Baby clothes I've loved

Learning how to shop for 8-month-old Grace has been just that—a learning process. It’s a fine line between knowing that she grows out of stuff pretty quickly so not wanting to spend a ton of money, getting frustrated at things that can’t hold up to a lot of washing (and stain removing), and striking the right quantity/quality balance. In the beginning, it felt like I just wanted quantity at a good price—she was being changed so often, laundry wasn’t done frequently enough, and I just wanted options. But now, I am getting into more of a capsule mode with her (and trying not to think about price as much) because I find myself reaching for the same items and brands a lot, or ignoring a lot of what’s in her drawer. So here are some of the more tried and true items I’ve loved, regardless of price.

From top to bottom, left to right.

Zara baby has the best style—so many are things I’d wear in my own size which is pretty rare with baby clothes. When I want to splurge a bit, I absolutely adore little sweaters like this pink bobble one that I find Grace to be irresistible in. They hold up well to washing and hang drying, too. I love this Fairisle one and this sweetest wintery cableknit one.

Grace still sleeps in these organic cotton gowns all the time! I love the fun but not too baby-ish colors and patterns they come in.

We’ve loved this ThermoBall snowsuit for everyday wear in the winter; it’s less puffy than so many others but still really warm.

When Grace isn’t in these little socks that actually stay on her feet, these color blocked high socks have become a recent love.

These little fleece slipper booties actually stay on baby feet! They also come in a million colors.

Zara’s pants come in the cutest, less gender forward patterns.

H&M is a go-to for affordable options—but in many cases, you get what you pay for. However, these textured knit pants have held up so well. They are so sweet and subtle enough to pattern-mix. Grace has them in both colors.

There’s truly, truly nothing I love more than a baby girl in a sweatshirt. I’ve learned that H&M’s are cute and affordable but don’t last long. Zara’s are built better and come in the coolest little prints.

When Grace isn’t in her snowsuit, we love this reversible coat (the Sherpa side is the cutest) with detachable hood.

These organic cotton wrapover jersey bodysuits are so soft and nice feeling and hold up really well to washing. I’ve repurchased these as Grace has grown. I also love the wrapover snaps—so easy to get her in and out of without having to slip on over her head.

We’ve owned several renditions of the Milkbarn fruit themed one piece or onesie—just can’t get enough. I love the soft, thin material and the excellent quality.

These natural organic zip onesies are soft and stretchy and my favorite thing to see Grace wake up in. These are a close second (snaps, though) and come in the best colors.

I love this bobble cardigan for the incredible price point compared to others. Grace has it in pink and a burnt orange color. I imagine it’s restocked in different styles often. It holds up well to the wash—I just hang it to dry.

I myself want to cozy up in this Burt’s Bees coziest quilted kimono style onesie that I’ve continued to repurchase for Grace. I just got her the red one for Christmas time, but we’ve loved it in gray and other neutral colors, too, since she was teeny tiny. The little strap-snap enclosures make it feel so special!

Gap is a go-to for lots of things, but some stuff isn’t the best quality, so I always wait for a sale. However, I love the quality of these cableknit sweater pants. They’re nicely fitted and on the thinner side. Grace has them in both gray and cream and they go with everything and can be dressed up or down.

This pom pom hat fits so nicely (it looks adorable on!) and is the warmest and softest. It’s not too tight, making it easy to slip on her head if she’s already asleep in her car seat. It comes in a few colors but I kinda love the snow bunny blue that Grace has.

I also love Zara’s ribbed and cableknit leggings. I like that they’re fitted enough to wear under dresses as tights, but they’re still so soft and comfortable.

Zara, again, for sweet and cool little dresses that are casual enough for everyday but fun for special occasions too. Dead, dead, dead, and dead.

I love everything from Kate & Quinn (small business!! cutest patterns!! best colors!!), and these organic rib bodysuits are a favorite and are really affordable.

Wait for this jean jacket to go on sale (40 or 50% off), and snag it up! It’s a great top layer, solid quality, and pretty freaking cute.

PS: a couple of other brands I love for really special stuff are Quincy Mae and Rylee & Cru, and both are sold locally at Lagom, an incredible woman-owned small business in Brockport.