos and suits are a hot item. You would be surprised at the inexpensive prices at which you can find a tiny tux. For less than thirty dollars, your baby can be in his very own penguin suit. There are also more traditional items, which are very much like that of the Christian baptism ceremony. That is, long white gowns with blue trim. These are also modestly priced, and generally work for either ceremony (which could potentially be a big money saver for an interfaith marriage).
The special occasion that all mothers look forward to at the end of a stressful but joyous year is the baby’s first birthday. This outfit is much like the baby’s coming home outfit (except significantly larger), and can be a whole host of different styles or degrees of formality. The most important thing about this outfit is, of course, its resistance to cake stains.
April 30th, 2006
If it was cool when you were a kid, it’s cool for your kids!
Baby clothing is quite a bit different today than it was when you were an infant. From the designer styles of Baby Dior and Baby Phat to the bizarre offerings of the alternative baby clothing market, there’s now something for every parent to adorn her children with in an effort to transfer a bit of her own personality onto her offspring. One of the latest trends in baby fashions is the “retro” look in baby wear.
Retro baby clothing indicates baby sized tees and “Onesies” that have been printed or screened with images of pop culture past. In many cases the pictures are of icons from before even the parents’ time, making it cool to be the most obscure. Interested parties are not likely to find these offerings at the local Wal-Mart but will instead have to order them online. Fortunately for those interested in giving their children a little piece of the past to wear on their chests, there is no shortage of those sites available.
The most complete and probably best known of these sites is The Retro Baby. Perusing the offerings of the site is like a walk down memory lane for anyone who is in their thirties or has a keen fix on the pop-culture of the 1980s. Designs available here include television references like The A Team, ALF, CHiPs, and Dallas (the Dallas print will be instantly familiar to anyone who remembers the summer that America was wondering who shot J.R.) as well as older images from shows that the parents of today watched in reruns while growing up: Barbara Eden in her silky outfit from I Dream of Jeanie and Clayton Moore in his blue Texas Ranger outfit complete with black mask from The Lone Ranger. Prices for these printed “Onesies” are a bit steep at $14.95 ($16.95 for toddler-sized tees) considering the baby will grow out of them completely in a few months’ time, but even the most stoic of thirty-somethings will have to admit that they are getting a certain dose of cool for their cash.
Retro doesn’t just mean pop culture references, however. Several clothiers are offering styles that are a clear throwback to those worn by kids in the fifties, sixties, and seventies. One such company, Cakewalk Baby, offers flower print designs reminiscent of the post-hippie era of the late seventies; a time when PC meant petty cash, Elvis Presley was still with us, and no one knew what a video game or MTV was. A website called Milena Bee offers these designs and more and is definitely worth a look.
Whether you want to put stills of Bruce Lee from Enter the Dragon or flowery designs from an era gone by on your baby’s body, retro baby clothes may be just what you need to show the world that your baby is cooler than cool. Look hard enough and you may be able to find a tee shirt that says “I’m the Fonz” or “Frankie Say Relax.”
March 20th, 2006
Hats and bonnets keep the sun off your baby’s tender scalp
Of all the articles of clothing in the baby’s layette, none may be as vital to include as a cap, hat, or bonnet for those times when you take your little Steve or Edie out for a mid-morning stroll. The rays of the sun can be very damaging even to adult skin and anyone who has ever received a sunburn on his or her scalp can attest that it is not much fun at all. Because babies have skin that is far more sensitive than that of an adult or older child, it is vital that baby’s head be protected as much as possible whenever outdoors.
For this purpose there are several styles of baby hats, caps, and bonnets available for parents to choose from. From the simple cotton cap that the baby wears while in the hospital to the most stylish bonnet or quaint little ball cap (a popular item with boy’s fathers all over the country), infant headwear can be found anywhere that baby clothing is sold. Hats, caps, and bonnets for babies may be purchased by themselves, but often come with matching outfits. They’re available for boys, girls, and in unisex or gender indifferent styles.
Caps
Babies’ caps are some of the “cutest” headwear items available. Styles in these range from simple knit or cotton pull-down caps (similar to snow caps or ski caps) to caps designed like baseball caps (with a far smaller bill) and sailor’s caps. These are found in styles for both boys and girls, as well as unisex designs, but are often favored by the parents of little baby boys.
Bonnets
The bonnet has been associated with babies for as long as most people can remember. In fact, the popular Easter song notwithstanding, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who is not an infant wearing a bonnet of any kind in this day and age. Baby bonnets cover the entire head, offering maximum protection, and usually tie beneath the chin or are held on with an elastic band. While the protection the offer is good, the fastening device can make them uncomfortable for the baby. Some newer bonnets are held on with elastic that encircles the front of the bonnet and these seem like they may be more comfortable. Like caps, bonnets are designed for both sexes and in unisex styles, but due to the generally effeminate appearance of the bonnet itself they are favored by parents of girls.
Hats
Babies’ hats come in nearly as many styles as those for adults do. Usually worn for show as part of an outfit rather than for practicality, they can be designed like top hats, cowboy hats, and even captain’s hats, along with any other style imaginable. They are designed for boys and girls, but there aren’t many styles that can be considered to be unisex. These are far less common than the other designs in infant headwear.
March 11th, 2006
Many women have questions about benzoyl peroxide and pregnancy, as well as other common over-the-counter acne ingredients. Although these products are typically considered “safe” since they are available to you without a prescription, you still need to be cautious, especially during pregnancy.
The most common ingredients found in over-the-counter-remedies (topical form) include:
-benzoyl peroxide,
-salicylic acid,
-retinol,
-alpha hydroxy acids, and
-resorcinol and sulfur.
OTC Benzoyl Peroxide
Questions about benzoyl peroxide and pregnancy safety remain a concern. BP works by killing acne bacteria deep within the skin and is found in concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 10% in topical creams and gels. There are also prescription forms of BP or combinations of BP with other active agents that you can get from your doctor.
Here are the two sides of the debate for benzoyl peroxide and pregnancy safety:
Benzoyl peroxide is commonly used: Currently, there are no case reports about benzoyl peroxide and birth defects in research studies. So far it appears there is a low risk to the unborn child.
However…
Benzoyl peroxide is a category C drug: So far, there have been no studies on humans or animals that show risk correlations between benzoyl peroxide and pregnancy. This means the risk is still unknown. About 5% of each topical dose is absorbed systemically. It is unknown if BP passes into breast milk. Make sure you consult with your doctor about taking BP safely.
Salicylic Acid
This medicine may be absorbed through the mother’s skin. Like benzoyl peroxide and pregnancy, there are no studies of topical salicylic acid and pregnancy showing risk to a fetus. Topical salicylic acid has not been studied in pregnant women. Only oral salicylic acid (aspirin) studies in animals show that birth defects occur at very high dosages. But oral salicylic acid is unrelated to the topical form.
Generally, the absence of harmful feedback of topical salicylic acid means that the risk to an unborn child is low.
Retinol
Retinol is a form of vitamin A, which in high doses can be dangerous to pregnant women. Based on 1980 U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for vitamin A in the diet that is a combination of retinol and beta-carotene, pregnant women should not exceed a daily total of 2665-3000 units of retinol (900mcg). Breastfeeding mothers should not exceed 4000 units of retinol (1200mcg). Again, confirm with your doctor regarding a healthy amount for you.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Resorcinol and Sulfur
Resorcinol can be absorbed through the mother’s skin, but none of these ingredients have proven to be a risk in pregnancy.
Always read the labels on the products to see if they are pregnancy-safe. If you feel uncomfortable about a product, never second-guess yourself. See your doctor. Your caution will pay off for the health of your baby as well as your own.
About the Author:
Yvette Chau is a freelance writer based in Edmonton, Canada specializing in the area of skincare and acne treatment. Undergoing failed treatments herself before finding a solution for her own skin problems, she offers information and advice to others on http://www.your-best-acne.treatment.com/
March 7th, 2006
Hats and bonnets keep the sun off your baby’s tender scalp
Of all the articles of clothing in the baby’s layette, none may be as vital to include as a cap, hat, or bonnet for those times when you take your little Steve or Edie out for a mid-morning stroll. The rays of the sun can be very damaging even to adult skin and anyone who has ever received a sunburn on his or her scalp can attest that it is not much fun at all. Because babies have skin that is far more sensitive than that of an adult or older child, it is vital that baby’s head be protected as much as possible whenever outdoors.
For this purpose there are several styles of baby hats, caps, and bonnets available for parents to choose from. From the simple cotton cap that the baby wears while in the hospital to the most stylish bonnet or quaint little ball cap (a popular item with boy’s fathers all over the country), infant headwear can be found anywhere that baby clothing is sold. Hats, caps, and bonnets for babies may be purchased by themselves, but often come with matching outfits. They’re available for boys, girls, and in unisex or gender indifferent styles.
Caps
Babies’ caps are some of the “cutest” headwear items available. Styles in these range from simple knit or cotton pull-down caps (similar to snow caps or ski caps) to caps designed like baseball caps (with a far smaller bill) and sailor’s caps. These are found in styles for both boys and girls, as well as unisex designs, but are often favored by the parents of little baby boys.
Bonnets
The bonnet has been associated with babies for as long as most people can remember. In fact, the popular Easter song notwithstanding, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who is not an infant wearing a bonnet of any kind in this day and age. Baby bonnets cover the entire head, offering maximum protection, and usually tie beneath the chin or are held on with an elastic band. While the protection the offer is good, the fastening device can make them uncomfortable for the baby. Some newer bonnets are held on with elastic that encircles the front of the bonnet and these seem like they may be more comfortable. Like caps, bonnets are designed for both sexes and in unisex styles, but due to the generally effeminate appearance of the bonnet itself they are favored by parents of girls.
Hats
Babies’ hats come in nearly as many styles as those for adults do. Usually worn for show as part of an outfit rather than for practicality, they can be designed like top hats, cowboy hats, and even captain’s hats, along with any other style imaginable. They are designed for boys and girls, but there aren’t many styles that can be considered to be unisex. These are far less common than the other designs in infant headwear.
March 6th, 2006
Even if you’ve done it all before, bringing a baby home from the hospital takes a lot of preparation. The last thing you’ll want to do in those first few days after the baby arrives is run around to pick up any little necessitates that you forgot. Getting everything bought, borrowed or found and tucked away before the magical day can give you a feeling of accomplishment - and set your mind at ease that you’ve got everything you need.
If you’re buying on a budget, there are some great low-cost sources for all of baby’s needs - and considering how fast your newborn angel will outgrow those layette items, you’ll want to take advantage of every cost-cutter that you can.
Shop the second’s stores
Just like adult clothing, baby clothes manufacturers sometimes goof just a little. In most cases, the missed stitch or not-quite-perfect seam isn’t anything that will affect wear. You can save as much as 70% off department store prices if you pick up baby layette items at your local job lots or discount department store.
Buy a size ahead in sleepers and footsies
Most babies barely spend a month in 0-3 month sizes. Reserve the smallest size for special occasion clothing - like coming home from the hospital, and skip right to the 3-6 month size for any fitted clothing. For the same reason, stick to comfy, stretchy cotton and terry knits for one piece footie jammies. They’ll fit much longer.
Lay in a good stock of Swee’pea gowns.
Drawstring bottom nighties are just about the most convenient single item for baby at home. When baby needs changing, just pull up, change and pull back down.
A pack of birdseye diapers make the best burp rags
Even if you decide to use disposable diapers, buy one pack of cotton birdseye diapers. They can’t be beat as burp rags to lay over your shoulder or lap when you’re pat-pat-patting the baby to bring up any air bubbles in the tummy.
Shop yard sales
Newborn layette items are nearly always gently used. Most babies just aren’t in them long enough to do a lot of damage. A stop at your local Salvation Army thrift store can buy you a whole layette’s worth of crib sheets, receiving blankets, baby onesies and baby tees for less than $5.
Launder everything before the baby is born
Use a mild laundry soap like Dreft or Ivory Snow to wash away any remnants of dyes, chemicals or starches. Babies have notoriously delicate skin. If you’ll feel better giving any used items a good bleaching, make sure that you put it all through a second clear rinse to wash away any lingering traces of bleach.
Quality DOES count in ways you don’t expect. Do buy name brands that feature finished seams - French or enclosed seams are even better. It’s not that your newborn cherub will put a lot of wear on those seams - it’s that flat, enclosed seams will be far kinder to baby’s delicate skin.
Shop wisely, and you’ll get everything you need for baby’s homecoming with a minimal investment of cash.
March 3rd, 2006
The pink or blue question is a moot one these days, isn’t it? After all, it’s so easy to tell the gender of a baby before the happy day, so there’s no need to guess. Well, that’s not strictly true. Even with the advances in technology, ultrasound pictures aren’t always one hundred percent certain, and many parents prefer to be surprised. If you’re shopping for a new baby without knowing the gender, you still might have to decide whether to buy pink or blue.
You could always flip a coin - heads it’s roses and lace, tails you pick up the little sailor suit. There are more efficient and practical ways to make sure that you pick up clothing and accessories that will be appreciated and useful.
Gender-Neutral Colors
The easiest way, of course, is to stick with gender neutral colors in your choices. As a culture, we’re fond of dressing babies in pastels, but you don’t have to limit yourself to pale yellow and baby green to be safe. There are lots of other gender-neutral colors to choose from.
Looking for a crib set that isn’t gender-specific? White and ivory are good choices, and you can actually get away with eyelet and lace as long as it’s not too delicate. A plump white comforter and matching crib bumpers work just as well for a boy as for a girl.
Primary and bright, clear secondary colors are another great way to avoid the gender tangle when selecting clothing and accessories for baby. Bright red, blue, green and yellow sleepers will look adorable no matter what gender the baby turns out to be. Pick onesies in turquoise, orange, dark green or red, either all a solid color, or with contrasting ribbing along the edges.
Go for the unusual. Imagine how high the adorable meter will raise if you outfit baby’s room in tuxedoed penguins sporting bright red, blue and yellow ribbons, or pick up a t-shirt emblazoned with red, yellow and blue balloons. You can even pat yourself on the back for choosing bright colors for the baby’s room and accessories. As much as we love pastel baby togs, babies respond far better to bright, clear colors.
Gender Neutral Patterns
If you’re not sure on the boy/girl issue, keep in mind that you can err more easily on the boy side than the girl. A baby girl in a t-shirt printed with sports motifs is cute. You just wouldn’t put a little boy in a sleeper printed with tiny sprigs of daisies. Teddy bears and duckies are one gender-neutral choice, but you can find adorable, unique prints that will stand out. Some of the more clever that we’ve seen around lately - Noah’s Ark, lions and tigers, traffic signs, seasonal themes (candy canes, pumpkins, candy corn?).
Other gender neutral patterns that work for boys or girls clothing include candy color stripes, odd-size polka dots and abstract patterns. Pick a motif, pick a color and have a blast dressing your baby in clothes and accessories that don’t scream boy or girl.
February 26th, 2006
Out, Darn Spot!
Do you remember the television commercials for the laundry detergent that claimed to remove the embarrassing “ring around the collar?” The husband and wife would be at some social gathering, perhaps dining on Lobster Thermador at the Rotary Club or some such thing, when one of the Gladys Kravitz-esque attendees would notice a stain on Mr. Commercial’s shirt collar and point it out loudly enough for everyone this side of Brooklyn to hear, “He’s got ring around the collar!” The singsong nasal chorus would repeat this as Mrs. Commercial turned several shades of crimson and Mr. Commercial went on merrily munching on his shellfish, oblivious to the goings-on. I, for one, always wondered why Mrs. Commercial was so embarrassed when clearly the problem would take care of itself if Mr. Commercial would just take the time to wash his neck.
I got to thinking about that commercial recently as I was trying to remove another stubborn stain, this one caused by my baby’s ample and artful methods of regurgitation rather than my husband’s poor upper vertebral hygiene. Babies’ garments are different from adults’ you see, and babies’ skin is far more sensitive, so there is no miracle stain remover that is both safe for baby and tough on the messes that they tend to make when they decide that they want to take one more look at that last bit of formula. There are, however, several ways to remove stubborn stains like these from baby clothes and accessories using common household items that contain no harmful chemicals.
For the traditional spit-up stain that parents of a young baby will see plenty of, the best method that I have found uses club soda and baking soda. What you’ll want to do is sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the stained area and then pour on a bit of club soda. Remember the papier mache volcanoes that the nerdier kids constructed for the eighth grade science fair? This is the same effect. The club soda and baking soda will bubble and foam a bit. Let that happen for a few seconds and then take an old toothbrush and gently scrub the area. The dried on bits of yuck should loosen and chip away in no time at all. Now wash the garment as usual. Voila! The stain should be gone. This same concoction will remove corrosion from the positive and negative posts of an automobile battery, by the way, so if you have that problem one day, tell your husband that you’ll take care of it for him while he goes into the bathroom and washes his neck.
February 18th, 2006
Are you ready for some summer fun with your baby? Doctors and health professionals agree that there is no reason that even newborns as young as one month old can’t go in the pool (the old school thought that parents should wait until babies have at least had their two-month immunizations no longer holds water) and say that introducing children to water early on can be conducive to teaching them to swim. Taking a baby into the pool means providing the baby with the appropriate swimwear.
Swimwear for newborns younger than three months is rather hard to come by. Most manufacturers start their swimwear sizes anywhere between three and twelve months, which is okay because babies younger than that are better off swimming au natural. For the older babies and toddlers there are a good number of swimwear choices available.
Swim Diapers
One potential issue that used to keep parents from bringing babies into the swimming pool was the worry about what would happen if the child had an “accident” in the water. While it was really never that much of an issue (pool chlorination is intended to combat exactly this sort of problem), parents would refrain from bringing their babies to public pools for fear of the embarrassment this would cause and were reluctant to bring them into their own pools if they did not know what steps would need to be taken in the event of a solid waste accident. With the advent of swim diapers, those fears no longer need to prevent a child from going in the water.
Swim diapers are polyurethane lined with cotton cloth. Machine washable and dryable, they are the perfect answer for parents who are concerned that their babies may relieve themselves while in the pool. Available from many stores and online retailers, swim diapers typically cost anywhere from ten to fifteen dollars.
Flotation Devices
The most popular and effective children’s floatation devices are the “water wings” that slide over the arms and keep the child afloat and free to splash and play in the water. These are, unfortunately, not suitable for children under twelve months. There are floatation devices designed for younger babies, but the general recommendation is that babies that age stay with the parents unless being taught to swim (swim classes for babies can start as early as twelve weeks).
Swimsuits and Trunks
Baby swimwear comes in various styles, mostly in full body tanks and trunks similar to those worn by older children and men. For girls there are one and two piece styles, as one would expect. Because baby’s skin is very sensitive it is important to use the appropriate sunscreen to prevent your little Ethel or Mark from getting a nasty sunburn while at the pool.
February 15th, 2006
As any mother with a young child will tell you, babies grow very quickly. So for new mothers, making the most out of baby clothes is of the utmost importance. So what do you do when those onesies just don’t quite snap anymore? How do you get an extra month out of those jeans that are a little too short for the winter months?
The great thing about onesies, is that they’re a very workable cotton fabric, and there really isn’t any hemming necessary to turn a couple of onesies that fit at five months into a couple of shirts that fit at eight months. Simply cut them off right at the leg holes, and gently pull the material around the edges so that it rolls a tiny bit. This way there are no exposed threads for baby to pull at or chew on. The same can apply to footsie pajamas. By simply snipping off the feet, you can easily get another month’s wear out of the sleepwear.
Adding extra buttons to overalls or snappy shirts makes them naturally grow with your child. Perhaps one of the best investments a new mother can make is in a mid-priced sewing machine. This makes alterations and additions a breeze, and gives you a new hobby for when baby naps (Just make sure there is enough wall between you and the crib so that the whirring of the machine doesn’t make undue stress for you!)
Things like adding extra material to the bottom of a dress or skirt can be done in just minutes, as can letting out the hem of a pair of jeans or overalls. Buying clothes initially that are mid-priced and made of a cotton material with a lot of elastic and snaps makes transitions that much easier. Shoes are always going to be a problem, but buying a canvas sneaker in the spring can convert into a mule for summer wear, as long as the baby is not walking yet. Socks without built in heels is key—that way the baby can grow a little bit longer in the socks. Also, even though socks with ducks and elephants are cute, sticking to a plain color can help extend the life of individual socks if one gets lost. In the summer a grey or white sock is less likely to irritate a sweaty baby’s sensitive skin because they don’t contain dyes.
Think of ways that you would extend the life of your own clothes. T-shirts that come three to a pack can easily be downgraded to rags or dust cloths. Jeans and pants that have become worn or are too short can be cut and hemmed for summer shorts. Sweaters can become blankies. Things like first outfits and special occasion’s clothes can be put into a special chest to pass on to your child for when they have children of their own. For the most part, making baby clothes last, laundering aside, is about ingenuity and personality. Learn the basics of stitching and hemming and let the designer in you shine through!
February 12th, 2006
Previous Posts