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Welcoming a newborn is an overwhelming mix of love, sleepless nights, and dozens of tiny decisions. One of the first and most photographed moments is choosing clothes for your baby. While it may seem straightforward, buying newborn clothing is far more nuanced than most realize, it’s a matter of comfort, safety, and skin health. Babies deserve clothes that breathe, move, and grow with them. Function must lead fashion, and when it comes to babies, small details matter most.

Here are five important but often overlooked things to check before buying baby clothes—mistakes we’ve seen (and made) so you don’t have to.

Choose “Organic” — Not Just “100% Cotton” or “Natural”

If we had a rupee for every time a parent proudly announced, “It’s 100% cotton!”, we’d be able to plant an organic cotton farm. While cotton is a better choice than synthetics for regulating skin temperature, not all cotton is created equal. Many cotton fabrics are grown using pesticides and then treated with bleaches, dyes, and chemical softeners that can linger on the fabric - even after multiple washes.

What to actually look for:
● GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX® certifications
● Undyed or naturally dyed fabrics
● Transparent sourcing and safety testing

Why does this matter? A newborn’s skin is 30% thinner and more absorbent than an adult's. For premature or low birth weight babies, stable skin temperature (between 36.5°C and 37.5°C) is critical to development. The clothes they wear directly affect that.

Seams, Tags, and Fasteners: It’s the Inside That Counts

Babies can’t talk yet, but they’re experts at complaining—usually at 3 AM. Often, the culprit is something as small as an itchy seam or a hard snap button pressing into soft skin. Parents are often so focused on the look or print of a garment that they overlook what’s happening inside.

Look for flat seams, no raw edges, soft closures, and no Velcro surprises. External or easily removable tags, thoughtfully placed zippers and buttons, and most importantly, how the fabric feels against your own inner arm (a good proxy for baby skin)? Search for clothes that are sensory-friendly. Because “cute but scratchy” shouldn’t be a thing.

Think Beyond Size— Prioritise Fit and Movement

We get it - you want to “size up” because babies grow fast (and milk stains faster). But oversized outfits can ride up, bunch awkwardly, or droop dangerously around the neck and arms. Clothes that are too snug, on the other hand, can restrict movement and cause friction.

Choose clothes that allow for gentle stretch, flexible fit, and freedom of movement—think envelope necklines, kimono wraps, and bottoms designed for diapers.

Understand your child and their environment

It’s tempting to pick clothes that photograph well or carry trendy slogans. But many such designs come at the cost of comfort and are designed for a distant culture. Scratchy nylon netting, synthetic dyes, tight elastics, or stiff collars may look cute—but can irritate skin or make babies cranky.

Instead, look for:
● Culturally-rooted options like jhablas, angarakhas, and kurtas or quilted bodysuits suited to the diverse Indian weather
● Gender-neutral palettes (babies don’t care about pink or blue)
● Clothes that are beautiful and functional
Also, your baby sees you most, so wear clothes that are also safe and visually calming for the baby.

5. Safe Clothes Need Safe Washing

You’ve made a great choice buying organic clothing. But harsh detergents can undo that good by leaving behind residue that irritates skin.

What to do:
● Use plant-based, fragrance-free detergents
● Avoid bleach, softeners, or long soaks
● Wash baby clothes separately, ideally inside out
Caring for babywear doesn’t stop at purchase. Washing gently is part of the package.

Buying clothes for your baby isn’t just about dressing them up. It’s about wrapping them in comfort, care, and intention. They need fewer, better pieces that support their growth and well-being.

The best choice would be GOTS-certified organic cotton or desi cotton, dyed with plant-based or baby-safe dyes, and designed with minimal seams and maximum comfort. Say yes to elegant simplicity and culturally rooted designs—and no to itchy tulle, unnecessary frills, or plastics that serve no purpose in a newborn’s world. Clothes should support babies in their earliest months of exploration, rest, and connection—and give parents the peace of mind that comes from making a mindful choice.

So, the next time you shop for your little one, pause and look a little closer. The best choices aren’t just soft and breathable, pink or blue, or irresistibly cute—they are safe and kind. Because your baby deserves nothing less.

(Shweta Dhariwal, Founder & CEO at Whitewater Kids)