Monday, 8 June 2015

Top 5 Tips to buying newborn and baby clothes online.


Online shopping is fast, easy and convenient, but buying kids clothes online can often lead to expensive mistakes as there are so many more things to consider than just sizing. Whether you are buying a newborn gift, preparing for your little one’s arrival or simply stocking up on the basics, here are some factors to consider. 

Comfort: A comfortable baby is a happy baby. Always check the fabric details to ensure you buy the softest baby clothesyou can.  Make sure there are no zips, scratchy seams and labels or tight waistbands that cause irritation and prevent movement. Onesies are a a good option for newborns as they cover the feet for warmth, they don’t have wasitbands so allow the umbilical chord area to be free from rubbing and they don’t restrict movement.

 

Easy for Mum & Dad: Parents need to be able to change diapers and change babies’ clothes easily, wherever they are. Look for wide or envelope style necklines that easily fit over the heads or clothing that has front, back and side openings.Onesies with crotch openings allow for a quick diaper change, sometime without waking a sleeping baby.


Safety: All kids clothes should meet some basic standards in terms of safety. Fabric should be approved for use for baby clothes and there should be no add-ons or embellishments that pose a choking or strangling risk – such as chords and ribbons or small buttons. Clothes should also stay in place and not ride up covering a baby’s face or get caught around the neck. This is an important consideration especially when buying baby onesies online or in deed any baby boy or baby girl sleepwear. It is also recommended to layer clothes where possible so you can quickly adapt to changing conditions and avoid overheating.Remember to always wash newborn baby clothes before you use them as there can be dust residues from the factories in the fabric.

Sizing: Babies grow quickly and it is easy to buy something that is too small in a matter of weeks. Every manufacturer has slightly different sizing so when you are buying baby clothes online check the measurements carefully as you may need the next size up. Anything too big will be uncomfortable, so always aim at least one size up from a baby’s current size.


Quality: For the first 6-12 months consider using just organic cottons or bamboo fabrics to establish that the baby does not have sensitivities before exploring different fabric combinations. These are the most natural and the softest fabrics that clothes manufacturers can use. Bamboo baby clothes are relatively new to the market and are an increasingly popular choice, as the fabric draws moisture away from the skin making it ideal in hot climates or a great base layer in colder climates. Clothes features such as soft seams and printed labels and stretchy waistbands show that a manufacturer has considered the comfort and functionality of the clothes and not just how they look. 

Buying baby clothes online is an easy and convenient way to shop. Quality, trusted manufacturers will have all of the fabric and clothing details on their websites, so check the information carefully. Happy shopping for your kids clothes online!

Sunday, 7 June 2015

Bamboo Baby Clothes: Selecting the most comfortable clothing for Your Baby




As parents of a young baby, (AKA Handsome Ransom Jr.), we quickly became quite meticulous about the clothes we were selecting. Living in an Asian climate and moving constantly from heat to air-conditioned environments brought about several issues. We needed clothes that were lightweight, could dry easily on sweaty little bodies, and could also keep kids warm when required. We found that most of the good imported brands were made of thick cotton, catering for cooler climates. When we initially started looking for baby onesies online, we discovered that a lot of clothes out there were built for style, as opposed to comfort! 

Inspired by many chats amongst other parents, whether at play groups or the playground (it is amazing how inspired and creative new parents can be!), we decided to make our own lovely stuff and Snug-a-licious was born. We had an interest in bamboo and were attracted to its many attributes and believed they were 100% applicable to the requirements for great baby clothes. Whilst it looked good on paper, when we first our first sample it was love at first touch!  First and foremost is the hand feel. The fabric, we use is 95% sourced from premium bamboo and the other 5% is lycra to help it stretch beautifully and spring back into shape time and again. This makes for the softest baby clothes we have ever experienced on the market. High-grade clothing, sourced from Bamboo, is softer than the softest cotton, is highly absorbent and wicks moisture away from the body. It is lightweight, temperature regulating, (cool in warm summers and as an amazing insulating first-layer in the winter.



Admittedly, the primary appeal of bamboo fabric for us was the feel good factor. However, it is reassuring to know that it is made from a sustainable source. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing crops. It does not require pesticides or fertilizer and far less water. It is by default a very efficient and organically grown crop - therefore better for kids and the environment!  Fewer chemicals mean less risk of allergies. In fact our fabric is oeko-tex standard 100 certified to ensure there are no harmful toxins on the fabric. In addition to this, bamboo is a more breathable fabric and is reported to be hypoallergenic, so great for sensitive kids or those prone to skin conditions.  Given that children sleep at least a third of the time, it’s key to put them in something comfortable to help promote a great night’s sleep. Most parents, who are serious about sourcing the right baby clothes, will often look to organic cotton and materials made from natural sources like bamboo clothing. We’d recommend kids sleep suits and other bamboo sleepwear and lounge wear that is free flowing, has soft seams, stretch waistbands and puts comfort first!