What to Expect the First Year by Heidi Murkoff

diapers, too. If you’ll have to lug loads down to the local Suds ’n Spin and can do laundry only weekly, then buy the largest number.
    â€¢ Convenience and comfort come first, cuteness second (really). Tiny buttons may be way too precious for words, but the struggle to fasten them when baby’s squirming up a storm won’t be. An organdy party dress may look festive on the hanger, but the party may be over if it rubs baby’s delicate skin the wrong way. An imported sailor suit may look dashing—that is, until you try to change your little matey and find there’s no access to the poop deck. And baby skinny jeans? Well, enough said.
    So, resist the irresistible (and impractical, unwashable, and unwearable) and remember that babies are happiest when they’re comfiest, and parents are happiest when dressing baby is a dream, not a drag. With this in mind, look for outfits made of soft, easy-care fabrics, with snaps instead of buttons (inconvenient, and should baby manage to chew or pry one off, unsafe), head openings that are roomy (or have snaps at the neck), and bottoms that open conveniently for diaper changing. Feel underneath to make sure seams are smooth, too. Room for growth is another important feature: Adjustable shoulder straps, stretch fabrics, and elasticized waistlines will come in handy. Shop for safety, also—no strings or ribbons longer than 6 inches.
    â€¢ Shopping up is smart. Since newborns don’t stay newborn size very long (some babies have grown out of newborn sizes before they’re born), don’t stock up on small sizes unless your baby is predicted petite. It’s always more practical to roll up sleeves and pants legs for a few weeks while your little one grows into a size 6 months. In general, shop at least one size ahead (most 6-month-old babies wear 9- or 12-month sizes, and some even fill out 18-month sizes), but eyeball before buying, because some styles (particularly imported ones) can run much larger or smaller than average. When in doubt, buy big, keeping this in mind: Children grow and (cotton) clothes shrink.
    â€¢ Seasons change. If baby is expected on the cusp of a season, buy just a few tiny items for the immediate weather and larger ones for the weather expected in the months ahead. Continue to consider the seasons as baby grows—and do the season math when buying ahead. That adorable August-perfect tank top at half price may seem like a total deal—until you realize that your fall baby will have outgrown it long before spring’s thaw.
    â€¢ No tags, and you’re (keeping) it. Of course, you’re eager to unpack all that new baby booty into your baby’s new dresser. But try to resist. It’s actually best to keep most of your newborn’s clothes tagged or in their original packages (with all receipts). That way, if baby checks in much larger or much tinier than expected (it happens)—or even a different gender than anticipated (ditto)—you can exchange for bigger or smaller sizes or a different color or pattern.
Baby Clothes
    By far the most fun you’ll have preparing for baby will be shopping for those itty-bitty, crazy-cute clothes. In fact, it may take considerable reserves of willpower to keep yourself from overfilling your baby’s closet with too many adorable outfits. Just keep in mind—less is usually more than enough, especially when it comes to small sizes, since newborns grow fast.
    Undershirts, onesies (aka creepers, bodysuits). For your newborn, your best bets are undershirts (short or long sleeved, depending on the weather) that open in the front, with snaps on the sides. These are easier to get on that floppy frame in the first few weeks, and until your baby’s umbilical stump falls off, it’s better not to have tight clothes rubbing against it. Another option: a onesie with a specially designed opening at the navel to expose the stump to air and prevent rubbing. Once