Choosing clothes

As diapers will be part of your baby’s wardrobe for about two and a half years, you’ll find more about them in the section Choosing diapers. When it comes to clothing, there’s no need to buy lots of clothes of the same size because your baby will grow quickly. The size indicated on the tag can be deceiving: even if your baby is only 1 month old, a size 3-month garment may already be too tight.

The choice of clothing is often based on the weather. In summer, a diaper and a light garment or undershirt are fine. Dress your baby more warmly if you have air conditioning. In winter, your baby will be very comfortable in pyjamas with feet. Your baby’s toes shouldn’t be curled up in pyjamas that are too short. Check whether your baby is too hot by touching the back of his neck: it shouldn’t be damp.

Caring for clothes

If your baby has sensitive skin, wash her clothing separately with mild, unscented soap. Rinse the clothes twice to get rid of any trace of soap. Poorly rinsed clothes are often the cause of skin irritations.

It’s best to wash new clothes before your baby wears them. Watch out for fabric softeners: they can irritate the skin of some newborns.

First shoes

Babies normally have flat feet until the age of about three. The arch takes shape as the muscles develop. Letting your baby go barefoot in the house and outside in the summer about half the time is excellent for his feet. There’s no need for shoes before your baby takes his first steps.

buying him shoes. The shoes should fit properly at the heel and be about 1.25 cm (½ inch) longer than your baby’s feet. Have your baby stand up so that you can measure the space between his longest toe and the tip of the shoe. You can also measure the inside of the shoe with a measuring tape and compare this measurement with the length of your baby’s foot when he’s standing.

Your baby’s first shoes should have a semi-rigid sole. You should be able to bend the front of the sole with slight pressure. Shoes protect the feet and keep them warm. Ankle-high boots offer unnecessary support and are harder to take off. Socks should not squish the toes together.

When your child is between the ages of 12 and 36 months, check his shoes regularly to make sure they still fit properly.