It is important that when you are shopping for baby clothes, whether for yourself or a relative/ friend's baby shower, you must take into consideration how they will affect the comfort of your baby as well as the health risk they may pose. Baby clothes are available in various colors and sizes, and it is imperative to note what will be the best choice for your baby.

Clothes and the Baby's Health

Consumers must be aware that the types of baby clothing you choose may drastically affect the health of your baby. This is because some materials used in the manufacture of baby clothes such as synthetic (conventional) cotton, may have pesticide residue on them as well as other harmful chemicals and dyes. It is tested and proven that traces of these chemicals remain in the fibers of clothing even after repeated washings. A baby's skin is more porous and thinner than adults, this allows chemicals to pass through your baby's skin easily. This is a serious health risk because babies have no immunity against those harmful chemicals such as pesticides. Pesticides are harmful to humans however; pregnant women and newborns are more vulnerable. "Short or long term exposures are possible through ingestion, skin contact or inhalation. Pesticide poisoning can cause acute symptoms, which range from headaches, nausea, rashes, respiratory and eye irritation, headaches and in more severe instances burns, paralysis and even death."(Philip J. Landrigan, MD, MSc. WebMD).

Pesticides are dangerous because when absorbed through your baby's skin or by any other means, they can block the absorption of certain nutrients and minerals that are very important for your child's growth. Choosing to go organic in the clothing you buy for your baby is not only a healthy choice for your little one, but also for the environment. Organic clothing is Eco- friendly, as they do not go through the same process as in-organic clothes, which is treated and finished with harmful chemicals such as herbicides and formaldehyde .
When shopping for the right baby clothes ensure to read the labels on the garment. Do not buy a baby clothes because it claims to have "natural" fiber e.g. cotton, ensure that it has 100% organic cotton, and No bleach treatments marked on the tags.

Clothes and Comfort

In today's era, many baby clothes are highly decorated with ribbons, bows, and buttons. The location of these items can cause a great deal of discomfort for your baby. It is therefore advisable that you make a careful assessment of where these decorative items are in relation to how it will affect the comfort of your baby whether when being held or lying down. Buttons and bows may squeeze the infant causing rashes, and bruises. Ensure that buttons are strongly stitched onto the clothing because loose buttons are a choking hazard, as well as other plastic decorations on the clothing that can easily be removed. Look for nickel free snaps as nickel may cause allergic reaction for babies and even mothers.


If you already bought baby clothing and realized that it is remarkably hard to get your little bundle of joy into particular clothes, you should put it away. When buying baby clothes you must ensure that it will not fit tightly on the baby as tight fitting clothing can restrict the flow of blood and cause serious health risk to your child such as poor circulation, skin rashes, and interference with his/her digestion. Although particular clothing may seem fashionable to have your baby in, if it is too tight to fit the child, DO NOT forcefully put it on the baby. Avoiding tight clothes on your baby will eliminate one of the reasons for his crying and your sleepless nights.

Clothes and Climate

Your climate is important when making a purchase at a local baby store or shopping online. If you are expecting to have your baby in the summer, it is advised that you buy clothes for this type of season. It is wise however to purchase clothing for all seasons but more specifically the one in which you are expecting to give birth. For the expectant mother or new mother who lives in the Tropic, buying baby clothes that allows the baby to keep cool yet protects the baby's skin from the sun is an ideal decision.(pay attention to the hydration of your baby in hot climates, ensure to keep baby out of the sun and wear thin clothing.)

Although this article centers on buying the right baby clothes, it is essential to note that mothers should be aware of the clothes they themselves wear as it may also negatively affect your baby.

Early signs of Pregnancy

This blog includes most of the popular signs and symptoms of pregnancy and the possible causes of these symptoms other than pregnancy.

Missed Period
The most popular sign that you may be pregnant is a missed or delayed period. This however does not automatically means that you are pregnant. A missed period may be because of other health related issues such as stress, Anemia,excessive weight loss or gain and changes in hormones due to the use birth control pills.

Nausea
Most women experience nausea during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Although it is popularly referred to as morning sickness, it can occur at any time during the day and may or may not be accompanied by vomiting. It is important to note that having nausea does not necessarily mean that you are pregnant.  Other causes of Nausea are eating disorders, food poisoning, and other illnesses.

Implantation Bleeding/ Spotting
Although vaginal bleeding may indicate that your period has returned, it is one of the first signs that you may be pregnant. The embryo implanting itself into the wall of the uterine causes vaginal bleeding/ spotting which may be accompanied by abdominal pain or cramping. This usually occurs six (6) to fourteen (14) days after conception. Vaginal bleeding is not only associated with pregnancy as women who have a vaginal infection or STD may experience vaginal bleeding.

Tender Breast
Pregnancy causes a substantial amount of hormonal changes in a female. She may experience these changes during the first few weeks of pregnancy as this is the time where the hormones begin to change. If you are pregnant, you will experience swollen breasts or they are tender to the touch. Swollen or tender breast are due to pregnancy, hormone imbalance, birth control pill, and an impending period (PMS).

Food Cravings/Aversions

This is one of the most noticeable signs of pregnancy. During the early stages of pregnancy, you will begin to crave food that you would not normally eat or enjoy.  Some women also desist from eating certain types of food because of their heightened sense of smell to that particular food which would cause waves of nausea and subsequently vomiting.

 

Fatigue
Some women may experience fatigue throughout their entire pregnancy or for the first trimester. Increased levels of  the hormone progesterone in the body may cause you to fall asleep. With all the changes occurring in your body, you may lose energy to do the things that you normally would do and find yourself sleeping a little bit more than usual. Fatigue may also occur if you are stressed or experiencing depression or other illnesses.

Mood Swings
As stated before, hormone levels in your body are higher than usual and may cause you to experience mood swings. You may become very emotional, being happy at one minute and sad at the next.  Being moody may also indicate that you are experiencing depression and bipolar disorder.

If you have had sexual intercourse without using a condom or following a birth control method and you are experiencing any of these symptoms listed above, you should purchase a pregnancy test at your local pharmacist and/or check in with your doctor. Remember, if you are experiencing any of these signs, it does not automatically mean that you are pregnant.