With the stress of breastfeeding, changing diapers and getting used to a new sleep schedule, there’s a never-ending list of things to think about when you have a baby. Most newly-minted parents have their newborn checklist of essentials, but no one could argue that a good baby romper isn’t close to the top. After all, what’s cuter than a baby in a onesie?
As much as we all want to snap up the first romper we see – let’s face it, they’re all adorable – there are a few things you should look for before making your purchase. Not only do you want to make sure your baby is comfortable, but you also want to ensure the romper is well-made and will last through all those diaper changes and spit-ups.
What Should You Look for in a Baby Romper?
For the most part, what your little one needs and what you’re looking for in a romper are going to be the same things – comfort, safety and style. You don’t need to spend a fortune on high-end designer duds for your newborn. Though, you want to ensure you’re getting cosy rompers for newborn babies.
Materials
It’s no secret that newborns have sensitive skin, so you should be extra careful about the materials you dress them in. From allergic flare-ups to rashes, you want to avoid anything that could potentially irritate your baby’s skin.
Cotton is a good place to start – it’s gentle, breathable and overall a good fabric for newborns. Plus, you can just throw it in the wash when it gets dirty (with a newborn, it most certainly will). You can also look for baby-specific fabrics like modal or bamboo, which is both snuggly and eco-friendly. Avoid anything with harsh chemicals or synthetic dyes, as these can be quite irritating.
While bright colours and vibrant hues might be tempting, these often contain fluorescent dyes that can be harmful to your baby. Instead, go for natural, muted colours like white, cream or grey. Sure, they might not be as fun – but they’ll be better for your baby in the long run.
Safety
As a general rule, you want to avoid anything with small parts or strings that could potentially pose a choking hazard. Snaps are usually okay, as long as they’re sewn on securely and can’t be pulled off easily. Any buttons, ribbons or other embellishments may be too tempting for your little one to resist, so it’s best to play it safe and leave them off the romper.
Safety regulations for baby clothing are pretty stringent, but it’s always good to take a close look at the newborn romper before you buy it. Make sure all the seams are secure and there are no loose threads that could come undone. Check that the snaps, if there are any, can’t be pulled off easily.
If you’re buying second-hand, give the romper a good once-over to make sure it meets current safety standards. Often, clothing that’s been passed down from friends or family may not be up to code as times change and so do safety precautions.
Sizing
We all know how quickly those little rascals outgrow their clothing, usually before they’ve even had a chance to wear it more than a couple of times. When you’re shopping for rompers for newborn babies, you should go for something that’s a bit on the larger side. This way, your little one will be able to wear it for longer and you’ll get more bang for your buck.
Don’t go a size up if it seems too big – you don’t want the romper to be hanging off your baby or slipping down their body. Instead, look for something that’s just a tad bit larger – it should still fit snugly, but there should be some room to grow.
Functionality and Style
Constantly taking your little one’s clothes off, only to put them back on again, can be quite frustrating – especially when you’re already sleep-deprived. To save yourself some time and hassle, look for a romper that’s easy to take on and off. Snaps at the bottom are usually the best bet, as they make diaper changes a breeze.
You might also want to consider how easy it is to get the romper on and off your baby in the first place. If you’re going to be dressing them by yourself, opt for something that doesn’t have too many buttons or intricate fastenings. A simple slip-on style will do the trick nicely.
Of course, you also want your newborn to look cute as a button in their clothes. Getting a few rompers in different colours and styles is a fine idea, as you never know when you might need an extra one (or two). You can also mix and match them with other items in your baby’s wardrobe like bibs, hats or jackets.
Season
Naturally, you’ll want to dress your newborn by the season. For example, a long-sleeved romper with pants might be too hot for summer, but it would be just the thing for spring or fall. In the wintertime, you might want to layer a few items on top of it to keep your little one warm.
Cost
Last but not least, you’ll need to consider the cost when shopping for newborn rompers. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry – you can find some affordable options out there. Some of the items are just as well-made and stylish as their more expensive counterparts.
But you also get what you pay for to some extent. If you’re looking for a high-quality romper that will last through several washes, you might have to shell out a bit more money. In the end, it’s up to you to decide what’s more important – quality or quantity.
