Sometimes being a parent feels like you have to be a responsible grown-up in all matters, and that includes being frugal since you now have to take care of your baby’s finances. Since babies grow so fast, it is usually recommended to ask around for hand-me-downs and not to splurge on baby clothing.

But there’s nothing stopping you if you really want to spend more on buying baby’s clothes, and here are three reasons (that you can justify to yourself, because you don’t have to justify to anyone else!) for spending a little more on baby clothing:

#1 It gets you through the day

If playing a little dressed-up with your baby can make you feel happy and gives you that energy to sustain you throughout the day, it is worth it. Take vacation for instance, you can’t hold on to a vacation other than the photographs that you have taken. Similarly, you can take more photos of your baby in the new baby clothing (or wefie) and it can be money worth spending.

#2 It could be once in a lifetime

If you have more than one children, it won’t be once in your lifetime to spend on baby clothing and dress your baby up. But look at it from another angle, it is once in a lifetime for your baby! Seen in that context, you can tell yourself that it is worth spending that money (and the amount is small in comparison to other “once in a lifetime” event like wedding!)

#3 We want to look good together

When you’re out with your baby, you may want to look good together. You may not want to dress your baby in hand-me-down but rather (in the rare occasion that you actually get to go shopping or sip coffee in a café), you want both your baby and yourself to look good.

Where can you shop for baby clothing in Singapore? There are a lot of selections and here are just a few!

Physical and online stores

Chateaudesable.com.sg – This French label has boutiques at United Square, Tanglin Mall, Paragon, Great World City and Parkway Parade. Shipping is free for orders above S$50.

LePetiteSociety.com – This is a clothing line started by a Singaporean couple whose focus is on comfort, quality and style. Delivery is free for orders above S$100 and self-collection at #03-10, Downtown Gallery, 6A Shenton Way (their retail concept store).

Mothercare.com.sg – Mothercare has a wide selection of baby clothing including swimwear and outerwear. Delivery is free for orders above S$60 at their online store. There are 14 physical stores in Singapore, and their flagship store is at HarbourFront Centre.

Motherswork.com.sg – Motherswork offers a variety of baby items such as baby furniture, toys, feeding products and baby clothing. For baby clothing, they include brands such as Lassig and Hatley. Delivery is free for orders above S$60 and there is no return unless an item is defective.

Petit-bateau.sg – There are three boutiques at Tanglin Mall, Unites Square and Paragon, and purchases are also available online. For end of season sale, they may run promotional delivery rates such as free delivery at a lower amount of S$80.

Privi-Kids.com – This online store also has two retail stores at Suntec City Mall, Unit 02-712, 3 Temasek Boulevard and Waterway Point, Unit 02-32, 83 Punggol Central. While delivering your order, they also collect your used baby clothing for donation.

TheEllyStore.com – Elly is a Singapore clothing label and their baby clothing line retails at their Cluny Court store (at #02-31/33 Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road Singapore 259760). Delivery is free for orders above S$100, and exchanges can be made at their stores.

Tinydipity.com – The physical store is at 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819 and this store carries clothing made from organic cotton. There are many interesting organic brands such as Duns Sweden and TinyCottons. Delivery is free but shipment for returns has to be borne by the customer.

Other physical stores with baby clothing are Cotton On Kids, Fox Kids, H&M and Uniqlo.

Online stores

AlexandAlexa.com – This online store carries baby designer clothing from brands such as Little Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana and Moschino. There is free delivery for orders above US$160. However, Singapore is not one of the countries listed with free returns, so shop wisely!

CanvasAvenue.com – This Singapore-based online store offers its own designs for white onesies and tops. There are matching daddy and baby, mommy and baby t-shirts as well. You can also request them to print your own text/ design. Delivery is S$2.55 for Singpost mail.

Dreamsavenue.com.sg – This Singapore online store offers brands such as HuxBaby and Adam + Yve. Delivery is free for orders above S$80.

Kalilaorganics.com – This online store is a collaboration between a French entrepreneur and a Singaporean designer. Its own label is made from organic material, and shipping is free for orders above S$100.

Lazada.sg – Lazada sells a wide selection of items, including adult fashion, home & living and electronics. For baby clothing, they offer brands like Carter’s as well as many China brands. Lazada has a 14-day free return policy.

LittleBaby.com.sg – This Singapore online store is started by a photographer and offers a wide selection of baby brands and products (including onesies with Christian messages). Delivery is free for orders above S$60.

Littleknotz.com – This online store carries its own label as well as other designer brands such as Bebe and Stella Cove. Delivery is free for orders above S$120 and shipping fees have to be borne by the customer for returns.

Melijoe.com – This Parisian online store offers free delivery above US$100 for newsletter subscribers. For their baby clothing, they carry designer brands like Gucci, Petit Bateau and Kenzo Kids. Returns come with fees of US$15. The clothes are expensive with some dresses that cost above S$300 for a piece.

Minioutfitters.com – This online store offers designer brands like Armani, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Monnalisa, Stella McCartney and Paul Smith Jr. Delivery is free for orders above S$80. Refunds are available but delivery charges have to be paid by the customer.

Mumsandbubs.com.sg – This Singapore online store focuses on affordable and quality clothing. While the selection isn’t as large as other online stores, the clothing are affordable and delivery is free for regular priced item (without registered mail). There is no return unless it is an incorrect item or of the wrong size.

NextDirect.com – This UK-based online store offers free shipping for orders above S$50 and carries brands such as Abercrombie and Fitch, and Skechers. There is no free return.

Nos-nos.com – This online store is started by two American moms who live in Dubai. They source mainly from American brands that contribute to certain social initiatives. Delivery is free for orders above S$283 but there is no return.

Pupsikstudio.com – Pupsikstudio carries a wide range of baby products, including toys, nursing and feeding products. Their clothing brands include 4Ever Princess, Milkbarn and RuffleButts. Delivery is free for orders above S$60.

TinyBabies.com.sg – This online store in Singapore focuses on clothing for premature babies. Delivery is free for Singapore unregistered mail.

Tips on buying baby clothes

Other than the designs and the brands of baby clothing, safety is a key consideration as a newborn baby’s skin is delicate and sensitive. Here are some tips when buying baby clothes:

#1 Do not buy too many of the same size

Since babies grow very quickly, buy just a few pieces of different sizes. For instance, you may want to start off with 5 pieces of sleepwear, 2 tops/ bottoms for wearing outside and some mittens.

#2 Know the right size

You may want to buy a few pieces of newborn clothing (0 to 3 months) and choose a few that are 3 to 6 months in case you have a bigger baby.

#3 Go for comfort

No matter how stylish the baby clothing looks, comfort is important and generally cotton is the material of choice. You can also go for organic fabric, and purchase baby clothes where the tags are on the outside so that they will not scratch against the baby’s skin.

#4 Consider ease of changing

You will have to change the baby’s clothes quite often, given that there may be spills and diaper change so be sure that you select baby clothes that are easy to remove and put on.

#5 Choking hazards

Look out for bows, buttons, drawstrings or hooks that may be choking hazards. Also make sure that decorative pieces are sewn securely.

#6 Chemical irritation

Be sure that all new clothing are washed before wearing to prevent skin irritation from chemicals used in processing the fabric.

#7 Product recalls

If you’re purchasing an expensive brand or a brand where recalls are being tracked, you may want to check first before purchase.

Shopping for baby clothes is fun, and it is a personal choice on how much you want to spend on baby clothing. Shop wisely though, taking note of safety considerations as well as reading the fine print for online purchases.

Written by Mei