The Three B's of Buying for Baby
What could be better than welcoming home a precious newborn?
Buying a fabulous new wardrobe for that little one of course!
Few can resist the temptation of spoiling a new baby with hip
and trendy clothes all designed with the littlest fashionista or
heartthrob in mind. As you start your shopping adventure, keep
in mind that baby will need the three B's in their wardrobe.
That's Bargain, Black Tie, and Boutique.
Let's start with Bargain. Bargain clothes are the "cheap, but
comfy-we're not leaving the house today anyway" pieces. These
are often layette items and come via hand me downs, baby shower
re-gifting, or the clearance rack. They are the old stand-bys
that you don't mind getting stained with spit-up, strained peas,
or any other baby "goo". However, they are nothing that you
would have your uber adorable baby wear as you introduce her to
the world. They do come in handy though and are available in
3-packs at your local "big box" retailer. Buy as many of these
pieces as you see fit, usually at least 7 items.
On the other side of the wardrobe spectrum is Black Tie. These
are the "spent too much, but it's a special occasion and doesn't
she look like royalty" outfits. There are so many buttons and
bows that you fear diaper changes and the dry cleaning bill even
more. Once this frou-frou outfit has been bought and worn,
there's only one thing you can do-take pictures, lots of them.
Your little cherub will most likely never wear this again and
you'll need to immortalize the moment to help justify spending
all the grocery money. Plan on buying one-maybe two of these
pieces depending on your social calendar and appetite for
picture studios. You can find these dresses and suits at
specialty stores and especially around the holidays. If you can
find something fantastic at your local re-sale shop consider
yourself lucky and go for it. And don't forget to take pictures!
Last, and the obvious favorite, are the Boutique pieces. These
goodies mix practical with precious and round out your little
ones wardrobe. They're comfortable, one-of-a-kind, and easy
care. You'll be the envy of the playground and can expect lots
of "oohs" and "aahs" at your neighborhood block party. Boutique
items make great gifts and are a hit at friends' baby showers.
Boutique pieces cost a little more than Bargain, but nowhere
close to Black Tie. These onesies, tees, and loungewear pieces
are well worth the extra cost as they liven up the rest of
baby's otherwise drab ensembles. Shop for pieces that have
personality. They need to scream "Johnny" or "Sara"-whomever
you're shopping for. When you reach into the dryer and are
immediately reminded of his mischievousness or her never-ending
smile, you will inevitably smile yourself. Savor these early
years, revel in your child's uniqueness, and buy as many of
these pieces as you can afford.
Armed with this fabulous but functional assortment of clothes
your precious little one will be ready to "WOW" the world. You
can help make this wardrobe investment last by taking time to
read care labels and buying clothes a little roomy. Also look
for features like lap shoulders for easy on and off and snap
bottoms that can accommodate extenders that will help extend the
life of the clothes and make diaper changes a breeze. Have fun
shopping for the three B's and let yourself splurge a little.
After all, having complete strangers exclaim, "she's the cutest
thing I've ever seen!" is one the greatest joys of being a mom.