Baby Clothes

When buying clothes for a newborn in Australia, you'll typically find sizes based on age and weight. It's common to see labels like "0000" for newborns, which generally fits babies up to 3 or 4 kilograms in weight and 55 cm in length.

Here's a general guide to Australian baby clothes sizing:

• 00000: Premature or small babies
• 0000: Newborn
• 000: 0-3 months
• 00: 3-6 months
• 0: 6-12 months

In Australia, you should be aware of specific safety standards and regulations when purchasing baby clothes. These are largely designed to ensure the safety and well-being of infants. However, these standards are not as extensive as those for other baby products like car seats or cribs. Here are some general guidelines:

Mandatory Standards

• Flammability: Certain children's nightwear must meet the Australian/New Zealand Standard for Children's Nightwear and Limited Daywear having Reduced Fire Hazard (AS/NZS 1249).
• Care labels: Like all clothing sold in Australia, baby clothes must have care labelling in accordance with the Care Labelling Standard under the Australian Consumer Law. These labels provide crucial information about the safe care of the garment.

Best Practices

• Chemical safety: Although not strictly regulated, it's advisable to look for clothes that are free from harmful chemicals and dyes, especially if your baby has sensitive skin. Organic certifications can be a good indicator here.
• Choking hazards: Watch out for small buttons, snaps, or bows that could become detached and pose a choking hazard. This isn't regulated per se, but it's a safety concern many parents share.
• Snag hazards: Items like drawstrings and ribbons can pose a snag hazard and are generally best avoided in children’s clothing, especially for babies.
• Fit: Although not regulated, properly fitting clothing is safer and more comfortable for your baby.

Ensuring that baby clothes are made from safe and hypoallergenic materials is crucial, especially for infants with sensitive skin or allergies.

One of the steps you can take is to always read the labels. These provide invaluable information on the materials used and their care requirements. Natural fibres such as cotton, organic cotton, bamboo, and silk are often better choices for sensitive skin, as they are generally less likely to cause irritation.

When choosing baby clothes, consider avoiding additional elements like buttons, bows, or sequins that could irritate the skin or pose a choking hazard. Lighter-coloured fabrics, which typically contain fewer dyes, are often safer for babies with sensitive skin. Moreover, breathable materials such as cotton can help prevent irritation and overheating, which are common concerns for sensitive skin.

Generally, the most appropriate fabrics for Australian summers include cotton, bamboo, muslin, and linen. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester. The most appropriate fabrics for Australian winters include wool, cotton knits, fleece, and flannel. Avoid heavy fabrics that may lead to overheating.

Some of the most popular Australian brands specialising in baby clothes stocked at The Memo include Little Mud Co., Boody, PureBaby, By Billie, Bubba Bump, and Love To Dream. For a complete list of brands we stock, please visit our Brands page.

A general guideline often cited is "one more layer than an adult would wear to be comfortable in the same environment."

Packing for the hospital stay when expecting a newborn can be exciting and nerve-wracking. While hospitals usually provide basic necessities for newborns, many parents prefer to bring their own baby clothes for comfort and style. Here is a general list of clothing items you might consider taking to the hospital for your baby:

• Onesies/Bodysuits: 3-5 onesies that are easy to put on and take off. Choose ones that snap or zip from the front or down the side.
• Sleepsuits/Footies: 2-3 sleepsuits that cover the baby from head to toe, often with built-in footies and sometimes even mittens.
• Hat: 1-2 soft newborn hats to keep the baby’s head warm, especially important just after birth.
• Socks or Booties: A few pairs if the chosen outfit doesn't have footies.
• Mittens: To prevent the baby from scratching themselves with their nails.
• Swaddle blankets or wraps: 1-2, although the hospital often provides these. Swaddle blankets can also often act as a makeshift changing pad, burp cloth, or nursing cover.
• Washcloths: 1 or 2 washcloths or towels will help keep your baby dry after their first bath.

Bringing your newborn home from the hospital is a momentous occasion; naturally, you'll want your baby to be comfortable and appropriately dressed for the journey. Here are some guidelines for what to consider when selecting an outfit for your newborn to wear at home:

• Choose clothing that is easy to put off and take off. Snaps or zippers are often more convenient than buttons.
• Select soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, especially if your baby has sensitive skin.
• In summer, a short-sleeved onesie and a lightweight blanket will suffice. In winter, dress your baby in layers.