Sears Clothing

s there anything more fun to buy for a new baby than baby clothes? Whether for a boy or girl, those little ensembles are almost too cute to resist! Before you embark on buying sleepwear, outerwear, dresswear, & more for your little prince or princess, consider these handy tips for outfitting baby.

unctionality

Although the cute quotient plays a role in what you decide to buy, the bottom line for baby clothes is functionality. A baby needs clothes that are not only comfortable, but easy to get on and off. Often this means features like snaps at the crotch or full length zippers plus a stretch fabric and large neck hole. Fussy details and accessories may look great, but could interfere with the real function of the garment, so keep this in mind!



Sizing

There’s no doubt about it; babies come in all shapes and sizes. That’s why it’s best to pay close attention to the labels on baby clothes, which conveniently list a numerical size, usually referring to age in months, along with the approximate weight of the child the garment should fit. For example, a newborn label might say “1 mth, 10 lbs” while a label on a larger garment might say “9 mths, 20 lbs.” Most labels on infant clothes range from NB (newborn) to 24 months, at which point toddler sizes (ranging from 2T to 4T) come into play. Of course, the weight listed is a better indicator of fit, as some same-aged infants are heavier than others! In terms of what to buy, remember that it’s better to err on the side of caution; buy a size or two larger to get the most wear out of clothing, and leave a little room for layering clothing in cooler weather, especially with outerwear like jackets and snowsuits.




Infants' size chart

pounds


5 lb


7 lb


10 lb


13 lb


16 lb


18 lb


20 lb


26 lb


30 lb

months


preemie


newborn


1M


3M


6M


9M


12M


18M


24M

height


up to 17


17½ - 19


19½ - 21¼


21¾ - 24


24½ - 26¾


27¼ - 28⅛


28½ - 29½


30 - 32¼


32 ¾ - 35"

weight


up to 5 lb


6 - 7 lb


8 - 10 lb


11 - 13 lb


14 - 16 lb


17 - 18 lb


19 - 20 lb


21 - 26 lb


27 - 30 lb.

chest


14


15


16


17


18


18½


19


20


21"

waist


13


14


15


16


17


17½


18


19


20"

hip (with diaper)


16


17


18


19


20


20½
½


21


22


23"

torso


20½ - 22


22½ - 24


24½ - 26


26½ - 28


28½ - 30


30½ - 31


31½ - 32


32 ½ - 34


34 ½ - 36"



Ease & Comfort

Whether it’s a post-meal spit up or diaper disaster, babies can be messy. Understandably, finding clothes that are easy to wash and dry is of prime importance. Look for easy-care fabrics like cotton that wash up easily and get softer over time. Speaking of softness, keep in mind that baby skin is more delicate than adult skin, so look for garments made of soft fabrics that don’t expose the skin to irritants. Elastics should not be too tight, and should be covered with fabric, and snaps and buttons shouldn’t have itchy or scratchy backs that touch baby’s skin. If in doubt, ensure that a soft under layer of clothes (like an undershirt or onesie) protects the baby’s skin from these types of problems.



Socks & Shoes

No matter what the season, socks are a must for most babies. Their tiny feet can get cold even in warmer weather, so keep them protected. With that being said, keeping small socks on smaller feet can be a challenge. Make sure you have several pairs on hand, since losing at least one sock from a pair is bound to happen. Many parents avoid this issue by using soft-soled baby shoes. Although not really designed for walking, baby shoes help to keep socks in place, feet protected and can complete an outfit in an adorable way! Just look for ones that are soft and have a wide opening so you won’t have to struggle getting them on you little one’s feet.



Safety

Although Sears is diligent in only selling baby clothing from manufacturers who have strict safety guidelines, it’s still in your best interest to thoroughly inspect any item that a baby might wear. Given that babies love to grasp tiny objects and put things in their mouths, any small parts or pieces could be a potential chocking hazard. Loose buttons or zipper pulls, appliqués or embellishments, even long strings or fallen hems could pose a threat. Make sure that your baby’s clothes are safe before dressing each day.