As a new parent, there are all sorts of essential baby items you need to ensure your little one is happy and comfortable. Onesies should definitely be one of these things - they are comfortable and easy to wear, plus they make a great base layer. But where to start when it comes to onesie shopping?

How to differentiate between onesies, bodysuits, rompers, and babygrows

What is a onesie?

A onesie, sometimes also called a bodysuit, is a garment that fits over the baby’s diaper (usually fastened with poppers, buttons, or other similar mechanisms). Onesies are typically loose-fitting and comfortable for the baby to wear

What is a babygrow?

A babygrow, also known as a sleepsuit or babygro, is an all-in-one outfit with feet - so you don’t need socks. Many babygrows also feature scratch mitts that are built in to the sleeves so you can easily fold them over your little one’s hands.

What is a romper?

A romper is a one-piece outfit that comes with open hands and feet. Some designs don’t feature sleeves or legs, which makes them a great outfit choice in warmer weather.

What are the different types of onesies?

1. Snap onesies

Many parents consider onesies that feature snaps to be the most convenient as they allow for fast and easy changing.

2. Zipper onesies

As the name suggests, these onesies feature zipper-type closures. Zipper onesies are great for babies as they cannot easily wiggle out of them.

3. Sleeveless onesies

These are the most practical and comfortable choices for babies in the summer.

4. Footed onesies

These onesies are ideal for wear in cold weather as they provide adequate coverage for the feet.

5. Footless onesies

If you want your baby to wear socks, sandals, or shoes, opt to go for footless onesies. 

6. Plain onesies

Newborns need a frequent change of clothes as they poop, pee, and throw up quite often. Plain and muted colors are relatively long-lasting and easy to wash. If you’re shopping for a newborn, consider buying a couple of plain onesies.

7. Graphic onesies

Graphic onesies typically have fun characters or funny quotes and sayings printed on them. They make for trendy additions to your little one’s onesie collection. You can purchase them for special occasions, or you can buy customized versions if the seller provides the option.

8. Hood onesies

Looking for something cozy or stylish for your little one? Try a hood onesie, which not only looks cute but can also be quite handy if it's chilly.

Are onesies right for your baby?

There are many reasons why onesies are an essential addition to your baby’s wardrobe, including:

• They are great to have up to the first year or so of your baby’s life. Onesies come in a wide array of sizes from newborn up to toddler.
• Having several onesies on hand can get you through the messiness that comes with having a baby. As a new parent, you’ll find that you have to change your baby’s clothing at least three times a day. Onesies are easy to wash and are usually affordable to buy. 
• They are a reliable gift to give at a baby shower or as a birthday gift for a baby.
• Baby onesies come in handy for both hot and cold weather. In cold weather, they can serve as a base layer to provide insulation. In warmer months, they can be worn by themselves as they are light and breathable.
• Onesies fit perfectly over a diaper. Furthermore, they typically feature fastening mechanisms that can open easily near the bottom to allow for quick changes.
• Baby onesies are gender-neutral articles of clothing. You can reuse onesies for your next baby regardless of their gender.
• Baby onesies are one of the most versatile items of clothing - you can pair them with shorts, skirts, and pants.

Buying guide for baby onesies

1. Size

Buying an adorable onesie for your little one only to find that it's too small is a disappointment many parents know all too well. Make sure you buy clothes that fit your baby right. The appropriate size will not only be comfortable but will also allow your little nugget to move with ease. 

Keep in mind that babies grow at a shockingly fast rate, so it is important to consider growth rate when buying onesies. Most baby clothes have standard measures to guide you if you’re having a hard time finding the right fit for your baby. That said, these measurements are general guidelines and you’ll often find that babies fall in between sizes (for example, their weight falls in the  6-9 months category while their height is in the 3-6 months category).

If you’re still indecisive about the size, your best bet is to go for the bigger size to compensate for growth spurts. 

2. Material

When your cute little bundle of joy arrives, one of your first reactions might be to dress him/her in funky, trendy, and sometimes costly onesies in an effort to complement all the cuteness overload. However, there are cases when such outfits cause babies to get skin irritation such as rashes. 

Babies (especially newborns) have highly sensitive skin. Therefore, when buying onesies, consider choosing designs made from 100% cotton. Alternatively, you can also go for soy-based fabrics such as azlon, and rayon from bamboo. Steer clear of onesies made from materials like polyester and nylon as they may cause discomfort and irritation due to their inability to regulate a baby’s temperature and take up moisture.

3. Functionality 

Another factor to consider when buying baby onesies is functionality.  Newborns don’t need fancy, over-the-top clothes since they spend most of the day sleeping, and comfort is the more important priority. That’s why you should go for something comfortable, like a kimono bodysuit or baby footies. You’ll also want to choose onesies that have well-fitting onesies - they should neither be too loose or tight to be worn. It’s also advisable to buy onesies with an elastic neckline as fixed ones can increase the risk of strangulation.

4. Season

When shopping for onesies, consider the season as well as the geographical climate you’re in. Always think ahead and do your best to buy season-appropriate clothing. If you’re buying onesies in January, you might want to look for designs that are suitable for spring as you would only get around 2-3 months out of winter clothes. Also, consider your geographic location - a onesie that a baby wears in New York City will be different from what one wears in Southern California.

Final thoughts

When shopping for your baby, you’ll find that you have a wide array of options when it comes to onesies. By doing your research, you can ensure that you buy the right ones for your little one.